Santa Claus, Christmas lights and displays and much more awaited visitors to the Landrum’s Homestead & Village Saturday.

The 26th Annual “Christmas at the Village” at the homestead on Highway 15 South in Laurel gave visitors a history lesson about a time many of them had heard about but never experienced.

“We started this 26 years ago because we wanted to do something to teach our grandchildren about their heritage and how their forefathers lived,” explained Anne Landrum. “We started with one cabin and now have over 60 buildings and displays here.”

Landrum and her husband, Tom, have five children and 14 grandchildren.

Landrum’s Homestead & Village is best described as a living museum that includes such attractions as gem mining, an Indian village, restored cabins, antique tool and farm equipment, watermill gristmill, forestry exhibit, fire tower and farm animals.

“Christmas at the Village” featured Santa Sam, clogging demonstrations, woodcarvers, Confederate Soldiers Encampment, arts and crafts, performances by the Southern Strings dulcimers and other entertainment.

“It’ just like an old-fashioned Christmas gathering,” said Landrum. “We always say there is something here for everyone from two to 92.”

Susan Landrum added that “Christmas at the Village” attracts a lot of people each year, mainly families.

“It is a controlled environment where people can pack their picnic baskets and come out for a day of fun and entertainment,” she said. “The crowd varies each year.

“The last time we had a clear day like we have now, we had 3,000-plus people to come. A lot of children come here on field trips with their schools and they go back and tell their parents.”

Bruce Landrum added that the children are usually so excited about their experience, the parents have to come out and see for themselves. “Kids are learning and don’t even know it,” he said. “All they know is that they are having fun.”

Saturday’s day of fun ended with a “Candelight Tour” from 5 to 8 p.m.

“There’s a lot going on out here,” said Bruce Landrum. “Each year we add something different. We’ll never finish the place.”