Season’s Greetings from 1880

By Dale Pennington

Are you looking for a new holiday tradition? Visit Kernersville’s most iconic house decorated from floor to ceiling in Victorian Christmas décor. For over a century, this unique home has been an enchanting holiday destination. Adorned with period decorations, tours and special events will transport guests back to Jule Körner’s world of Victorian extravagance.

In 1878, Jule Gilmer Körner began construction on what would become Körner’s Folly. As an interior and furniture designer, decorator, and painter, Jule planned to use this building to showcase his design work to his clients. He filled Körner’s Folly with his interior and furniture designs, as a “catalogue” for his clients. As Körner’s Folly began to take shape, its unique design defied simple description and the house was constantly under renovation to make way for new designs. No two doorways or windows are exactly alike; there are 15 different fireplaces and ceiling heights range from 5 ½ feet to 25 feet. The pivoting “windows” and other openings anchor a unique air distribution system, while cubbyholes and trap doors exemplify Victorian ingenuity. The elegant, eclectic structure boasts 22 rooms spread out over three floors and seven levels.

During Christmastime, Körner’s Folly becomes even more over-the-top. Its 22 rooms are lavishly decorated to reflect the Victorian era with floor-to-ceiling garlands, glowing lights, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees in nearly every room. That is more than a dozen trees in one house across three floors and seven levels! This holiday season, we invite you to tour Körner’s Folly; it is truly like no other home in the world. Its charm inspires wonder and deserves to be shared with generations to come.

Historic Körner’s Folly opened for the Christmas season the day after Thanksgiving, on Friday, November 25 and is open for tours through Saturday, December 31. Public tour hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays 1-5 p.m. with the last tour tickets being sold one hour prior to closing each day (at 4 p.m.). Be sure to check the website for special closings on Christmas Eve & Day and New Year’s Eve & Day.

Körner’s Folly also holds several very special events each holiday season. Climb the stairs to Cupid’s Park Theater to hear the Körner’s spin on the classic 1820s poem by Clement Clarke Moore. The Night Before Christmas at Körner’s Folly is the annual Christmas Puppet Show that is fun for children of all ages! Jolly old St. Nicholas himself is able to make the special journey all the way from the North Pole to Kernersville for this show. (Parents, bring your camera for this great photo opportunity!) Christmas Puppet Shows will be held on Friday, December 2 & 9 at 6 p.m., and Saturday, December 3 at 10 a.m. Due to high popularity of this show, tickets frequently sell out. Purchase yours in advance today from www.KornersFolly.org.

If Christmas at Körner’s Folly is magical by day, it becomes absolutely spectacular in the evening hours. On Saturday, December 10 & 17 from 5-9 p.m., join us for Christmas by Candlelight. This family-friendly event features self-guided tours of the house beautifully decorated during the evening hours. Christmas carolers in period costumes from Kernersville Little Theater fill the house with joyous holiday cheer. Meander through all 22 decorated rooms at your own pace. The last tour leaves at 8:45pm; purchase tickets in advance from the website.

Insider’s Tip: looking for a full day of holiday cheer? Plan your trip to South Main Street on Saturday, December 10 for A Kernersville Yuletide. Starting at 10 a.m., three Kernersville destinations are collaborating to create an enchanting holiday destination. As you stroll down Main Street, stop at the Kernersville Moravian Church for a traditional Candle Tea and historic demonstrations, continue on to Körner’s Folly to explore the 1880s house museum adorned in Victorian Christmas decor, and then finish at the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden where you can find unique gifts and inspiration for holiday decorating. Details can be found at www.KornersFolly.org.

Be sure to keep Körner’s Folly in mind for unique, local, holiday gifts. Our gift shop carries custom items that reflect local character and history. These wonderful gifts can be purchased at our gift shop in Aunt Dealy’s Cottage during holiday hours.

A Victorian Christmas at Körner’s Folly will delight visitors of all ages and leave a lasting impression in the minds of all who partake of this enchanted holiday experience. Do not miss it!

Körner’s Folly is located at 413 South Main Street in Kernersville. For more information, please visit www.KornersFolly.org or call 336.996.7922.

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Holiday Hours:  November 25 – December 31, 2016

Wednesdays – Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sundays: 1-5 p.m.

Early Closing: Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Closed: Christmas Day, New Year’s Day

Holiday tours last approximately 1 hour. Amateur photography is allowed during tours. Visitors must arrive one hour prior to closing each day. Tour Admission: adults $10, children (6-18) $6, Under 6 free.

Special Events

Christmas Puppet Show: The Night Before Christmas at Körner’s Folly

Friday, December 2 & 9 at 6 p.m.

Saturday, December 3 at 10 a.m.

Admission: $5 / person

This event frequently sells out, purchase tickets in advance.

Christmas by Candlelight

Saturday, December 10 & 17 at 5-9 p.m.

Admission: Adults $12, Children (6-18) $8, Under 6 free

We recommend purchasing advance tickets to reduce wait times to enter the house.

A Kernersville Yuletide

Saturday, December 10 at 10 a.m.

Kernersville Moravian Church: 504 S. Main Street

Hours: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Admission: Free

Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden: 215 S. Main Street

Hours: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Admission: Free

Historic Körner’s Folly: 413 S. Main Street

Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Admission: Adults $10, Children (6-18) $6, Under 6 free

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