The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center invites folks to step back in time and participate in the holiday traditions of Christmas during the Civil War.

Join the Union and Confederate troops on the front lines and on the home front at the fifth annual Civil War holiday program at McDaniel Farm from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8.

“This is a great family event for those who desire to learn and experience how the Civil War impacted Atlanta area families, especially during the holiday season,” said Jason West, GEHC’s director of programming and development.

The program will take guests back in time to December 1862 at McDaniel Farm as E.W. and A.W. McDaniel are on furlough to spend Christmas with the family.

Participants will meet local Gwinnett citizens who “participated” in the war in nearby Atlanta and other locations, engage in a drill with Civil War soldiers, visit soldier camp sites and participate in bayonet practice.

Guests can also make traditional holiday ornaments for the soldiers’ tree and their own, learn about the McDaniel family history, have their photo made with Father Christmas, listen and participate in the singing of carols and join in a festive hayride.

Admission is $5 per person for Gwinnett County residents and GEHC members, $8 per person for out-of-county residents. Age 2 and younger are free.

Guests can preregister online at www.gwinnettEHC.org or pay at the gate. Event parking is available on site. McDaniel Farm is located at 3251 McDaniel Road in Duluth.

For more information about this event and the History and Culture Program of the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, call 770-814-4920 or visit www.gwinnettEHC.org.