As a child, I once dreamed of working at an historic site, dressed up in a bonnet and churning butter or something. So, yes, I'm a sucker for all things old-timey. And here are some local old-fashioned Christmas celebrations this weekend.

Duke Homestead will open its doors from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5 and Friday, Dec. 12. The free Christmas by Candlelight event features tours through the site, which will be light only by candlelight and luminaries. There also are mule-drawn wagon rides, a showing of the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Christmas crafts and other activities.

Historic Stagville’s Open House and Artisan Faire is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. The free event features crafts, demonstrations, games and wagon rides. Historic Stagville in Durham is the remnant of one of the largest plantations of the pre-Civil War South. Owned by the Bennehan-Cameron family, the plantation was once home to 900 slaves.

The event is spread out at two of the site’s venues - Horton Grove, which includes four of the original two-story homes for the slaves and the Bennehan House. Craftspeople will be at both locations demonstrating their work, including a blacksmith, silversmith and spinner. A free shuttle will take visitors back and forth between the two sites. Parking is at Horton Grove.

Historic Oak View County Park’s Sleigh Rides and Cider: A Winter Night at Oak View is from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. The event includes horse-drawn carriage rides, Christmas carols, hot apple cider, stories and a visit with Santa. It’s free.

A Colonial Christmas at the Joel Lane Museum House in Raleigh is 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 6 and Dec. 7. There will be crafts and games for kids.

The State Capitol Tree Lighting event starts at 5 p.m., Dec. 10, and kicks off several days of Christmas events at the historic building in downtown Raleigh.

And Mordecai Historic Park’s Open House is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 13. The collection of historic buildings near downtown Raleigh will be decorated for the holidays. It’s free and open to the public. Late night tours of the Mordecai House and grounds are offered from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Dec. 13, but can sell out, so get tickets in advance. The park also offers trolley rides with Santa starting Dec. 6. Reservations are required for those.

Also this weekend ...

See Hobey Ford’s Golden Rod Puppets at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro. The show, at 11 a.m., Dec. 6, explores three different Native American stories and combines shadow puppetry, rod puppetry and Hobey’s “foamies.” Tickets are $7; children 2 and under receive free admission.

Or check out "Little Red and the Gingerbread Man" with the Barefoot Puppets at the N.C. Museum of Art in west Raleigh. A redhead searches for a runaway cookie in this tale that combines two fairy tales. It’s part of the art museum’s children’s performance series. Tickets are $3. Showtimes are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Dec. 6. Seating is limited and these shows can sometimes sell out. (I'll be at the 11 a.m. show. Introduce yourself if you see me.)

And there are a ton of Christmas parades and other events this weekend, including the lighting of Durham's Lucky Strike Tower at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5. Check out the full Mom2Mom calendar and our holiday events calendar as you make plans for this weekend.

Check out our other daily themes at TriangleMom2Mom:

MONDAY: Meet!
TUESDAY: Ask!
WEDNESDAY: Eat!
THURSDAY: Play!
FRIDAY: Out!

WEEKEND: Relax!