The Vanderbilt Museum’s holiday centerpiece is the mansion of William and Rosamond Vanderbilt, decorated each year by local designers and garden clubs. Their creative touch brings additional charm and magic to the spectacular, 24-room, Spanish-Revival house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Vanderbilt Museum photo
Visitors can see the Mansion’s December finery beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving, when they can take guided tours.
December traditions include the popular Holiday Dinner (now sold out) in the Vanderbilt Mansion; the annual lighting of the tree in the Mansion courtyard; and guided tours and special Twilight Tours of the Mansion.
Tree Lighting
The Vanderbilt holds its annual tree lighting each year at 4:00 p.m. on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (this year, November 25). This free, fun, family-friendly community event features singers from the Northport Chorale and the Carriage House Players theater company, carol singing, an ornament workshop for children, hot chocolate and cookies, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
Guided Tours of Decorated Mansion
Guided tours of the decorated Vanderbilt Mansion will be given from the day after Thanksgiving through January 3. During the day, tours are given Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday (except December 24-25 and December 31-January 1) at 12:30, 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Visitors pay the general admission fee plus $6 per person for a tour.
Special Twilight Tours of Decorated Mansion
These popular annual tours will be given Wednesday and Thursday, December 27 and 28, 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for students and seniors (student ID, 62 and older) and $5 for children 12 and under. Hot chocolate and cookies are included. This event is a treat for visitors, and the only time of the year the Vanderbilt family’s private living quarters can be seen at night.
