Each year, on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, the Vanderbilt Museum invites everyone to begin the holiday season by gathering at the Vanderbilt Mansion to light the tree, sing some carols, and to take a guided tour of the decorated mansion.
Vanderbilt Museum photo
This year’s Tree Lighting will be held on Saturday, November 25, at 4:00 p.m. 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.
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.
Visitors can see the results beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving, when they can take guided tours and see rooms in their December finery.
Guided Tours
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.
Holiday hours: The Museum and Planetarium will be open from Tuesday, December 26, through Saturday, December 30, on a regular weekend schedule. Guided mansion tours also will be given on those days at 12:30, 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.
Special Twilight Tours
These popular annual tours will be given Wednesday and Thursday, December 27 and 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for students and seniors (student ID, or age 62 plus) 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.
