We invite you to visit the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum during the holidays. We offer lots of fun for all ages in December.
This year, the Spanish Revival mansion of Rosamond and William K. Vanderbilt II – which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places – has been decorated by the noted designer and author Tricia Foley, and by local garden clubs.
Visitors on regular guided tours will enjoy a trip back in time in a grand home whose guests included famous Americans and British royalty. Tickets may be purchased only at the door. (Friday tours from 11:30 to 3:30; Saturday-Sunday tours from 12:30 to 3:30.)
Private tours of the mansion are also available: $150 for up to four guests; $200 for up to eight; $20 per additional person. Reservations can be made for any day between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm. Contact: carol@vanderbiltmuseum.org
Special Candlelight Tours of the decorated Vanderbilt Mansion will be offered on Saturday, December 7 and 14, and Friday, December 20, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Cost: $15. Members free.
The planetarium show Season of Light (Friday and Saturday at 7 pm from December 6 to 28) explores the fascinating historical, religious, and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice – not only Christian and Jewish but also Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi. Adults $12; students with ID and seniors $10; children 12 and under $8; members, children under 2 free.
Children will have fun in Winter Solstice Workshops on December 26 and 27. Explore the collections, see a planetarium show, decorate a repurposed plastic bottle for forcing bulbs, and make a working sundial. 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Cost: $20/$18 members.
Seasonal marriage proposals: Propose to your beloved at the beautifully decorated historic estate. Experience a private tour of the festive mansion before the romantic moment. Then enjoy a photo session on the picturesque grounds. Contact: host@vanderbiltmuseum.org