Clermont’s Holiday Spectacular
GERMANTOWN — The holiday season is in full swing at Clermont State Historic Site. With events on every weekend leading up to Christmas in December, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
A Child’s Christmas is on December 7th and 8th and is recommended for children ages 3-10 and their families. Drop in from 10am to noon for a stocking-foot tour of the decorations, then stop to read a story with the family’s nursemaid at the foot of the Christmas tree in the oak-paneled library. Each child will receive a special Christmas gift. Hot cider, cookies, and fruit will be served in the kitchen. Tickets are just $4 per person. No reservations necessary.
The highlight of the season is the Candlelight Evening Tableaux on Sunday, December 15th from 3 – 6pm. For this uniquely-beautiful program staff and volunteers will don period costume and recreate holiday scenes from different eras including Victorian Christmas, New Year’s Day visiting traditions, Twelfth Night festivities and more. The entire mansion will twinkle as glass prisms reflect the candles’ warm glow. The event is $12 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, and children under 5 are free. Reservations required. Call (518) 537-4240 to purchase tickets.
Clermont’s free Holiday Open House is on Saturday, December 21st. Visitors will be able to enjoy the mansion’s spectacular rooms lavishly decorated for the holidays from 11am – 4pm. Live historic music performed by MeadowSuite will brighten the air. Additionally, hot mulled cider will be served to all guests in the museum’s visitor center and gift shop. Clermont’s Open House is a fun way to see the 250-year-old mansion all dressed up for the holidays! Families or groups may enjoy the mansion easily as you wander from room to room at your own pace, with docents dressed in historic costume present to answer your questions.
House Tours of the decorated mansion available every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm through December 22nd.
For more information, please call (518) 537-4240.
Clermont State Historic Site is located at 1 Clermont Avenue in Germantown, off Route 9G. The Historic Site features the mansion, formal gardens, scenic Hudson River views and miles of hiking trails. The Friends of Clermont is a private, non-profit educational corporation, founded in 1977 to support and supplement the museum education and historic preservation programs at Clermont State Historic Site. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973, Clermont is one of six historic sites and 15 parks administered by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in the Taconic Region.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 71 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit http://www.parks.ny.gov/, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.
