It may not be December quite yet, but Kimberly Crest is preparing to amaze guests with new designs and decorators that will transform the mansion into a Christmas wonderland this holiday season.
Each year Kimberly Crest invites decorators to display their talent while filling the rooms to the brim with Christmas magic. The Kimberly Crest Docent Auxiliary will be decorating Mr. Kimberly’s bedroom, the Kitchen, Mrs. Shirk and Mrs. Paine’s rooms as well the golf cart. Peggy Adams Heaton and her daughter Jenni Thurmond will be bringing whimsy to the Main Hall, the Conservatory and adding a steampunk twist to the Kimberly bedroom. Eteaquette Events will bring French flair to the Pink Parlor and coziness to the Mezzanine. The Historical Glass Museum will be adorning the Dining Room with beautiful antique glass in masculine tones. The Garden and Floral Arrangers Guild will bring Christmas Spirit to the Library. Each of these groups has graciously donated their time and creativity. It will be exciting to share their creativity and holiday cheer!
Kimberly Crest has an assortment of the Kimberly and Shirk family’s personal decorations from various eras, including a variety of Hord ornaments and a nativity scene that will be on display in the Carriage House Gift Shop and Museum this year.
In addition to regular tours there are special opportunities to see how beautiful Kimberly Crest is when decorated for the holidays:
Holiday Open House & Tour (Sunday, November 26 from 4:00-6:00 PM)
Be the first to see the house softly glowing with Christmas Cheer on this special tour of the home. Enjoy champagne and hors d’oeuvres on the veranda, then meander through the decorated rooms while Christmas music plays in the background. The Kimberly Crest Holiday Open House & Tour is the perfect way to begin the holiday season with family and friends and is a wonderful opportunity to entertain guests from out of town. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at KimberlyCrest.Org/HolidayOpenHouse.
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting (Sunday, December 3 at 6:00 PM)
Local choirs will sing Christmas carols, and immediately following guests can enjoy apple cider and Mrs. Shirk’s ginger cookies. Tours of the first floor of the house will be offered for $5 per person. There will be opportunities for photos with Santa as well. This event is hosted at no cost and reservations are not needed. Parking will be on Highland Avenue. Please dress warm, and bring a flashlight and your holiday cheer.
Christmas Tea Party (Saturday December 6 at 12:00 PM)
Join us for this festive Mommy, Me and American Girl Tea in the Kimberly Crest gardens. Enjoy tea, take your picture with Santa and tour the home decorated for Christmas. Spaces are limited. Tickets $55/person. Menu, information and tickets available at KimberlyCrest.Org/ChristmasTeaParty
Victorian Christmas Cheer! (Sunday, December 10 from 1:00-4:00 PM)
Mary Kimberly Shirk loved Hord ornaments and used them to decorate Kimberly Crest beginning in the 1950’s. At December’s Second Sunday Program, there will be a museum exhibit in the Carriage House showcasing multiple Hord ornaments owned by Mrs. Shirk. After viewing the exhibit, guests are invited to make a Christmas craft. Complimentary Christmas cookies and hot chocolate will also be available at no charge.
The house will be decorated inside, so don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a little Victorian Christmas splendor during a docent guided tour. Tour ticket prices can be found at http://kimberlycrest.org/visit/.