The holiday season is a particularly wonderful time to visit Belmont Mansion. Each year, Belmont is magnificently decorated in complete yuletide splendor. Yards of garland surround the doors throughout the mansion, and in the tradition of Victorian excess, the mantels are overflowing with fruit, greens and other period decorations. The inspiration for these decorations comes from nineteenth century drawings, engravings and descriptions. In 2007, Southern Living noted that each year “this mansion is transformed into a Victorian Christmas Fantasyland.”
Of course, what is Christmas with out a tree? There are two interesting trees in Belmont Mansion during the holiday season. The first is a 10-foot-tall Christmas tree with a myriad of handmade Victorian ornaments. This elegant evergreen is the focal point of the fashionable Grand Salon. The other is a gorgeous goose-feather tree with German-blown glass ornaments and is featured in the Winter Parlor.
In the Formal Dining Room, the 16-foot dinner table is set for the Christmas feast. Colored glassware, polished silver, and fine china are set in eager anticipation of the many welcome visitors.
Please check our calendar for special holiday events. Each year, Belmont Mansion hosts a Christmas Concert which occurs in the Grand Salon under the garland swags. The concert begins with the Classic Christmas Concerto by Corelli and ends with traditional carols sung by the performers and audience.
The Mansion also offers a family friendly holiday party also known as “Christmas with the Acklens.” This party is free to the public and includes guided tours of the home, live entertainment, as well as holiday themed arts and crafts, such as snow globes and tree ornaments.
The highlight of the season’s festivities are Belmont’s two Christmas meals – a luncheon and dinner. The Christmas Luncheon features a multi-course meal with live entertainment. The elegant Annual Christmas Dinner features a multi-course meal served in the Grand Salon with a featured performance at the end of the evening. This evening of elegance and cheer is the true start of the holiday season. Reservations are required in advance.
All decorations are in place the Friday following Thanksgiving and remain up until the Twelfth Night (Jan. 5). Please join us this winter in celebrating the holidays at Belmont.
