Governor Warner Mansion Open for Tree Lighting, Tours in December

On Saturday, Dec. 1, start the holiday season right with the 27th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and open house at the Governor Warner Mansion. Join the Farmington Area Jaycees and Mansion volunteers for this old-fashioned holiday evening of family fun from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

The Mansion opens at 5 p.m. for tours, and Santa Claus arrives at 5:30 p.m. to light the 14-foot Gazebo Christmas tree that begins the outdoor festivities. After singing carols by candlelight and reading a classic Christmas tale, warm up around the nearby fire pit, head over to the heated Carriage House for cookies and hot chocolate, or get pictures taken with Santa on the porch.

When the outdoor activities are over, come inside the Mansion to view the magnificent Christmas decorations, complete with greenery and crimson ribbons draped over every doorway and four Christmas trees beautifully decorated by Mansion volunteers and members of the Farmington Garden Club. Docents in Victorian period costumes will be waiting to give tours, and live holiday music by local pianist Annika Taylor will complete the nostalgic holiday atmosphere.

Before you leave, stop by the “Warner General Store” gift shop, located in the kitchen, to browse Christmas treasures and Farmington history merchandise. Admission to the Mansion is free this special evening, but donations to the Mansion will still be gratefully accepted. Also, please consider bringing a donation of a new, unwrapped toy for the Jaycees’ “Toys for Tots” drive.

Unable to make the tree lighting ceremony? The Mansion will be open from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. for tours on Sundays: Dec. 2, 9, 16 and Wednesdays: Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26. Live music will be provided each day. 

The Governor Warner Mansion is located at 33805 Grand River Avenue, two blocks west of Farmington Road. For more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 248-474-5500, ext. 2218 or the Jaycees at 877-411-3252.

Source: Governor Warner Mansion press release