essex county historic holiday house tour

A Look Inside The Essex County Historic Holiday House Tour

Every year, Essex County’s Commissioners + the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs host the annual Historic Holiday House Tour. I t’s a wonderful — and mostly free — way to enjoy the holiday season while also getting a lesson in Essex County history. The event only lasts for one weekend, so in case you missed it, we’ve got you covered. Read on to experience the holiday magic of this event.

“The County of Essex is rich in history and architecture. Take a break from the hustle and bustle this December and visit historic homes that have decked the halls in holiday extravagance for one spectacular weekend. Tour historic Essex with your friend and family and delight in the elegance of the season.” – Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive

For one weekend each year, the county opens up its most historically important houses to the public. Families attend with their children, societies meet up to share information with the public, and locals come to celebrate the joyous season and take pictures. Most of these houses are open and accessible to the public, while others cost a small fee or reservation. So if you missed the event this year, read on for a look at the gorgeous decorations.

Canfield-Morgan House & Museum

One of our favorite hidden gems is this last farm in Cedar Grove . The 1850s farmhouse is a hive of history, displayed through architecture, memorabilia, and artifacts. The Cedar Grove Historical Society made all the holiday decorations. History is ingrained in their members — one of whom is even a Canfield themself. There was hot apple cider, homemade cookies, friendly docents, and a bounty of information.

Read More: Here’s Where to See Santa in North Jersey | 2022

Crane House & Historic YWCA

The sturdy house built by one of Montclair’s founding families is a favorite when decorated for the holidays. The Garden Club of Montclair fills the halls with dried fruits and citrus smells, gingerbread men , and floral arrangements. The Crane House serves to preserve the history of Montclair through its use as a private home in early America, and later as a YWCA in the 1960s. It’s a treasure in the town. 

Kip’s Castle Park

Have you ever wanted to peek inside this mysterious castle on First Mountain? Kip’s was decorated as it would have been in its early days, home to a private family in the 1920s. The stunning main room has a central hearth and an adjacent sitting area — both surprisingly cozy considering the gothic architecture. Families love taking pictures in front of the magnificent decor, and others study the Kiplings’ rather impressive family tree. 

Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

The sitting room of this 1865 house is decked in holiday cheer. Once owned by the longtime caretaker of the Iris Gardens, Mrs. Barbara Walther, the house is a beautiful setting for the gardens’ gift shop, The Bloom Room. The Christmas tree, window decor, and fireplace are lovely. 

Grover Cleveland Birthplace

This National Park and historic home is the birth-site of the 22nd + 24th President of the United States . The home is delightfully set up for the holiday season and is brightly decorated with old-fashioned evergreen festoons, fruits, ribbons, rose hips, and sprigs of berries. Decorations remain up until January.

See More: Where to Buy Locally-Made Ornaments in Hoboken + Jersey City

Other places that hosted historic tours this year included:

Crane Homestead

Glenmont at Thomas Edison National Historical Park

The Gypsy Farmhouse

Kingsland Manor

Van Tassel Funeral Home

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A Montclair girl born and bred, Eva Grall is a writer, blogger, and artist. When she’s not writing romance novels or short stories, Eva is planning creative projects for her blog and photographing flowers around town. She’s more than halfway through a gardening degree from New York Botanical Garden, loves rainy days reading with her cats, and is learning French at FIAF to earn her citizenship. Follow her adventures on her Instagram page @evagrall.

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Essex County Recreation 2023 “Historic Holiday House Tour”

December 2, 2023 - december 3, 2023.

Essex County recreation to host 2023 “Historic Holiday House Tour” Dec. 2-3. County residents can tour 11 houses and historic sites in Cedar Grove, Nutley, Bloomfield, West Caldwell, Verona, Montclair, Livingston, and West Orange. Admission rates vary by location.

From Essex County Parks .

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Kip's Castle Park

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Historic Holiday House Tour at Essex County Kip’s Castle Park

Historic Homes throughout Essex County will open their doors in unison for one spectacular weekend! Come visit Kip's Castle for a self-guided tour of the first floor and experience the holidays circa 1920! A dining room set for a holiday feast and a parlor festooned with greenery and ribbons. Refreshments will be provided.  Hours: 12-4pm on both Saturday and Sunday Admission: Free!

Essex County ‘Holiday House Tour’ Destinations For 2023: See The List

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The annual Essex County Historic Holiday House Tour is returning for 2023.

This year’s tour will feature 11 Essex County historic sites, which will be decorated for the holidays and open to the public for a weekend tour (see below).

“Take a break from the hustle and bustle this December and visit local homes and landmarks that will have decked the halls in holiday extravagance for one spectacular weekend,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said, adding that the tour is a great example of local organizations pooling their resources.

Here’s what to expect, according to a news release from the county:

"The public can visit each site at their own pace. The houses will be exquisitely decorated for the holidays and be open for public viewing. Each site will offer something unique, including musical entertainment, refreshments or educational programs. There may be an admission fee at some locations. For more information, please call 973-268-3500 or visit www.essexcountynj.org ."

The self-guided house tour will be held Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3 at the following locations:

Essex County Kip’s Castle Park

• 22 Crestmont Road, Verona
• 973-433-7469; www.EssexCountyParks.org
• Admission is free. Open Saturday and Sunday from 12-4 p.m.

Walther House at the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

• 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Upper Montclair
• 973-783-5974; www.presbyirisgardens.org
• Admission is free. Open Saturday from 1-4 p.m.

Canfield-Morgan House and Museum

• 903 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove
• 973-239-5414; www.cedargrovehistoricalsociety.org
• Admission is free, donations are accepted. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Crane Homestead

• 289 Westville Avenue, West Caldwell
• 973-226-8976
• Admission is free. Open Saturday and Sunday from 12-3 p.m.

Glenmont at Thomas Edison National Historic Park

• 211 Main Street, West Orange
• 973-736-0550, ext. 11; www.nps.gov/edis
• Admission is $15 per person and free for children under 16. Tickets must be purchased at the Laboratory Complex Visitor Center the day of the tour and includes access to the Laboratory Complex. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Grover House

• 333 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
• Admission is free. Open Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

The Gypsy Farmhouse

• 106 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove
• 973-239-9886; www.gypsyfarmhouse.com
• Admission is free. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Kingsland Manor

• 3 Kingsland Street, Nutley
• 973-661-3410; www.kingslandmanor.org
• Admission is free. Donations are gratefully appreciated. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1- 4 p.m.

Montclair Historical Society Property: Crane House and Historic YWCA

• 110 Orange Road, Montclair
• 973-744-1796; www.montclairhistorical.org

Van Tassel Funeral Home

• 337 Belleville Avenue, Bloomfield
• 973-743-1234
• Admission is free. Open Saturday from 1-5 p.m.
• 307 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell

Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected]. Learn more about advertising on Patch here . Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The article Essex County ‘Holiday House Tour’ Destinations For 2023: See The List appeared first on Newark Patch .

These North Jersey historic holiday home tours will transport you to Christmas past

Have you ever wanted to be transported back to the Victorian era to see what the holiday season was like? What about the roaring '20s?

Now you can: The beloved historical sites of North Jersey are decorated from head to toe for the holiday season. For a limited time, these mansions, castles and museums will be adorned with festive décor and open to the public to explore.

Don't miss out on the fun. Here are four historic holiday open houses that you can take a stroll through this season.

Victorian Christmas at Ringwood Manor

For a peek into a classic Victorian-style Christmas, look no further than Ringwood Manor. Located in Ringwood State Park, the historic site dates back to 1807 and was home to a number of ironmasters from the colonial period through the early 20th century.

During the holiday season each year, the first floor of Ringwood Manor is decorated in Victorian-era décor by the Women's Club of West Milford. Each room is decorated differently and the themes of the rooms change each year, such as vintage clothing displays or a room with décor made out of decks of cards.

(The video above is from the 2019 version.)

Self-guided tours of Ringwood Manor's holiday furnishings will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays from Dec. 1 to Dec. 17. Tickets can be purchased at the door, and are $5 for children ages 5 to 12, $8 for seniors and students, as well as $10 for adults.

Go: 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood, 973-962-2240; ringwoodmanor.org/Victorian .

Skylands Manor Holiday Open House

Located within the Botanical Gardens of New Jersey, Skylands Manor was designed in the 1920s by American architect John Russell Pope with a Tudor-revival architecture style. Now, for the 34th year, Skylands Manor will be covered in festive glitz and glam for the holiday season.

For this year's theme, " Holiday in the Highlands ," each room of the manor has been elaborately designed and decorated by various volunteer groups to incorporate grand Christmas trees, unique wreaths and holiday flowers galore. Tours of the manor's holiday set-up will only be open for one weekend, Nov. 30 to Dec. 3.

Daytime, self-guided tours will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3; tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for children ages 6 to 12 and $10 for students and seniors. An evening reception will take place on Dec. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m., including wine, light refreshments and valet parking; tickets are $50 for New Jersey Botanical Gardens members and $55 for other guests. Tickets must be purchased over the phone, or online.

Go: 5 Morris Road, Ringwood, 973-962-9534; njbg.org/event/holiday-open-house .

Essex County Historic Holiday House Tour

Each year, Essex County hosts a one-weekend-only historic house tour . This year, the self-guided tour features 11 homes and historic sites decorated for the holiday season, with each location offering entertainment, refreshments and educational opportunities.

Among the sites on this year's tour is Kingsland Manor in Nutley, a 1700s brownstone on park-like grounds that overlooks a pond and waterfalls. In Verona, a medieval-style mansion known as Kips Castle will feature a 1920s-era Christmas theme, including a dining room set for a holiday feast and a parlor filled with ribbons and holiday greenery.

The house tour is only open on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3. Tour hours vary by location, so visit the house tour's website for the complete list of locations and times.

Deck the Halls at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum and Acorn Hall Museum

For one day only, guests will be able to "Deck the Halls" and take a walk through Christmas past in Morristown. The Deck the Halls event features stops at two Morristown historic sites: the Acorn Hall Museum and the Macculloch Hall Historical Museum. From holiday music on a 1873 Chickering grand piano to Thomas Nast's famous Christmas scenes, it's sure to be a day full of historic holiday festivities.

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 2. Tickets are $30 per person — which includes entry to both sites − and can be purchased online or in person.

Go: 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, 973-538-2404 & 68 Morris Ave., Morristown, 973-267-3465; maccullochhall.org/upcoming-events/deck-the-halls .

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for  NorthJersey.com  and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on  Instagram @maddiemcgay ,  on  X @maddiemcgayy , and sign up for her  North Jersey Living  newsletter.   Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at  [email protected] .

Don't Miss The Essex County Historic Holiday House Tour

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Seasonal & Holidays

Bloomfield location on list of ‘holiday house tour’ destinations, essex county's annual holiday event is returning for 2023, and it includes the van tassel funeral home in bloomfield..

Eric Kiefer , Patch Staff

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The annual Essex County Historic Holiday House Tour is returning for 2023, and it includes the Van Tassel Funeral Home in Bloomfield.

This year’s tour will feature 11 Essex County historic sites, which will be decorated for the holidays and open to the public for a weekend tour (see below).

Find out what's happening in Bloomfield with free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Take a break from the hustle and bustle this December and visit local homes and landmarks that will have decked the halls in holiday extravagance for one spectacular weekend,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said, adding that the tour is a great example of local organizations pooling their resources.

Here’s what to expect, according to a news release from the county:

"The public can visit each site at their own pace. The houses will be exquisitely decorated for the holidays and be open for public viewing. Each site will offer something unique, including musical entertainment, refreshments or educational programs. There may be an admission fee at some locations. For more information, please call 973-268-3500 or visit www.essexcountynj.org ."

The self-guided house tour will be held Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3 at the following locations:

Essex County Kip’s Castle Park

• 22 Crestmont Road, Verona
• 973-433-7469; www.EssexCountyParks.org
• Admission is free. Open Saturday and Sunday from 12-4 p.m.

Walther House at the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

• 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Upper Montclair
• 973-783-5974; www.presbyirisgardens.org
• Admission is free. Open Saturday from 1-4 p.m.

Canfield-Morgan House and Museum

• 903 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove
• 973-239-5414; www.cedargrovehistoricalsociety.org
• Admission is free, donations are accepted. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Crane Homestead

• 289 Westville Avenue, West Caldwell
• 973-226-8976
• Admission is free. Open Saturday and Sunday from 12-3 p.m.

Glenmont at Thomas Edison National Historic Park

• 211 Main Street, West Orange
• 973-736-0550, ext. 11; www.nps.gov/edis
• Admission is $15 per person and free for children under 16. Tickets must be purchased at the Laboratory Complex Visitor Center the day of the tour and includes access to the Laboratory Complex. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Grover House

• 333 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
• Admission is free. Open Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

The Gypsy Farmhouse

• 106 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove
• 973-239-9886; www.gypsyfarmhouse.com
• Admission is free. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Kingsland Manor

• 3 Kingsland Street, Nutley
• 973-661-3410; www.kingslandmanor.org
• Admission is free. Donations are gratefully appreciated. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1- 4 p.m.

Montclair Historical Society Property: Crane House and Historic YWCA

• 110 Orange Road, Montclair
• 973-744-1796; www.montclairhistorical.org

Van Tassel Funeral Home

• 337 Belleville Avenue, Bloomfield
• 973-743-1234
• Admission is free. Open Saturday from 1-5 p.m.
• 307 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell

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