Greenwich Historical Society is decking its halls to welcome the holidays with a series of events for all age groups to cherish. The sprawling Cos Cob campus on the banks of the Mianus River will sparkle with festive lighting and decorations beloved by residents and people throughout Fairfield and Westchester County who appreciate the beauty and variety of activities.
“Our events are strengthened by collaborations with area organizations whose talents will be on display,” says Historical Society Executive Director and CEO Debra Mecky. “It’s all about community that is integral to our mission and values. This collective effort will result in a memorable and rewarding season for residents to savor and reflect on the marvelous history and traditions that make the holidays in Greenwich so special.”
LOCAL PARTNERS DONATE TO FESTIVAL OF TABLETOP TREES
The countdown is underway as decorated trees are dropped off for the sixth annual festival and auction that takes place December 4th through December 7th.
“Each year the bar for creativity is raised as more organizations eagerly sign up to donate trees that reflect their unique style,” says Historical Society Museum Store Manager Barbara Johann. “Our lobby will become a veritable winter wonderland, filled with 34 hand crafted trees, imaginatively decorated by participating retailers, non-prof its, garden centers a nd designers for our silent auction, the proceeds of which will benefit Historical Society programs.”
Trees will be on display in the lobby for previewing at an opening reception, Tuesday, December 3, from 5:00-7:30 pm. Beginning Wednesday, December 4 to Saturday, December 7, trees can be purchased or bid on through a silent auction. Prizes will be awarded in various categories by a panel of judges.
The Museum Store is open for shopping and refreshments while browsing trees. A collection of distinctive gifts, including jewelry, fashion and home accessories, books, children’s items and Greenwich-themed gifts will appeal to discerning shoppers.
GREENWICH COUNTRY CLUB PROVIDES LUXURIOUS SETTING FOR HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE
Artisans and purveyors of fine gifts from Europe, the Hamptons, NYC and the Greenwich region will offer distinctive gift ideas for all ages. An opening night reception kicks off shopping on Wednesday, December 4 from 5:30-8 pm in the Club’s elegant ballroom. The boutique is open Thursday, December 5 from 9:30am-4:30 pm. “We know what Greenwich-area residents favor and we’re confident attendees will find something for everyone on their list, whet her it’s luxurious fashion and home accessories, exquisite fine and costume jewelry, culinary goods, holiday decorations or charming gifts for children,” says Historical Society Director of Special Events Daniel Suozzo.” Several new local businesses will be featured, among them is Old Greenwich’s The Village Ewe, one of the premier needlepoint shops in the country. Owner Heather McNally and her staff have assembled a magical selection of holiday-themed designs: “We have canvases for every skill level, including some great child and adult beginner kits that would be a perfect gift for the new stitchers,” says McNally.
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL: TRADITION, HISTORY AND CLASSIC FAMILY CELEBRATIONS
Festive activities that generations of families have enjoyed return to the campus, including photos with Santa, visits to the Historic Barn, complete with gingerbread decorating and crafts in Santa’s workshop, ice sculpture, tasty treats and yuletide carolers. Historical references to the war for independence in honor of the exhibition: Greenwich During the Revolutionary War: A Frontier Town on the Front Line, will educate, entertain and inspire, and families will be invited to view the exhibition to enhance their festival experience. The festival is on Saturday, December 7 from 4 to 7 pm.
CHRISTMAS IN COS COB: BUSH-HOLLEY TOURS FOR EARLY GREENWICH TRADITIONS
Visitors will enjoy a festive walk through of this e National Historic Landmark home beautifully decorated for Christmas the way it was when the Bush and Holley families resided there during the 18th and 19th centuries. Docents in period costumes will share stories of their holiday celebrations and the Holley’s artists friends during the era of the Cos Cob Art Colony. Tours are appropriate for adults and families with children ages five and older and take place on Saturdays and Sundays in December. Reservations are required.
Proceeds from all Greenwich Historical Society holiday activities provide critical funding for arts, education and preservation programs. “As we are not funded by the town, support for our holiday events is instrumental in ensuring these programs continue to benefit the community for years to come,” says Mecky.
For more information on all holiday activities and to register for Holiday Festival: www.greenwichhistory.org
