With the holidays fast approaching, Greenwich Historical Society has an array of cherished family-oriented events in store that will appeal to all age groups. Beginning the first week of December, the grounds will be aglow with twinkling lights and vibrant decorations, providing a magical backdrop for people in Greenwich and throughout the area who delight in the spirit and traditions of the holidays.
For decades, the Historical Society has been an important destination for people who cherish the holidays and the traditions associated with the season. “Some frequent visitors consider our holiday events akin to watching the Macy’s Day Parade,” says Director of Special Events Daniel Suozzo.
A portion of the proceeds are a crucial source of funding the Historical Society’s extensive programs in education, arts and historic preservation.
Festival of Tabletop Trees: Donated by Community Partners December 3, 4, 5: 9am – 5pm December 6: 11am – 3pm
The seventh annual festival offers a stunning and diverse collection of beautifully decorated, one-of-a-kind trees, generously donated by local designers and community partners. Over 25 organizations have pledged to provide trees this year, including The Bruce Museum, Greenwich Symphony Orchestra, the Japan Society of Fairfield County and a wide swath of area garden clubs such Knollwood, Riverside, Hortulus, the Garden Clubs of Greenwich and Old Greenwich and Sam Bridge.
“Each year, we have more organizations interested in donating trees,” says Museum Store Manager Barbara Johann. “They have fun with it!”
Whether used as a traditional Christmas tree, a table accent or centerpiece, these unique decorations can transform homes into festive sanctuaries. Trees can be bid on or purchased directly. The Museum Store is open for shopping and complimentary coffee, and tea is offered in the Artists’ Café while browsing trees. For more information: https://greenwichhistory.org/event/festival-of-trees/ Holiday Boutique for Luxurious Gifting Opening night: December 3: 5:30 – 8pm Boutique: December 4: 9:30 – 4:30pm This beloved shopping extravaganza has a beautifully curated selection of distinctive high-end clothing, accessories, packaged artisanal foods and children’s gifts that are sourced internationally to appeal to all age groups.
“We strive for a unique shopping experience with a sense of discovery – almost like a treasure hunt – that is more personal and distinct from what most retail stores can provide,” says Daniel Suozzo. “The elegant interior of the stately Greenwich Country Club adds to the ambience and provides an ideal backdrop for our upscale assortment of merchandise.”
The opening night reception will put shoppers into the holiday spirit with festive music, light snacks and beverages while browsing the fabulous array of offerings on display. The opening night reception is $25. Greenwich Country Club is located at 19 Doubling Rd., Greenwich, Conn. For more information visit: https://greenwichhistory.org/event/holiday-boutique-3/
Holiday Festival: “A Night at the Museum” Saturday, December 13: 4pm – 7pm Family holidays in Greenwich would not be the same without a visit to the campus for this beloved annual festival in the beautifully lit campus grounds.
For this year’s Night at the Museum theme, children are invited to come in their PJ’s so they can get cozy while experimenting with a variety of creative crafts. They can decorate their own gingerbread people, and have their photos taken with a special guest from the North
Pole in the Historic Barn. A fire will be lit for warming up and making tasty s’mores and a selection of seasonal treats, hot cocoa and other winter beverages will be available to round-out a festive, fun-filled evening.
“Families in our community are important to the work we do at the Historical Society,” says Lauren Ackerley, director of public programs. “Every year, we love hosting a festival that brings them together to celebrate the season and to make meaningful memories on our historic campus.”
In case of bad weather, the festival will be moved to Sunday, December 14th from 4pm – 7pm. For more information: https://greenwichhistory.org/event/holiday-festival-3/
Holiday Tea with the Holley’s and Walking Tour Friday, December 12: 1pm and 3pm A tea service inspired by the traditions of the Holley family, complete with sweet treats and live harp music, will be served in the barn. Two seatings are offered and registration is required. To coincide with the Historical Society’s current exhibition The Holly Boarding House: Inspiring American Impressionism, a short docent-led walking tour of the site that inspired the Cos Cob art colony artists who lived and worked at the Holley Boarding House at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries is offered following the tea. Guests will see the beautiful winter scenes that influenced the artists to create many important American Impressionist paintings.
“The Cos Cob art colony artists did not have studios at their disposal at the Holley Boarding House, so following the example of the French Impressionists, such as Claude Monet, the artists would carry their easels and paints to a location in the Cos Cob Lower Landing that inspired them,” says exhibition curator Kathy Craughwell-Varda. “Docents will point out specific sites that were the focus of some of their most prized canvases.” For more information and to register: https://greenwichhistory.org/event/holiday-tea-with-the-holleys/
Visitors to the Historical Society campus have convenient parking and can combine a trip with a visit to the galleries when open from Wednesday – Sunday, noon to 4pm. The
Museum Store has a distinctive collection of festive gift items for holiday shopping needs, with many that reflect Greenwich’s local history.
