My family had the wonderful opportunity of attending media night recently to see Victoria Mansion in all its Christmas splendor. Christmas Through a Child's Eyes is this year's theme and my girls were certainly enthralled. The rooms were gorgeously decorated in various interpretations of the theme and it was all beautifully connected by the stunning staircase climbing through the center of the mansion.
We entered through the whimsical vestibule which was decorated by Saco Festival of Trees Design Committee. The little rocking horse was just the perfect touch and put us immediately in the mood. As we stepped into the foyer, the aforementioned staircase ascended in front of us, decked out with presents and bows and put us right into a playful demeanor for the rest of the evening. Looking up through the floors is always mesmerizing, but when the railings are covered in Christmas decor, it's a whole other level of spectacular.
As we sauntered through the rest of the rooms on the first floor, it was hard to take it all in! So much eye candy (and decorative candy, too!). In the Reception Room we were greeted by an enormous Christmas tree made entirely out of presents, lovingly crafted by Emerald City. Now, that's a child's dream, for sure!
The Dining Room, decorated by Dodge the Florist, was rich in children's lore and red tones, with so many perfect little details, including a small "child" decorating the tree and huge nutcrackers guarding the way. The Library was a sweet treat for all who stepped through the doors; Clipper Merchant Tea House really played into a child's fantasy of sweets, sweets and more sweets with this one! Then the Parlor, Dan Kennedy's 26th (!!!) Parlor decoration with Harmon's Floral Co., was subtle, yet spot on in its nod to what a child of the Victorian Era might have seen when he or she came down the stairs on Christmas morning.
With our eyes and hearts already brimming with Christmas, we headed up to the second floor where we were found Baby Jesus and the 3 Wise Men in the Sitting Room; such a lovely scene created by K.D. Cole and D.L. Cole & Associates.
We were then, in quite a contrast, greeted in the Green Bedroom by Krampus, a demon straight out of Victorian folklore; children feared that if they were not good, Krampus would take them away! There wasn't just a threat of coal or of Santa not coming--they thought they would be stolen away! I suppose these children were very well-behaved. Perhaps our era's "Elf on the Shelf" is a subtle (and much less disturbing) nod to this? Mimi and Mum certainly got my girls thinking!
We ended our tour in the Red Bedroom, where another feast of treats greeted us. The bed was draped in candies and sweets, the dresser was covered in more sweets and treats and the mantel was, you guessed it, a full display of yumminess. Dan Gifford embraced the theme in the sweetest way possible. It's a good thing the goodies weren't real because my girls' mouths were watering!
As we were getting ready to leave Victoria Mansion, I asked my girls which room was their favorite, and we all decided that the Dining Room by Dodge the Florist gave us the most satisfaction. The rich red tones were so pleasing to the eye and the enormous nutcrackers, completely handmade and decorated by Dodge the Florist, were absolutely stunning. There was just so much to take in that we had to go back one more time before we left.
I hope that you and your family have the chance to visit Victoria Mansion this holiday season.
Hours:
Monday 10:00am-6:30pm**
Tuesday 10:00am-3:45pm
Wednesday 10:00am-3:45pm
Thursday 10:00am-3:45pm
Friday 10:00am-3:45pm
Saturday 10:00am-3:45pm
Sunday 10:00am-3:45pm
Reservations are not required.
**Victoria Mansion will close at 3:45 on Monday, December 24 and Monday, December 31.
Admission:
Adults: $16.00
Senior citizens (62 and over) : $14.00
AAA members : $14.00
Students age 6-17 : $ 5.00
Under 6 : Free
Family rate* : $35.00
College students (with valid ID): $7.00
Active military (with valid ID): Free
Victoria Mansion members: Free* Family Rate applies to two adults of the same household and up to five children age 6-17
Visit www.victoriamansion.org for more information.
