Sure, it’s a mansion, but how long could it really take to decorate? “We were closed down for… a total of eight days,” says Glensheen marketing manager Mike Mayou. “And we use every single minute of that.” About 20-25 students and staff contribute to the decorating.
The result of the effort is a transformation of the 39-room mansion. Decorations include 27 full-size Christmas trees – including a cow-themed tree in the carriage house. New this year are several carefully considered themes for rooms. “We have a gnome room, we have a nutcracker room, we a have a candy cane room,” says Mayou.
The mansion turns back the clock with original ornaments from the Congdon family and also hosts candlelight tours at night. "That is an awesome experience," says Mayou of the candlelight tours. "The ambience and the glow is just incredible." There is also an outdoor light display on the grounds that is free to experience.
"We're really excited to welcome people back this year in particular," says Mayou. "Everything's been refreshed... the Christmas magic is just really real at Glensheen."
For more information about tours and tickets, visit the Glensheen website.
