Christmas at the Seiberling: A Kokomo Holiday Tradition

There is a “TREEmendous Christmas” coming to the Seiberling Mansion, and the holiday celebration begins on November 28^th.

The Victorian elegance of the Seiberling Mansion is a perfect setting for a stunning collection of holiday trees, wreaths and garlands, and more.

The Seiberling will be closed from November 14-28, 2015 to let the decorators do their magic. In the meantime, you can purchase advance tickets and make plans to start the holidays with your family at the Seiberling Lighting Ceremony on November 28^th, sponsored by The Wyman Group.

Witness the official arrival of Santa and join the countdown to 6:00 pm, when the glorious display of outdoor lights is illuminated. After the lighting, enjoy live music from the Kokomo Men of Note and the Kokomo Brass.

Inside the Seiberling, you’ll tour a vision of holiday beauty. Get some ideas for your tree, and marvel at the dozens of trees in twenty rooms on all three floors of the mansion. Vote for your favorite tree and help pick the People’s Choice. Visit the Elliott House to warm up with cookies and wassail and give the kids and grandkids a chance to chat with Santa. Take a picture with Santa and make some memories – but be sure to bring your camera!

Opening night tickets are available in advance for $7.00 or at the door for $10.00. Kids 12 and under are $3.00 and Howard County Historical Society members are free. Purchase advance tickets online at howardcountymuseum.org.

Along with your tour, you can schedule a carriage ride through the Old Silk Stocking District. Reservations are required by calling 765.452.4314. The price is $50 and includes up to six people. Make it a romantic trip for two – or a great memory for the kids and grandkids. Schedule your ride for November 28^th between 6:00 and 9:00 pm, following the lighting ceremony.

Christmas at the Seiberling tours will continue through December 31, 2015 from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday (closed Dec. 24-26.) Group tours can be scheduled by appointment.

Thanks to local sponsors, the Seiberling will also be open for special evening hours (and FREE admission) from 4-8 p.m. only on the following dates: December 3-4, 10-11, and 17-18, 2015.

The Seiberling Mansion and Elliott House are located in the 1200 block of West Sycamore Street in Kokomo. Parking lots are accessible via Walnut Street, behind the mansion. For more information, call 765.452.4314 or visit their website and Facebook page.

Fun Holiday Events in Kokomo

Santa will arrive in Downtown Kokomo during First Friday’s Hometown Holiday

Enjoy a variety of fun, family events this holiday season in Kokomo!  Here are some highlights:

“Scrooge – The Musical” presented by Kokomo Civic Theatre  will be held on November 21-23, 2014 at IU Kokomo Havens Auditorium.  Don’t miss one of the best musical adaptations of Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol.”  Visit www.KokomoCivicTheatre.com for ticket information.

Shop local!  Find locally-made gifts and delicious baked goods at the Kokomo Winter Market, located inside the Historic Train Depot on Buckeye Street.  The Winter Market is open 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. every Saturday through December 20, 2014, and a perfect place to find unique holiday gifts!

Make plans to visit Christmas at the Seiberling – a local holiday tradition.  Explore the Seiberling Mansion, adorned with Christmas trees, wreaths, angels, and thousands of lights – elaborately decorated both inside and out (including 20 rooms on all three floors!)  Opening Night Lighting Ceremony will be Saturday, November 29, 2014 starting at 6 p.m.  Enjoy tours, cookies and wassail, visits with Santa, and carriage rides (reservations required for all carriage rides.)

Experience both day & evening tours during Christmas at the Seiberling

Christmas at the Seiberling tours will continue through December 21, 2014.  Hours:  Tuesday – Sunday 1-4 p.m.  In addition, the Mansion will be open several weekends for special evening tours!  These dates include December 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19.  Thanks to local sponsors, free admission will be given on December 4, 18, and 19.  Check out www.HowardCountyMuseum.org for more details.

Join us on December 5, 2014 for Kokomo’s Hometown Holiday during First Friday from 5:30-9:00 p.m.  See the lighting of Downtown Kokomo with caroling, holiday window displays, and a holiday parade to the Historic Train Depot where Santa will be waiting!  For more information, visit www.FirstFridayKokomo.com.

Holiday light display in Downtown Kokomo

In addition to Downtown Kokomo, check out fantastic light displays at Highland Park and We Care Park (Kokomo’s largest holiday light display with over one million lights and dozens of animated displays, opening on Thanksgiving night!)

Looking for a way to stay active this holiday season?  Participate in the Rudolph Family Fun Run on December 6th in Downtown (starting at Kokomo/Howard County Public Library) or the Jolly Jingle 5K Run/Walk on December 13th in Kokomo’s Highland Park.

For a list of all events going on in Kokomo, go to www.VisitKokomo.org or download the free Visit Kokomo mobile app.  Happy Holidays!

 

 

 

Local Farms Offer Holiday Fun

Two local farms in the Kokomo area invite you to visit for some “fun on the farm” this holiday season.  Kids will enjoy visits with Santa (and his reindeer!), making Christmas crafts & more.  If you are looking for something a little different to do this year or need a break from Christmas shopping, bring your family to Kokomo and enjoy some holiday fun on the farm!

Old Sycamore Farm presents “Santa’s Workshop”
Location: 6702 West 00 North South, Kokomo
Open: December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20
Hours: Noon – 6:30 p.m.
Admission: Prices vary for each activity

Kids will enjoy photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, candle dipping, and making homemade holiday crafts, such as ornaments, stockings, Santa hats, and stuffing their own teddy bear or farm animal.  Kids can also write and mail their letters to Santa.  A selection of Christmas crafts, gifts, and decorations will be available to purchase as well as Christmas cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, apple cider, hot cocoa, fudge, and egg nog.  For more information, call 765-461-6088 or visit their website.

Easy Acre Farm presents “A Country Christmas”
Location: 3347 East 50 North, Kokomo (2 miles East of Kokomo)
Open: December 19-20
Hours: Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Admission: Free will offering only

Take a step back in time and enjoy an authentic country Christmas.  Santa in his Christmas sleigh will visit Easy Acre Farm along with Cupid, his Reindeer.  Kids will enjoy visits with Santa and a real reindeer, and many photo opportunities are available (personal cameras are welcome!)  Children are also encouraged to bring a letter to Santa and put it in Santa’s special mailbox to the North Pole.  For more information, call 765-419-1973.