Governor's Mansion Christmas Open House scheduled for Monday | Arts & Culture

Governor Nikki Haley, First Gentleman Michael Haley and the First Family will welcome guests to join them for a Christmas Open House on Monday, December 5, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Governor's Mansion.

The Columbia Garden Club began decorating the Governor's Mansion on Monday, November 28.  This is the 30th year that the Columbia Garden Club has decorated the Governor’s Mansion for Christmas. The First Family was also presented two Christmas trees grown on the Sawyer Tree Farm and presented by Tom Sawyer and his wife on behalf of the S.C. Christmas Tree Growers Association.   The Future Farmers of America from Lexington Technology Center presented the first family with poinsettias, which they grew in Lexington County.

Other decorations will include two trees in the Charleston Garden that the Haley children, Rena and Nalin, will help decorate with ice cream cone decorations.  The large drawing room tree will be decorated using ornaments created by artists from across the state. The gingerbread houses will be modeled after the Gervais Street Bridge and Columbia Skyline, they will be prepared by Governor’s Mansion Executive Chef Geoff Sandifer. Wreaths within the Mansion Complex will be made and hung by the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

In addition, a Butterfly Tree made by children from South Carolina and thirty other states, with the help of Cherie Reid of Myrtle Beach, dedicated to the fallen soldiers of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom will be on display.  Each of the 5,500 butterflies represents a soldier who has fallen and bears that soldiers name, rank and age.

The Governor’s Mansion Christmas Open House will be held on Monday, December 5, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.  This event is free of charge, open to the public and there will be no reservations required.  The Carillon Carolers of Columbia, S.C. and the Denmark Technical College Choir of Denmark, S.C. will be performing for guests.

Regular guided Christmas tours will also be available December 6-8 and 13-15 at 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM.  They are also free of charge, but are by reservation only.  Anyone interested in scheduling a tour should call Nancy Bunch at (803) 737-1710.