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| The dining room at Meadow Brook Hall is among many rooms elegantly dressed up for the 2008 Holiday Walk, "A Hearth Warming Holiday." |
By Shannon O’Berski, contributing writer
Meadow Brook Hall is inviting history and holiday enthusiasts to escape the hustle and bustle of the season and remember the warmth of holidays when the hearth was aglow with childhood traditions, magic and memories.
The 37th annual Holiday Walk, “A Hearth Warming Holiday,” will run Nov. 28 through Dec. 23. The festive celebration offers tours, a pickle hunt for children of all ages, supper with Santa, holiday tea, an elegant strolling dinner and much more.
The 24 fireplaces of this Tudor-revival style mansion once owned by Oakland University Founder Matilda Dodge Wilson evoke a warm, inviting atmosphere that long ago set the stage for fireside traditions and customs that families continue to celebrate today.
While strolling through the hall, guests can enjoy mantles decorated to celebrate many of the Wilsons’ own family traditions. An elegant afternoon tea in Matilda’s study, an evening storytelling in the library, after-dinner gatherings in the games room and Santa’s midnight visit in the nursery are just a few of the many vignettes on display.
In addition to daily tours, the 2008 Holiday Walk includes many special events:
• On Wednesday, Dec. 3, visitors can skip the mall and shop the hall during the “Our Favorite Things Shopping Boutique.” This fun-filled event blends food and fun with holiday shopping, featuring more than 30 local artisans and vendors offering unique selection of holiday gifts.
• On Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, children can enjoy a visit with Jolly Old Saint Nick at Knole Cottage, a three-quarter-scale playhouse built for Frances Dodge. “Breakfast with Santa” will be offered at 9 a.m. on both days. The cost is $30 for adults and $25 for children. “Supper with Santa” will be offered at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15. The cost is $30 for adults and $25 for children.
• In honor of Matilda Dodge Wilson’s exclusive tea parties, a “Holiday High Tea” will be served at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The cost is $50 per person and reservations are required.
• The “Starlight Stroll,” an elegant holiday celebration to benefit the hall, is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11. The evening will consist of touring, live entertainment, seasonal cocktails, an elegant strolling dinner and more. Festive holiday attire is preferred. Tickets are $75 per person or $150 for benefactors interested in supporting the hall with a tax-deductible gift. Reservations for the event are required.
Tour hours for “A Hearth Warming Holiday” are Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admittance will be at 4 p.m. each day. Tours also will be conducted on Mondays from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. with last admittance at 8 p.m. Monday candlelight tours begin at 5 p.m.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children 17 and under. Children age 2 and under are admitted free of charge. Children visiting the hall must be accompanied by an adult. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, visitors age 62 and older will receive a $5 admission discount.
Media sponsors of the 2008 Holiday Walk include C&G Newspapers, HOUR, The Oakland Press and CKWW-AM 580.
A major fundraising event for, the 2008 Holiday Walk generates funding for the preservation and interpretation of Meadow Brook Hall. For more information, call (248) 364-6200 or visit
www.meadowbrookhall.org.
