Oakland University and the surrounding community are invited to celebrate the holidays in style at Meadow Brook Hall. Guests can stroll through the past of automotive aristocracy at the Dodge-Wilson's iconic family home.
Meadow Brook Hall’s 41st annual Holiday Walk will run from Friday, Nov. 23, through Saturday, Dec. 22. This year's theme is "Puttin' on the Glitz."
The walk will shine with the sparkle of jewelry, ball gowns, top hats and the mementos of lavish celebrations. The event will highlight some of the most fashionable parties in history, from the inaugural housewarming in 1929 to three generations of debutante balls.
Guests can learn about the memorable evening when legendary crooner Frank Sinatra serenaded Frances Dodge on her 25th birthday, and see family photos of Matilda Dodge Wilson’s 80th birthday celebration. Additionally, the dress Matilda Dodge Wilson wore during her term of service as Michigan’s first female lieutenant governor will be on display for the first time.
The walk will also feature a new event for children. Children of all ages can follow the clues and search for hidden teddy bears to get a prize. The fun continues down a decorated path to Knole Cottage, a playhouse in the woods built for Frances Dodge in 1926. The cottage will be “stuffed” with an incredible holiday bear display presented by the “Teddy Bear Lady,” Judy Hall.
Meadow Brook Hall's 2012 Holiday Walk includes several special events:
- Free visit with Santa at Knole Cottage, Saturday, Dec. 1, and Dec. 15
- Breakfast with Santa, Sunday, Dec. 9, and 16
- Supper with Santa, Sunday, Dec. 9
- Holiday Tea, Tuesday, Dec. 11 and 18
- Ballroom Glitz, Thursday, Dec. 13
- OU Night, Tuesday, Dec. 18
The cost for the breakfast and the supper events is $30 for adults and $25 for children. Cost to attend the tea is $50 per person. Tickets to “Ballroom Glitz” are $75 per person and include an elegant strolling dinner, live musical entertainment, touring and more. Reservations are required for all Holiday Walk special events, excluding the free visit with Santa. To make a reservation call (248) 364-6263 or purchase tickets online at
meadowbrookhall.org.
OU Night is a longstanding tradition for many Oakland University students, staff, faculty and alumni, and their family and friends. The OU community, along with MSUFCU members and their families, can attend the Holiday Walk at a discounted rate of $12 per person. Visit with Santa Claus and enjoy light refreshments in a private reception area from 5-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 18. Valid OU or Credit Union ID is required. The event is sponsored by MSU Federal Credit Union - Oakland Branch.
Meadow Brook Hall's Holiday Walk, "Puttin' on the Glitz." Tour hours are Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admittance at 4 p.m.), and extended evening hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday, Dec. 17, through Thursday, Dec. 20, (last admittance at 8 p.m.) Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for children 17 and under (accompanied by an adult); children age 2 and under are free. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, seniors age 62 and older will receive $5 off admission. All tours are self-guided and reservations are not required.
Meadow Brook Hall is fully self-funded, relying on special events such as the annual Holiday Walk for the preservation and interpretation of this magnificent historic estate. For more information about the Meadow Brook Hall Holiday Walk, call (248) 364-6200 or visit
meadowbrookhall.org
