Grand world mansions dressed up for the holidays
Christmas brings out delight and happiness unlike any other holiday in the world. Countless places around the world transform to embody the enchanting spirit of the season, creating environments that immerse guests in the captivating world of cheer and goodwill.
Here are just a few examples of places that embrace architecture to reel people into the splendor and joy of the season.
Bembridge House
California, United States
The Historic Bembridge House is a beautifully preserved Victorian residence that invites visitors to explore its rich history and architectural significance—especially come Christmastime.
This historic house located in Long Beach, California is an ornate and well-preserved 1906 Queen Anne residence owned and operated by Long Beach Heritage. It showcases exquisite craftsmanship and design, intricate woodwork, vibrant stained glass windows, and period furnishings of the early 1900s. It has 18 rooms, and many of its original furnishings have been preserved, including the high ceilings and woodwork.
It is considered the most ornate Victorian residence in Long Beach, with hand-carved woodwork, stained and leaded glass, and a tiled fireplace. In addition to its stunning architecture, the grounds surrounding the Bembridge House are equally enchanting. Lush gardens filled with native plants create a serene atmosphere.
As Christmas arrives, the entire house transforms to its best form yet, turning into a holiday paradise due in huge part to the community that comes together to decorate the house, bringing the holiday spirit right to the living room of Bembridge House.
Armour-Stiner Octagon House
New York, United States
Celebrating Christmas at the Armour House, also known as the Octagon House, is unlike any other experience.
The 19th-century Victorian home is recognized as one of the most visually unique homes in the world given its famous fully domed octagonal residence—the only known house with such an impressive structure.
The house was once acquired by the National Trust for Historic Preservation but was then resold to Joseph Pell Lombardi, a preservation architect.
The house and grounds have been restored to their 1872 appearance under the direction of Lombardi’s son, Michael. The interior of the house, its decorations, and 1870s furnishings are the best display in the country of the American neo-Roman style. Michael’s research into the house’s origins led to the faithful restorations of several rooms like the Egyptian revival room, basement, kitchen, greenhouse and studio, and many decorative surfaces.
During the holidays, the house transforms into a showcase of Victorian splendor, decorated with wreaths, garlands, and three grand Christmas trees. A special tour is available wherein the ladies of the house prepare Christmas festivities, including a performance of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Maincy, France
During Christmas, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte takes on the allure of an enchanted castle, taking guests on an ultimate holiday experience.
Closed throughout the winter, the castle opens its doors on Christmas so that guests can wander through the marvelous décor in the heart of the castle. The magic happens as soon as you arrive and discover a majestic avenue of decorated fir trees lining the main courtyard. Inside the château, the warmth of the open fire and the decorations in the ceremonial rooms would draw you into a magical world with a theme that changes from year to year.
For the 2024 to 2025 season, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte puts fairy tales in the spotlight, bringing back the classic characters of the Nutcracker, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, and Alice in Wonderland.
Sources: blog.bimsmith.com, smconservancy.org, evendo.com, armourstiner.com, accidentallywesanderson.com, josephpelllombardi.com, vaux-le-vicomte.com, parisjetaime.com, sortiraparis.com
