RINGWOOD STATE PARK, SKYLANDS MANOR TO HOST ANNUAL HOLIDAY
EVENTS OVER THREE WEEKENDS IN DECEMBER
POPULAR VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS SHOWCASES ELEGANT DECORATIONS, OFFERS
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES; ‘A GARDENER’S HOLIDAY’ IS THEME AT SKYLANDS MANOR
(16/115) TRENTON – A popular Christmas event that celebrates the holiday in both Victorian and modern themes will be showcased this month at Ringwood Manor and Skylands Manor, both located in Ringwood State Park in Passaic County, the New Jersey State Park Service announced.
The 41st Annual Victorian Christmas at Ringwood Manor, usually held over two weekends, has been expanded to a third weekend due to its popularity. The event is a partnership of the  Women’s Club of West Milford, North Jersey Highlands Historical Society and Ringwood Manor Association of the Arts. In addition, Skylands Manor will host the 28th annual Holiday Open House for individuals and groups, as well as for wine and candlelight tours. This year’s theme is “A Gardener’s Holiday.” The Open House is sponsored by the New Jersey Botanical Gardens and Skylands Association.
“Traditional and modern Christmas themes will be showcased and celebrated during these two events at Ringwood State Park,” said Mark Texel, Director of the Division of Parks and Forestry. “Both themes will showcase a holiday atmosphere that is sure to delight visitors. We invite the public to include the Victorian Christmas and Holiday Open House as a part of their annual holiday activities.”
 Ringwood Manor, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a stunning 19th century house that was home to well-known ironmasters in the 19th and 20th centuries. Situated on a low hill overlooking a bucolic landscape, the house is an ideal location for visits during the holiday season and winter.
Skylands Manor is a 44-room mansion built in the 1920s to mimic the English Jacobean architecture common in the English countryside 400 years ago. The mansion is located within in the 96-acre New Jersey Botanical Gardens, which is part of Ringwood State Park.
“The Victorian Christmas event has become an annual tradition for families to come together and tour the beautifully decorated Ringwood Manor, putting everyone in the holiday spirit,” said Sue Shutte, Historian for Ringwood State Park. “Victorian Christmas whisks visitors back in time to experience the warmth and beauty of the holiday season here at historic Ringwood Manor.”
The decorating theme at Skylands Manor changes annually. Individual rooms are decorated by volunteers from northern New Jersey garden clubs, Master Gardener programs, local companies, as well as New Jersey Botanical Gardens members.
In addition to viewing the floor-to-ceiling decorations at the Skylands Manor during a daytime visit, guests may also consider attending an evening reception. Events are by reservation and subject to availability. The dates and times for the upcoming seasonal events are:
41st Annual Victorian Christmas, Ringwood Manor, Ringwood State Park
December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fee: $8 for adults; $6 for seniors; $3 for children ages 6-12
(973) 962-2240
Sponsor: Women’s Club of West Milford, North Jersey Highlands Historical Society, Ringwood Manor Association of the Arts
Holiday Open House, Skylands Manor, Ringwood State Park
Through December 4
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Fee: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors; $5 for children ages 6-12; free for children 5 and younger
Evening Receptions, Skylands Manor, Ringwood State Park
December 2 and 3
6-8 p.m.
Fee: $45; reservations required
Sponsor: New Jersey Botanical Gardens/Skylands Association
(973) 962-9534
For more information about these parks and organizations, please visit:
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