Christmas tradition continues at Stan Hywet with Deck the Hall 2020. More than ever, we need Christmas cheer, Christmas magic, Christmas traditions to continue and a little normalcy. The pandemic has taken so much from our families but not this Christmas tradition. I’m so thankful and delighted that Stan Hywet is primarily outside making it very easy to social distance and enjoy family time together.
It all starts with the magical drive up through the lighted arches – where you can see the over 1 MILLION lights covering the grounds and manor house.
The beautifully decorated and lit Christmas tree greets everyone in the courtyard. It is a gorgeous site to behold! Also in this area are concession stands that have the BEST gingerbread cookies, hot cocoa, coffee, and freshly popped popcorn!
Visiting Stan Hywet for Deck the Hall has been a family tradition for my family since my kids were toddlers. Watching them marvel at the beautiful tree almost brought tears to my eyes. They have loved visiting Stan Hywet each year and still do as teenagers. I hope that Christmas tradition continues into adulthood – and who knows maybe in a decade I’ll be bringing my grandchildren!
Santa is also in the courtyard – the real Santa in case you were wondering! He’s amazing! The area is very welcoming with a plexiglass keeping everyone safe but still a very friendly environment. I also noticed that Acme Fresh Market is a generous sponsor of Rudolph’s Corral and of Deck the Hall. I love seeing local companies supporting local businesses in our community!
The Manor House is just as gorgeous as ever on the outside and inside. We love walking the grounds – be sure to go all the way around the manor house to see the beautiful light displays – the house itself is just as gorgeous in the back as in the front.
Inside, we were delighted with a more traditional Christmas decor experience – although quite elaborate to match the house! You’ll see decorated rooms of snowmen, Santa, elves, nutcrackers, and plenty of nostalgia. More tradition is what we all need this Christmas if you ask me! 
You’ll find Santa throughout the house as well as several nativity scenes (see above) – this is how I personally decorate – not forgetting the true meaning of Christmas with the birth of Jesus Christ while also have friendly fun of Santa with lots of use of red, green, and silver in decor.
Oh, did you see that Santa was holding a hippo in the picture above? Your kids will love spotting the hippos throughout the Manor house – it’s a fun game of find-it! Stan Hywet always does an amazing job including family fun in Deck the Hall. Like I said, my kids have loved visiting Stan Hywet since they were toddlers – to see the lights, house, decor, eat gingerbread cookies, and have fun. Adding a little find-it to the equation is brilliant.
If you have teens, Stan Hywet Deck the Hall is perfect for them too – whether you search for a hippo or not. 🙂 
There are collections throughout the house to marvel at including a Toy Shop and the below nutcracker and Christmas village collections.
What can I say? The Manor House is gorgeously decorated for all to enjoy and maybe even dream a little about how it might have been to live in this lovely home years ago.
Not many places have a polar bear rug!
While we visited, people were very aware of their surroundings, keeping socially distanced. There are markers on the ground as you wait to enter the Manor House, concession stands, Santa, etc to help as well as friendly sign reminders. The house is one-way to avoid people walking into each other – and the tour for Deck the Hall is downstairs only. They do have daily tours from 1-4 that include the 2nd floor.
You do need to wear a mask inside buildings. Other than that, our visit to Stan Hywet felt almost normal. It was very, very important for my family to visit this year – to continue the Christmas tradition that my family looks forward to every year. I’m so thankful that it is a place that can easily be safe – even if you don’t visit the historic Manor House and keep your visit to only outdoors, you’ll have a fantastic time. 
Outside, the grounds are more spectacular than ever with over 1 million lights! It’s a lovely stroll for people of all ages – not too much for kids or older adults to brave in the cold weather and delightful for all. Don’t miss DAZZLE, their light feature with Christmas lights choreographed to music!
Stop by the Corbin Conservatory for poinsettias and other Christmas plants for sale. Their prices are VERY good and they make excellent gifts for friends and family. The variety of poinsettias are outstanding – you’ll find white and red speckled poinsettias that can’t be found elsewhere!
Be sure to stop by Molly’s for unique gifts for friends and family too.
The pandemic has affected Stan Hywet financially – with attendance down 70%. They could use your attendance more than ever this year and if you can, please consider supporting this fine family-friendly historic attraction with their Fund Recovery Campaign.
Plan to continue or START the Christmas tradition of visiting Stan Hywet at Christmas for Deck the Hall with your family this year. Deck the Hall dates are November 27-29, and December 3-6, 10-23, 26-20 from 5-8pm. They also offer daily tours 1-4pm. Check the entire schedule here.
