Events

'Tis the Sea-son at Hillwood draws inspiration from the special exhibition Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean with resplendent Christmas trees and holiday decorations throughout the estate.

Festive décor, workshops, and holiday shopping add to the holiday splendor.

Christmas Trees on Display

Beginning Tuesday, November 26, the elegance of the exquisite treasures on view, which celebrate the oceans and call for their conservation, permeates the holiday décor that adorns the entire estate. The oceans have remained an object of fascination, both treasured and feared, throughout history. As the exhibition demonstrates the beauty of and admiration for these magnificent waters, so too do the Christmas trees, each inspired by a particular piece on view. 

The mansion entry hall will sparkle and shine, with a tree inspired by Le Mariage de Venus, a glittering pair of heels by Christian Louboutin. Iridescent glass orbs, diamond strands, and white tulle fabric reflect shining waves and the rhinestones of the heels, while pink ornaments, red ribbon, and natural elements, including permanent botanicals, tie the shoes to the magnificent color of the shoes and sole.

Bright oranges, blues, pinks, and yellows will animate the dining room, with a tree that takes its cue from Aqueduct by Courtney Mattison, a remarkable installation made of hundreds of porcelain marine creatures. The dining room is always a treasure trove of porcelain pieces in a range of shapes, colors, and sizes, much like Mattison’s piece. Colorful baubles will bring the contemporary work to life in the tree.

A remarkable tree, based on Marjorie Merriweather Post’s iconic pearl and diamond necklace, will enhance the French drawing room. Draped in pearl garlands and ornaments as well as a variety of pink orbs, which reflect the color scheme of the room and the pearlescent color seen in oysters, the tree will glimmer with the beauty of this material.

The pavilion will feature a waterscape in miniature, anchored by a small tree onto the top of the piano. Inspired by Morel Doucet’s Olokun, the scene will feature blue fabric and blue and white ornaments, reflecting both water and marine life present in the seas. 

In the visitor center, a tree will highlight the importance of sustainability and its focus at Hillwood. Drawn from Théo Mercier’s Squelette (Skeleton), which focuses on everyday objects typically thrown away, it will include ornaments made by Hillwood staff with recycled materials, including aluminum cans. Decorated in silvers, greens, and blues, and offset by diamonds, the tree will feature completely recycled pieces, all reused from previous years. 

The Holidays at Hillwood

As always, the gardens at Hillwood reveal the beauty of the holiday season. Conifers such as the blue atlas cedar and false cypress show off their evergreen boughs, while holly and witch hazel provide bright spots of color. Pine trees adjacent to the mansion are lighted to lead the way into the holiday splendor. Wreath workshops brings the holidays from Hillwood to you, inviting participants to craft a one-of-a-kind holiday decoration.

Throughout the season, the museum shop is a favorite destination for holiday shopping. With dozens of unique items inspired by the life of Marjorie Merriweather Post, in addition to clothing, books, ornaments, and home décor, Hillwood’s shop offers distinct gifts for everyone.

The delightful Merriweather Café is the perfect complement to a day celebrating the holidays at Hillwood. Warm up with seasonal specials and hand-crafted food and beverages served in the gracious manner of Post.

Display Sponsor

Holidays at Hillwood | 'Tis the Sea-son is sponsored by Northern Trust.