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This 2011 winter season, Kean will "deck the halls"; well, Liberty Hall at that. The house is decorated for the Christmas season, adorning various decorations from different time periods. The rooms represent five different styles of Christmas, including the Dutch tradition of St. Nicholas of 1774, the English tradition of Twelfth Night 1800, The Night Before Christmas of 1848, a Victorian Christmas of 1899, and a World War II Christmas of 1942. The theme truly displays the transition from St. Nicholas to Santa Claus.
The historic house will be celebrating the holiday season with various events throughout December, with which they hope to encourage the Kean students and faculty to visit the grounds more often. Because all Kean students have free admission to tour the museum, one should take advantage of the holiday tours.
As always, Liberty Hall will host its weekly Wednesday Afternoon Tea. However, on December 7, 14, 21, and 28, the event will consist of a special Christmas afternoon tea, where guests are served tea, finger sandwiches, and dessert and then will be treated to a tour of the mansion. The tea takes place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and is $35 with a reservation.
Liberty Hall plans to host numerous activities suited for families. During the Gingerbread House Workshop, children can decorate a gingerbread house with candy canes, gumdrops, and other holiday treats. The workshop takes place on Saturdays, December 3 and 10 in two sessions of 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Noon to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $17 per child and reservations are required.
Children can continue to create holiday treasures with the Christmas Tree Ornament Workshop on Sunday, December 4. Guests will be able to make two old-fashioned ornaments to decorate the Liberty Hall Christmas tree, as well as two to bring home. This event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The price is $10 for children (recommended for ages 7 to 12) and a reservation is required.
"Welcome, Christmas, bring your cheer. Cheer to all Whos far and near." In celebration of Dr. Seuss's popular story, Liberty Hall will host the Whoville Feast, featuring fun holiday foods such as Roastbeast on a Bun, Seuss Spuds, and Cindy Lou Who Cider. The feast will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 11. With a reservation, the price is $20 per child and $25 per adult.
Whether "naughty or nice", all are invited to Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 18 from 10 a.m. to Noon. Guests can enjoy a hot breakfast, as well as take a photo with Santa Claus in his sleigh. The price is $20 per child (recommended for ages 7 to 12) and $25 per adult.
In addition to all the celebration, Liberty Hall is participating in Toys for Tots and will be collecting unwrapped new or gently used toys until December 13. If planning on visiting, bring a toy to donate to less fortunate children this holiday. For more information on any of these events, call 908-527-0400 or email libertyhall@kean.edu.
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