A Gilded Age Christmas At Staatsburgh State Historic Site in New York
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Step into the opulence of the Gilded Age with at Staatsburgh State Historic Site in New York for the holidays. This seasonal experience transforms the mansion with lavish decorations, historic charm, and stories of a bygone era. If you’re looking for a festive outing that blends history, beauty, and timeless holiday spirit, you won’t want to miss this event.
History of the House
The mansion at Staatsburgh State Historic Site, known locally as Mills Mansion, is symbolic of the great country estates that were built in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to house America’s wealthiest families. It is a classic example of the beautiful homes built by America’s financial and industrial leaders during the Gilded Age.
The house was originally built in 1832. It started as a 25-room Greek Revival structure by Morgan Lewis and his wife, Gertrude Livingston. Later, the house was greatly expanded when it was inherited by Ruth Livingston Mills, wife of noted financier and philanthropist Ogden Mills.
In 1895, the Mills commissioned the prestigious New York City architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White to remodel and enlarge their Staatsburgh home. After completion in 1896, the house had been transformed into a Beaux-Arts mansion that had 65 rooms and 14 bathrooms.
Today, the property is a New York State historic site. Gladys Mills Phipps, the daughter of Ruth and Ogden Mills, donated the house and the 192 acres to the State of New York. Most of the homes contents were left in place and donated to New York in 1970, shortly before her death.
About The Event
A Gilded Age Christmas at Staatsburgh State Historic Site transforms the mansion into a festive wonderland, with its original furnishings and decor lavishly adorned in turn-of-the-century style. Tours are self-guided, but there are docents around the house to share stories. The experience evokes the elegance and charm of a Hudson Valley holiday during America’s Gilded Age.
Getting There
Staatsburg State Historic Site is located in the Hudson Valley, just off NY-Route 9 between Rhinebeck and Hyde Park. Visitors driving from the north or south can easily follow Route 9, with clear signage leading directly to the mansion entrance. If arriving by train, you can take Amtrak to Rhinecliff and then use a taxi or rideshare for the short trip to the site. This makes it a great day trip from New York City.
When you get there, you’ll head to the back of the building where the entrance is. There will be signs pointing you to where to go. If you already bought a ticket, you’ll check-in inside the gift shop. Otherwise, you can purchase a ticket when you arrive.
Enjoying The Holidays At Staatsburgh State Historic Site
Shortly after Christmas, I decided to check out this event. I’ve been to a handful of historic homes along the Hudson River, but this was a new one for me. I didn’t buy tickets ahead of time, but thankfully I was able to buy a ticket when I got there without issue.
Below are some pictures from my visit.
Is This Event Worth Going To?
If you love the holidays and historic homes, this event is definitely worth checking out. I love that it’s self-guided because you can take your time to check out all of the details throughout this gorgeous house. Also, in terms of events, I thought this one was really affordable and I was pleasantly surprised!
Thank you for sharing this — I loved how you highlighted the authentic decorations and the cozy ambiance at Staatsburgh State, making the historic estate feel so full of holiday charm.
This looks like such a magical holiday experience! I love historic homes, and the way Staatsburgh transforms into a Gilded Age Christmas setting sounds incredible. The fact that you can wander at your own pace and take in all the details makes it even better. Definitely adding this to my list for a future winter trip to the Hudson Valley!