Hay House offers ‘resplendent’ holiday decor and events for Christmas
The Hay House draws visitors all year, but special things are in store for those who visit the historic mansion during the holiday season.
“Christmas is magical at the Hay House and one of the very best times of the year to visit,” said Lee Mangum, rental and events manager at the Macon landmark.
Mangum said the holiday season is a unique time to see the Hay House, as its rooms on three main levels are adorned for the season with period decorations.
And, he said, since this year is the Hay House’s 40th anniversary as part of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation — its ruby anniversary — designers from Macon and Atlanta have given ruby-themed interpretations to their holiday creations.
“Any visit to the Hay House is informative and breathtaking in its own way,” Mangum said, “but this time of year it’s truly resplendent. And in addition to seeing the decorations during regular hours every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, we have three very special December occasions planned, all requiring advanced reservations.”
Mangum said one is a rare opportunity for the public to attend an evening event at the Hay House.
“That’s our Christmas Gala on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 7 to 9 p.m.,” he said. “It’s only $30 per person for food and drinks and entertainment by Theatre Macon. Director Jim Crisp and cast members from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ will be joining us.”
Mangum said the season’s daytime events include two annual favorites.
“Our Christmas Luncheon will be Friday, Dec. 8, at noon to 2:30,” he said. “It’s a stellar occasion for the holidays in Middle Georgia, and this year we’re expanding attendance to 100 people. Cost is $45 per person and features a holiday lunch and self-guided tours. And then of course there’s our Christmas Tea Party on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. It’s for girls and boys and their parents with a cost of $25 per child and one adult up to a $50 family cap for other siblings. Great activities for kids include hearing our storytellers, doing crafts and visiting with Santa. The tea party is also a benefit for Book ‘Em, a nonprofit that provides books to at-risk children. We ask each child to bring a book or a dollar donation. So yes, whether you come to see the amazing Hay House decorations or to join us for a Christmas event, it’s a great season to come enjoy the Hay House.”
Contact Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com.
Hay House holidays
Where: 934 Georgia Ave., Macon
When: Regular hours Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Tours begin on the hour and every half hour on weekends. Last tours are 3 p.m. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Cost: December admission is $12 for adults. There are discounts for seniors, military, students, groups or more people and school groups with reservations. Children under 6 are admitted free.
Information: 478-742-8155 or www.hayhousemacon.org, hayhousemacon@georgiatrust.org
This story was originally published November 21, 2017 at 5:14 PM with the headline "Hay House offers ‘resplendent’ holiday decor and events for Christmas."