Take a free candlelight tour of the Governor’s Mansion, with the halls all decked out in sparkling lights and lush greenery, and meet and greet Missouri’s Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson, too.
The Christmas and holiday season is a wonderful time to visit the Missouri Governor’s Mansion, as you can see the lush greenery by candlelight, much the way it may have looked for Governor B. Gratz Brown’s first Christmas in 1872. He moved his family in on January 20, 1872.
In 1971, when Governor Christopher Bond was running for office, Mrs. Bond made a promise that during their administration the Governor’s Mansion would be more accessible to all Missourians. This was the beginning of the tradition of opening the doors for all to see the home beautifully decorated for Christmas.
The current First Lady graciously follows this tradition and encourages visiting the mansion, which has also become known as the “People’s House” now, or tour it at other times of the year if you can’t make Christmas.
The Holiday tours are on Friday, December 2, from 6–9 pm or Monday, December 5, from 6–8 pm. Tours are free, and the Governor’s Mansion is located at 100 Madison Street in Jefferson City. The Governor and First Lady will light the tree at 6 pm on December 2nd.
If the spirit of the season moves you, bring any new or unused toys to donate to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
The mansion’s architecture is an example of the Second Empire style, characterized by the patterned mansard roof popular in the 1860s. Four pink granite columns support the imposing portico at the entry. The original three-story home was built with 13 bedrooms and no bathrooms or closets. A free-standing, winding stairway is lined by a hand-carved black walnut banister. Marble fireplaces, 17-foot ceilings, and Renaissance Revival furnishings add to the grandeur.
To learn about other holiday tours in Jefferson City during the season, click here.
To tour the mansion at other times of the year, read this.
