With the holiday season just around the corner, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy will be opening the doors of Drumthwacket once again for NJ residents to attend open house tours for the holidays. The Holidays at Drumthwacket builds upon a long-lasting tradition of offering residents tours of the governor’s residence during the holiday period.
This year, the Drumthwacket Foundation partnered with seven garden clubs to decorate each room using fresh arrangements and greenery. The theme for this year’s tours will be America’s 250th anniversary, in honor of the event. Students from around the state will also be sending handmade ornaments to the residence that will be used to decorate the trees on the property.
“Over the past eight years, Phil and I have delighted in opening the doors of the People’s House and inviting our fellow New Jerseyans to enjoy The Holidays at Drumthwacket. This year is particularly meaningful as we reflect not only on our time in office but on the rich and storied history of our nation – including the pivotal role New Jersey has played both as the ‘Crossroads of the American Revolution’ and in the 250 years since,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “I look forward to welcoming families from across New Jersey to visit and enjoy the holidays along with us here at Drumthwacket this season.”
The tours are self-guided, though there will be several docents spread throughout Drumthwacket to answer any questions. The dates for the open house tours can be found listed below.
- Thursday, Dec. 4
- Friday, Dec. 5
- Wednesday, Dec. 10
- Saturday, Dec. 20
- Sunday, Dec. 21
There will be seven presentations on display throughout the first floor of the residence, each provided by different garden clubs around New Jersey. The clubs and where their decorations will be located is listed below.
- Seaweeders Garden Club of Bayhead and Mantoloking: Solarium, The Van Nuys Barn and Exterior Window Wreaths
- The Garden Club of Mountain Lakes: Foyer & Van Nuys Event Center Wreath
- Essex Fells Garden Club: Dining Room
- Garden Club of Metuchen: Parlor
- West Trenton Garden Club: Music Room
- Keyport Garden Club: Library
- Warren Garden Club: Governor’s Study and Gate Wreaths
Reservations are required to attend the tours, with admission and parking being free of charge. Online registration has already begun, giving everyone the change to register now. To learn more, visit https://drumthwacket.org/visit/december-holiday-open-houses/.