Holiday Magic at the Ellwood House
For generations, the Ellwood House Museum has welcomed visitors into a Victorian Christmas tradition. Each November and December, families return to walk through the decorated 1879 mansion, creating memories that span decades. It's become part of the holiday fabric in DeKalb, a tradition as anticipated as the first snowfall.
But transforming a historic home into a holiday showcase takes months of planning. Our team begins the process a full year in advance! Next year’s theme has already been decided and we’ve let our decorators know so they can be ready to snag those colors early. Inside the house, decorating starts on the first of November and takes a full two weeks to complete.
It's a true team effort. Staff members carefully position trees throughout the mansion's four floors, mindful of the historic spaces and original architectural details. Volunteers arrive to decorate and add those finishing touches that bring each room to life. Some volunteers return year after year, bringing their own expertise and love for the tradition.
The work requires patience and care. Every wreath must be secured without damaging original woodwork, while creating that warm, festive atmosphere visitors expect. This year, both the Ellwood House and the Ellwood-Nehring House will shine with holiday decorations. The contrast between the grand Victorian mansion and the intimate Ellwood-Nehring House offers visitors a unique look at how different generations celebrated Christmas in Northern Illinois.
The holidays at the Ellwood House aren't just about beautiful decorations. They're about the volunteers who give their time, the staff who preserve history, and the families who return year after year to keep this tradition alive. And the tradition continues to grow each year with new ideas and additional trees.
Holiday Traditions by the Numbers
32 decorated Christmas trees
Our tallest tree is 12.5 feet and a brand new addition to the Ellwood home
More than 1,000 ornaments are used to decorate the trees and homes
More than 400 2nd graders helped to decorate the third floor of the mansion
At least 500 feet of garland is strung throughout the mansion and the Ellwood-Nehring home
There are at least 5,000 twinkling lights that help to bring a warm glow to the mansion
It took 20+ volunteers and 6 staff two weeks to get the mansion holiday ready
There are more than 40 Dickens Village buildings to peer into
We welcomed over 800 visitors to our 2024 Holiday Traditions Weekend and we’re hoping to welcome even more this year!
Join us this December
The Holiday Open House on December 6-7 marks the official unveiling of all this work. The Saturday and Sunday open house welcomes everyone and is the perfect experience for first-time visitors. Self-guided tours let you wander through both decorated homes at your own pace while live holiday music fills the rooms.
For a deeper experience, join our guided Holiday Traditions tours through all four floors of the mansion. Expert guides share stories of the Ellwood family while you admire the seasonal splendor.
After exploring, warm up at the Visitor Center with hot chocolate and treats. Browse the free exhibits and find unique gifts in our Museum Shop like Victorian-inspired jewelry, holiday ornaments, and cards that support the museum's preservation efforts.
We’re so thankful that we can continue to offer this tradition every year and we’re excited to welcome the holiday season with you!
