Many Milwaukee buildings will be illuminated with Christmas lights in the coming weeks, but few will be as stunning as the Pabst Mansion’s famed annual Christmas display. The display will return this year starting Friday, Nov. 16, and be kept up for visitors through Sunday, Jan. 6.
For the occasion, the Mansion will feature two dozen lavishly decorated spaces, spread over three floors. “Highlights this year include antique teddy bears and a vignette depicting 19th century Christmas décor,” according to the event’s press release.
The price is nearly identical as it is for regular visits: $12.50 for adults instead of the usual $12, and $11.50 for students, elderly people and military personnel. Exceptionally, tickets will be free for children 12 and under. However, those tickets are only available for self-guided tours of the building.
A Host of Special Events
The Christmas season will kick-off with a preview reception including hors d'oeuvres, champagne, a silent auction and live Christmas music to get in the mood. The event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 6-7:30 p.m., and guests will be among the first to see the decorations adorning the Pabst Mansion this year.
Although regular visits have to start from 10 a.m. until 3:15 p.m., several days have been picked out to give visitors a unique chance to experience the Christmas displays in the best conditions. Dubbed “Twilight Tours”, those will be held Friday, Nov. 23, Dec. 7 and Dec. 21, from 5-7 p.m. They will include refreshments and live music to accompany guests admiring the Mansion in the glow of the illuminated Christmas trees.
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Another special event, “Dinner and a Show”, offers guests to eat dinner at the Pabst Mansion starting at 5 p.m., followed by a rendition of A Christmas Carol by actors of Milwaukee Repertory Theater, at 7:30 p.m., at the historic Pabst Theater. The package will be available on Thursday, Dec. 6, Friday, Dec. 14, and Saturday, Dec. 15. Only 50 seats are available each evening.
For more information and tickets, visit pabstmansion.com.