Cultural and Historic Affairs

Historic homes throughout Essex will open their doors in unison for one spectacular weekend. Each will be dressed for the holiday season while offering entertainment, refreshments, or educational information. Fees and times vary.

Location Details

The Newark Museum of Art – The Ballantine House
49 Washington Street, Newark
973.596.6550/www.newarkmuseumart.org
Visit The Ballantine House, an 1885 beer-brewing family’s home, and experience it decorated to celebrate late-19th-century Christmas and winter holidays. Visitors can explore the House at their own pace. Open Saturday & Sunday: 10am-5pm.

Blanchard Estate
100 Blanchard Road, South Orange
973.803.9390/yvonne@patterson-foundation.org
The Blanchard Estate was built by William L. Blanchard in 1924 and is celebrating its 100th year anniversary this year. The property historically was known for its brilliant Christmas lights, displayed each year as a seasonal and scenic attraction. Some of the lights that frame the mansion are still in good working condition. The mansion’s 100-year history is equally intriguing; its stately rooms tell a story, and it has a part in community folklore as a speakeasy during the bygone era of Prohibition. Reservations are encouraged for the tour. Parking is not available at the estate. Guests will be shuttled from a local parking area. For more information, reservations and details, email info@pattersonfoundation.org or text to 973-803-9390. Admission $20 per adult; free for children and students. Open Saturday & Sunday: 11am-4pm.

Montclair History Center Property
Crane House & Historic YWCA Museum
108 Orange Road, Montclair
973.744.1796/www.montclairhistory.org
In 2020, USA Today readers ranked the Crane House & Historic YWCA Museum’s Holiday House Tour #4 in the nation and now’s your chance to be among the first to see this year’s stunning display! As part of the Essex County Holiday House Tour, explore the beautifully decorated 229-year-old home with festive period décor designed by the Garden Club of Montclair. While you’re here, cozy up by the hearth fire and discover the flavors and traditions of holidays past. Don’t forget to stop by the Nathaniel Crane House for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts! $5 per person, children under 12 free. Open Saturday & Sunday: 12pm-3pm.

Glenmont at Thomas Edison National Historical Park
211 Main Street, West Orange
973.736.0550
The Thomas Edison National Historical Park preserves Thomas Edison’s laboratory and residence, Glenmont, in West Orange. It was designed in 1887, by architect Henry Hudson Holly. The Edison laboratories operated for more than 40 years. Admission is $15 per person and free for children under 16. Open Saturday & Sunday: 10am-4pm. Call for reservations.

Grover Cleveland Birthplace
207 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
973.226.0001/visitgcb@dep.nj.gov
This site houses the most complete collection of Grover Cleveland artifacts in the nation; including the president’s cradle, White House chair, clothing and fishing gear, among many others. Explore the world of Grover Cleveland’s youth from the 1830s-1850s on the 2.5 acre grounds, in the kitchen, rear parlor and birth room. Two galleries reveal the raucous atmosphere of politics in Cleveland’s public life and career in the height of the Victorian era. Admission is free. Open Saturday & Sunday. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead for site hours.

Kingsland Manor
3 Kingsland Street, Nutley
973.661.3410/www.kingslandmanor.org
The 1700’s brownstone Dutch colonial home is steeped in history and beautifully decorated for the 2025 holiday season. Come explore the historic homestead of the Kingsland family and beyond, set within park-like grounds overlooking a pond and waterfalls. Enjoy viewing our extensive collection of Nutcrackers and special Colonial decor commemorating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary next year. Admission is free. Donations are gratefully appreciated. Open Saturday & Sunday: 1pm-4pm.

Essex County Kip’s Castle Park
22 Crestmont Road, Verona
973.433.7469/www.essexcountynj.org
Come home for the holidays and see Kip’s Castle decorated circa 1928. The dining room is set for a holiday feast and the parlor is festooned with greenery and ribbons. Admission is free. Open Saturday & Sunday: 12pm-4pm.

Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens
474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Upper Montclair
973.783.5974/www.presbyirisgardens.org
Built in 1865, the house was the residence of Mrs. Barbara Walther, a longtime caretaker of the gardens. Shop at the fabulous Bloom Room for inexpensive holiday gifts. Hot apple cider and cookies will be served. There will be a piano player, light jazz & Christmas carols both days from 1pm-3pm. Large groups should call ahead for reservations. Bloom Room will be open. Admission is free. Open Saturday & Sunday: 12pm-3pm.

Van Tassel Funeral Home
337 Belleville Avenue, Bloomfield
973.743.1234/www.vantasselfuneralhome.com
The oldest funeral home in Bloomfield built in 1850 and has been serving the community since 1883 and has provided services for over 20,000 families. Historic building with old pictures, stained glass, and artifacts. Listen to Christmas music while admiring the decorations. Take pictures with Santa Clause and Mrs. Santa. Free gift for each visitor. Decorate an ornament in memory of your loved ones for the Memorial Tree. Admission is free. Open Saturday: 12pm-4pm.