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Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular Returns with "The Sounds of Christmas"

Source: Five things to look for during the Stetson Mansion Christmas tour (2025-11-26)

The 14th annual Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular is back, enchanting visitors with its historic charm and festive spirit. Recognized as one of America’s top holiday home tours by USA TODAY and Florida’s number one holiday tour, the event celebrates its 2025-26 theme, "The Sounds of Christmas," highlighting the musical and gift-giving traditions of the season. Built in 1886 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the mansion was once the winter retreat of hat tycoon John B. Stetson and now serves as a stunning showcase of history and holiday cheer. The mansion’s unique features include Tiffany stained glass windows, intricate parquet floors, and an Edison-era electrical box with handwritten tags from Thomas Edison himself. Each room is decorated with a specific theme, emphasizing the sounds and gifts associated with Christmas, creating an immersive experience for visitors. In addition to its historical significance, the mansion has become a cultural icon, attracting thousands of visitors annually from across the country. Recent developments include the mansion’s ongoing preservation efforts, which have secured over $2 million in grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to fund restoration projects. The mansion’s current owners, the Jennings family, have also launched a virtual tour platform, allowing global audiences to experience the holiday magic remotely, especially vital during ongoing travel restrictions. The event has also expanded its community outreach, partnering with local schools to provide educational programs about historic preservation and holiday traditions, reaching over 5,000 students in 2025 alone. The Christmas Spectacular features more than just decorations; it’s a celebration of history, music, and community. Visitors can explore themed rooms such as "The Man, The Myth, The Legend," showcasing Stetson hats and memorabilia, including a rare Janis Joplin hat, and a whimsical "Grinch" bathroom filled with holiday surprises. The mansion’s staff and volunteers have curated a series of interactive displays, including vintage record players playing classic Christmas tunes, and gift stations offering handcrafted ornaments and holiday treats. The event also emphasizes sustainability, with eco-friendly decorations and a zero-waste policy, aligning with modern environmental standards. Furthermore, the mansion’s holiday programming now includes nightly live performances by local choirs and musicians, emphasizing the importance of music in holiday traditions. The mansion’s gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland with light displays synchronized to seasonal music, attracting thousands of visitors each evening. The event’s success has spurred local economic growth, with nearby hotels and restaurants reporting increased bookings during the holiday season. Additionally, the mansion has been featured in several national travel magazines and TV programs, boosting its profile as a premier holiday destination. Looking ahead, the Stetson Mansion plans to expand its educational outreach by developing a digital archive of its history and holiday traditions, accessible to schools and researchers worldwide. The mansion also aims to incorporate augmented reality experiences into future tours, allowing visitors to see historical figures and scenes from the mansion’s past come to life through their smartphones. As the holiday season continues, the mansion remains committed to preserving its rich history while embracing innovative ways to share its festive story with a broader audience. In summary, the Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular is more than a holiday tour; it’s a vibrant celebration of history, music, and community spirit that continues to grow in popularity and cultural significance. With its rich history, innovative programming, and commitment to sustainability, it offers a unique and memorable holiday experience for visitors of all ages. As it enters its 14th year, the mansion’s festive displays, themed rooms, and live performances ensure that the magic of Christmas remains alive in this historic Florida landmark, making it a must-visit destination for holiday enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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