By Khalida Sarwari
Santa may be a busy man this time of year, but folks in Campbell can count on him to make the Ainsley House one of his stops not just once but twice this month as part of various festivities planned for the holidays.
St. Nick will make special appearances at the Carriage House on Nov. 23 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s a chance to give Santa your Christmas wish list or take a photo with him before his schedule gets packed once December rolls around. The only caveat is those who want to take a photo with Santa must bring their own camera. The photo op is $5 for museum members and $10 for the general public.
In keeping with the theme of a “Glittering and Gold Christmas” this holiday season, all 15 rooms inside the Ainsley House will be decorated by Nov. 15. A team of interior designers, house stagers and decorators will transform the historic home in time for the Campbell Museum Foundation’s holiday boutique and tours, scheduled to be held twice daily Dec. 1-11, with seatings at 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. A menu featuring champagne, delicate sandwiches and holiday treats will be offered inside the Carriage House followed by a docent-led tour of the Ainsley House. The donation fee for the tea and tour is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 408.866.2757.
“It’s an amazing sight to see the Ainsley House decorated for the holidays,” said Karen Lange, director and curator at the Campbell Historical Museum and the Ainsley House. “The teas are just a great way to enjoy the holidays with friends.”
On Nov. 15, the Ainsley House will host a splash jewelry trunk show from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring items from artist Lynne Gyorey.
Holiday gifts, ornaments and decorations will also be available at the Carriage House and upstairs of the Ainsley House.
The final events will take place Dec. 16 and 20, when the Ainsley House will host an open house from 5:30 to 8 p.m. to showcase the holiday decor and feature live holiday music and refreshments. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers.
The Ainsley House will be open in November, Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. (closed on Thanksgiving). It will open again Dec. 1-20. The admission is $4.50 for children and youth 7 to 17, $8 for adults and $6 for seniors. Members are free.
For more information about holiday events at the Ainsley House, visit camp bellmuseums.org.
Campbell’s Ainsley House will be ‘glittering’ in time for the holidays
