The McFaddin-Ward House invites the Southeast Texas community to be its guest and delight in the spirit of the season at its annual free Holiday Open House on Sunday, Dec. 11, from 5-7 p.m. at 1906 Calder Avenue in Beaumont.
Guests will enjoy festive refreshments, live dulcimer music, and children’s crafts at the museum’s Visitor Center before touring the historic home to view the magnificent holiday decorations throughout the first floor, while beautiful Christmas music is played on the historic house’s 1905 Ivers & Pond grand piano. Along the way, carolers will be performing outside to add to the fun. Before departing, guests will be greeted by a special visitor from the North Pole.
This year’s holiday interpretation will immerse guests in the elegant and festive experience of a McFaddin Family holiday party. Dazzling silver serving dishes, sparkling crystal, glamorous party clothes, and other special pieces from the reserve collection will be on display.
The McFaddin-Ward Holiday Open House is free and open to the public.
Also on Dec. 11, the McFaddin-Ward House is partnering with the Oaks Historic District and Beaumont Heritage Society for the second annual Homes for the Holidays event. From 3-7 p.m., the Oaks Historic District will offer tours of three historic homes within the district, decked out for the holidays. Tickets to tour the three homes are $20 (kids under 12 are free) and can be purchased at the McFaddin-Ward House Visitor Center through Friday, Dec. 9 or online at oakshomesfortheholidays.eventbrite.com.
The McFaddin-Ward House Education Department is also inviting local teachers, administrators, and home school practitioners to preview the holiday décor at a Wine & Wassail Educator Appreciation Event on Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 4:30-6 p.m. at the museum’s Visitors Center (1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont). Attendees will enjoy treats, a special holiday tour of the house, and a behind-the-scenes peek at the collections building. The event is free, but RSVPs are required. Contact the museum’s director of educational programming, Rayanna Hoeft, at rhoeft@mcfaddin-ward.org for more information.
Built in 1905-1906 in the distinctive Beaux-Arts Colonial style, the McFaddin-Ward House reflects the lifestyle of the prominent family which lived in the house for 75 years. The museum features free docent-led tours of the home, educational programming, year-round events, a carriage house, and gardens.
