One million lights illuminate Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens during Deck the Hall, the estate’s annual holiday event taking place from 5-8 pm on November 29-30, December 1, 5-8, 12-23, and 26-30, 2019.
The Manor House interiors are decorated to reflect the theme of A Classic Comic Hero Christmas. Gingerbread Land features a new centerpiece and photo opportunity: a giant interactive, walk-in snow globe. Every evening of Deck the Hall also includes a Christmas tree lighting in the Courtyard at 5:30 pm with Santa. Stan Hywet is located at 714 North Portage Path, in Akron Ohio.
“The Estate will sparkle with holiday lights in the Manor House, Corbin Conservatory, historic gardens, as well as Dazzle and Gingerbread Land,” notes Sean Joyce, President & Executive Director.
In the Manor House, nineteen rooms are decorated with stories of classic comic heroes, including favorites like Wonder Woman, Superman, Spiderman, Batman, and The Hulk. And while they are slightly outside of the “classic” comic hero time frame, the Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers are nostalgic for a younger generation, and part of the display.
The Manor House team is supported by a talented group of decorating partners. Batman in The Library is designed by Jill Pangas and Renee Campbell, sisters in their second year of Deck the Hall decorating. Cleveland designer Edward Sajovic has created a setting in the Music Room for Superman – befitting the action hero that started it all. Superman stands near a Super Tree of stacked gifts wrapped in primary colors of polka dot and glittered boxes – with additional boxes in tribute to Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, Cleveland natives and creators of Superman. Completing the room are “bang, pow, and smash” trees, with paper holly leaf garlands accented with comic strips and red berries.
Local non-profit Akron Makerspace is bringing a spunky, creative approach to the design of the Tower and its theme of POW! Kern’s Home & Gardens, is designing a Spiderman theme in the Blue Room, and Stan Hywet Flower Arrangers are decorating the Reception Room with comic book crafts. Christmas decorations and superhero mosaics made from LEGO® bricks are featured in the Great Hall, created by the Northeast Ohio LEGO User Group (NEO LUG).
The Deck the Hall tour begins in the Courtyard, with two animated shop windows outside Molly’s: the Gingerbread Bakeshop features bakers in perpetual motion, and a second window is reminiscent of downtown Akron at dusk during the holidays, circa 1920. Nearby, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa greet guests in Rudolph’s Corral. An animatronic, Rudolph has a red nose that lights up, while he moves and shakes his head, fascinating all children waiting to talk to Santa. Dazzle, the outdoor light show spectacular animated to music, has been reimagined with new elements choreographed to three popular Christmas songs with the 25-foot Christmas tree as its centerpiece. The tree is lit with a full spectrum of color, a layer of lighted ornaments, and an overlay of sparkle lights.
GIANT INTERACTIVE SNOW GLOBE
The giant interactive snow globe in Gingerbread Land (Playgarden transformed for the holidays) is the new experience at Deck the Hall. Guests may walk into the snow globe, featuring a winter scene with gingerbread elements, for a photo op with family and friends. Surrounding the snow globe are oversized candy canes, gingerbread men and more holiday lights.
Nearby, the Corbin Conservatory features Garden Under Glass, an indoor tropical garden decorated with lights and holiday color and a 20-foot a poinsettia tree – another favorite photo op (with props) that has become a holiday tradition for many.
Back in the Courtyard, guests may take photos in front of the lighted Christmas tree. The fire pit is the place to relax and warm up with refreshments from the Gingerbread Bakeshop and the Salty Reindeer: hot gingerbread cookies, cocoa, popcorn, beer, wine, Bavarian pretzels and more. Molly’s Shop is fully stocked for holiday shopping, and the café is a place to enjoy more substantial fare and holiday treats.
TICKETS
Tickets to Deck the Hall may be purchased in advance at stanhywet.org, by phone at 330-315-3287, or upon arrival. Tickets include a self-guided tour of the Manor House and grounds, including Dazzle and Gingerbread Land.
Sunday – Thursday Ticket Prices: $18 adults (18+), $7 youth (6-17) Friday – Saturday Ticket Prices: $22 adults (18+), $9 youth (6-17) All nights: children 5 & under, free. College students with valid ID qualify for youth price.
GROUPS: Groups of 10 or more who are interested in attending Deck the Hall may email [email protected] at least two weeks in advance for information and discounts.
