Discover a holiday experience like no other in Milledgeville, Georgia. As the fourth state capital, this city is steeped in history and stunning architecture. One of Milledgeville’s landmark sites, Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion, comes alive during the holidays, transforming into a breathtaking display with historically accurate decor and a jaw-dropping Christmas tree—named by the New York Post as one of the best in America. A cherished tradition for locals and an unforgettable highlight for visitors, this Milledgeville experience is truly a must-see. The Mansion will be decorated and open for tours from November 16th-22nd and December 3rd-23rd.

Completed in 1839, Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion was home to eight Georgia governors from 1839 until 1868. Holiday decorations reflect the time period, 1851-1853, when Governor Howell Cobb and his family occupied the home. Decorations are made with large amounts of live greenery, fresh fruits, and other materials that would have been available within the household or around the grounds. Fruits used in the decorations were a way to show the wealth of the family as most individuals could only afford fruit occasionally. 

The children’s nursery is adorned with a traditional cobweb party. On Christmas Eve, the children and their parents would “web” the room with various colors of ribbon. On Christmas morning, the children would be assigned a color and follow the ribbon through the maze to find their presents left by Santa.

Enslaved people were only given off one half day for the year, Christmas Day. In this time they usually gathered in the Stewart’s Bedroom and practiced what was historically described as their jubilees. The rooms were decorated with leftover materials from the “public” spaces.

One of the most breathtaking sites at the Mansion is the tremendous 30-foot Christmas tree that is erected every year. 2,000 lights illuminate the tree along with 500 ornaments, naturally made from materials around the house or property by local school children, college students, and civic groups--creating this brilliant tree. Learn all about the Cobb family traditions on your holiday tour of the mansion--it might even give you a few ideas of your own!  

Make the Mansion a part of your holiday photos. Santa will be at the Mansion on Friday, December 13th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to take photos. Registration for the event can be scheduled through the Mansion at (478) 445-4545.

For a special treat, tour the Mansion in the evening hours by candlelight for a unique experience! Follow the sound of angelic voices to the hidden rotunda inside the house where a choir is gathered around the Christmas tree. The dome ceiling, lined with gold from Italy, beautiful voices making melody, and the elegant Christmas tree join together to create a harmonious atmosphere for all to enjoy. 

The Mansion is open for public tours Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Christmas tours run through December 22, 2024, starting at the top of each hour with walk-up tickets available. Candlelight tours will take place at 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. on December 7th and 21st, 2024. Candlelight tickets must be purchased in advance. To reserve your spot for these festive tours, call (478) 445-4545. Regular tour rates apply: $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $2 for students/children.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so why not make it even better and tour Georgia’s Old Governor's Mansion in all its Christmas cheer!