Holiday House at the Ten Broeck Mansion takes visitors back to a time of elegant celebrations

A crystal chandelier casts a shimmering glow over a holiday-festooned parlor at Albany’s Ten Broek Mansion. Many events open to the public are planned at the restored mansion in the upcoming weeks.

The theme this year is “Christmas Around the World” is the theme this year of the Albany County Historical Association’s Holiday House at the Ten Broeck Mansion, which continues through Saturday, Dec. 20. 

Many activities are planned, including appearances by Sinterklaas, the Dutch Santa Claus, throughout the month.  A Holiday Gift Shop will be open during all events with treasures such as handcrafted gifts, jewelry, decorations, cards, books, prints, herbs, and spices.

The Ten Broeck Mansion is a 216-year-old Federal style home built for Abraham Ten Broeck and his wife, Elizabeth Van Rensselaer, and their family.  It is lovingly preserved by the Albany County Historical Association.

During the holiday season, volunteers from around the Capital Region decorate the home. Decorators include the members of the Albany County Garden Study Club, The Helderview Garden Club, the Bethlehem Garden Club, the Master Gardeners of the Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the Tawasentha Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The Ten Broeck Mansion is located at 9 Ten Broeck Place in Albany, New York. Its first floor is accessible to people using wheelchairs. Ample parking is available behind the garden, which can be accessed from Livingston Avenue. For more information, call 436-9826or go online to tenbroekmansion.org.

Upcoming events will take place at these times:

— On Thursday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m. Donald Cashman, rabbi of the B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation, in Albany,  will give a free lecture on Hanukkah;

— On Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m., the Musicians of Ma’alwyck will perform “A Sprig of Mistletoe, a Garland of Ivy.” Light refreshments will be served. The cost is $25 per person and reservations are encouraged;

— On Saturday, Dec. 13, holiday tea will be served at two seatings for $25 per person or $20 for members of the Albany County Historical Society. The first seating is from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and the second is from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Pre-paid reservations are required;

— On Saturday, Dec. 20, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, a free Children’s Story Hour with Sinterklaas will feature stories, games, refreshments, and crafts appropriate for children 3 to 10 years old; and

— On Saturday, Dec. 20, from 1:30 to 4 p.m., holiday songs will be performed by the Helderberg Madrigal Singers. Coffee and desserts will be served. The cost is $25 per sperson and reservations are suggested.

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