Abilene CVB
Abilene, Kansas – Step into a holiday tradition at the Historic Seelye Mansion as Seelye in Lights returns for three evenings in December. Visitors are invited to experience the 120-year-old mansion beautifully illuminated and dressed in holiday splendor on Saturdays, December 6, 13, and 20 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Guests will enjoy light refreshments, live music, and a self-guided tour through the mansion’s stunning rooms, each decorated for the season. Tickets will be available at the door for $10 for adults and $5 for students.
The Seelye Mansion’s Christmas celebrations date back more than a century. On December 25, 1905, the first Christmas dinner was served in the dining room to honor the golden anniversary of Mason and Ellen Seelye. The following year, the mansion hosted a grand Christmas Ball with more than 300 guests who marveled at an 11,000-square-foot winter wonderland. One of the most memorable moments was the unveiling of a rare Christmas flower, the poinsettia, shipped by rail from California for its first appearance in Kansas.
That same holiday spirit continues today with over 65 decorated Christmas trees, nearly 100 live poinsettias throughout the 25-room home, and hundreds of nutcrackers that bring warmth and festive charm to every corner.
Terry Tietjens, the Seelye Mansion Board of Directors, and dedicated volunteers welcome guests to enjoy this seasonal experience.
