The highly anticipated Holidays at Greystone is back again this year and promises to be a very festive event for families ready to celebrate the season. The annual fest, which opened up to reservations in early November, received an overwhelming response, selling out in less than a week, according to organizers. More than 1,600 guests had already made reservations and about 400 people were signed up on the waitlist, as of press time. For those who are lucky to have a scheduled reservation, the event will take place this weekend, Sat., Dec. 3, and Sun., Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Greystone Mansion & Gardens. The iconic building and grounds will be transformed into a bedecked indoor-outdoor space, with interactive experiences, multicultural themes and decorations, live music, caroling, dancing, craft-making, and storytelling, and a show in the newly restored Greystone Theatre by the popular Bob Baker Marionette Theater company. Santa and Mrs. Claus and their sleigh will be there, too, with lots of opportunities for photos or for children to share wish lists.
“We are thrilled to bring back this multicultural holiday wonderland to Greystone for families and friends to enjoy new and exciting interactive activities,” Jenny Rogers, Beverly Hills Community Services Director, told the Courier. “This spectacular and festive space will feature fun, enriching experiences, including the treasured Bob Baker Marionette show in the historic Greystone Theatre. Bob Baker Marionette is the oldest children’s theater company in Los Angeles, and they have been creating childhood memories since 1963. We look forward to creating more fond memories for everyone.”
Meant to be an annual celebration, the holiday event debuted in 2019, but was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic. Held outdoors last year, the event has now expanded to be both indoors and outdoors, and added more activities, including Mostly Kosher, an acclaimed klezmer rock band, providing music for a dance party on the Terrace at 11 and 1:30. Performing for the first time in the Greystone Theatre, Bob Baker Marionette Theater will present its Holiday Spectacular, an inclusive, seasonal variety show. A romp through the holidays, the musical will introduce a cast of merrymaking marionettes, including Rudolph and his very red nose, ice-skating snowmen and plucky penguins, plus a celebration of the eight nights of Hanukkah and more. The marionettes also will be on hand for the audience to engage with and pose for photos after the show. And the city’s Arts and Culture Division is partnering with the Beverly Hills Fire Department for this year’s Spark of Love toy drive. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy as a gift to donate to children in need.
Reservations are required for guests 2 years old and above. For patrons who have already booked their reservations, which became available in November, or are lucky to make it off the extensive waiting list, highlights of the two-day celebration include: Bob Baker Marionettes in the Greystone Theatre, four shows daily; Mostly Kosher klezmer rock band and dance party, 11a.m., 1:30 p.m.; Children’s Craft Village with five festive craft stations; Beverly Hills Public Library story time in the South Guest Room; Santa Claus in the Breakfast Room for photos with guests; Mrs. Claus in the Kitchen for candid photos; holiday photo opportunities with festive backdrops for all; roaming carolers dressed in classic holiday attire; and the Spark of Love Toy Drive donation drop inside the mansion.
Holidays at Greystone will be held at Greystone Mansion & Gardens, located at 905 Loma Vista Drive in Beverly Hills, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and parking will be available on site. Trolley service will also be offered from Two Rodeo to Greystone from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with pickups every half hour, though wait times may vary. Guests with reservations are asked to call 310-285-6830 to confirm their schedule and ensure arrival at their specific reservation time. Greystone Mansion & Gardens, usually open daily to the public, will be closed to the general public during the event.
“Holidays at Greystone is truly a magical experience that I know families look forward toand this year, we are bringing even more to the community than ever before,” Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse told the Courier. “Set in our historic Greystone Mansion, carolers, theater performances, dancing, and dazzling décor will make these two days such a beautiful special experience that will fill our hearts with joy and wonder.”
For more information about Holidays at Greystone, or to add your name to the waitlist, visit the Holidays at Greystone section of Beverlyhills.org.
