The annual Holidays at Greystone Mansion returned on Dec. 8 and Dec. 9 with a festive celebration featuring carolers, face painting and a meet-and-greet with characters from “Frozen” to usher in the holiday season. The popular event attracted more than 1,700 visitors over two days. Greystone Mansion was transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a Christmas tree farm, holiday trimmings and even Santa’s reindeer. Families enjoyed activities that included a Bob Baker Marionette Theater performance, writing letters to Santa and making decorations at a holiday craft village.
“We’ve been doing 12 shows a day, and every show is a new chance to engage with the audience,” said Alex Evans, a puppeteer with the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. In front of a grey velvet curtain, the puppet cast included a ballerina, a dog shuffling across the stage and a polar bear ice-skating—much to the delight of the children. “It’s a heartwarming opportunity for kids to interact with the puppets,” Evans explained. “You have kids who are initially intimidated and then warm up to it. It’s a wonderful holiday experience. It’s great to see the whole family out together.”
Ella and Adam St. Amand attended the event with their child and were charmed by the performance. “It’s a lot of fun and interactive,” Ella St. Amand said. “Kids are really paying lots of attention,” she noted, observing the mesmerized audience.
In the crafting village, children had the chance to make festive items, such as watermelon crowns for Yalda and snowman popsicle sticks. The craft tables showcased holiday traditions from various cultures, including Feliz Navidad and Umoja-themed bracelets for Kwanzaa. The Beverly Hills Fire Department’s Spark of Love hosted a toy drive and collected unwrapped toys.
Nami, the beloved Beverly Hills Police Department support dog, appeared at the event dressed as Santa Claus. “Nami is here as part of the police department to bring comfort, support and joy to all the families and kids coming to Holidays at Greystone,” said Nami’s handler, Jackie Lynn. “Yesterday, we had a child who was having a rough time. He came over, started petting her and calmed down. He was able to enjoy the rest of the event.”
Greystone Mansion was adorned with decorations from multiple cultures. Rooms were dedicated to Feliz Navidad, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, with a special dreidel game for children. Carolers in traditional Victorian attire sang holiday favorites at the mansion’s entrance and accepted visitors’ song requests. “It’s about bringing holiday cheer,” said caroler Melissa Clein. “It’s nice to see people smile.”
Inside the mansion, children had the opportunity to meet Elsa and Anna from “Frozen,” dressed in elaborate costumes with a winter wonderland backdrop. “We ask them for their names; we sign little autograph cards, trying to give them an immersive experience,” said Marcelina Kalet, who portrayed Elsa. “Some of the teens and even young adults who were 8 or 10 when the film came out still recognize us,” Kalet continued. “We still see the magic in their eyes. They still see us as part of their childhood era.”
In the storytelling room, Andy Leinbach, manager of the children’s department at the Beverly Hills Public Library, led children through storytime. “We have a selection of Hanukkah, Christmas and winter-themed stories,” Leinbach said. “The highlight for me is definitely seeing the kids’ grins when they really connect with a story.”
In the Santa Claus room, children posed with Santa and marveled at an elaborate gingerbread house in the kitchen. Dressed as Mrs. Claus, Christine Mazanec described the event as an overwhelming success. “We’re making gingerbread cookies, and there are gingerbread houses. It’s a great experience,” she said. “It smells like cookies, and there’s just this warm, friendly feeling.” Mazanec joked that her mother’s maiden name is Claus, so playing the cheery character was her family legacy. A letter-writing station allowed children to send their holiday wishes to Santa. Miguel Garcia, dressed as Santa Claus, agreed that the event was the highlight of his holiday season.
