Celebrate the season while supporting the preservation of this Jefferson County gem.
Jefferson City, TENN — A timeless Jefferson County tradition returns this December as Glenmore Mansion opens its doors for the annual Holiday Tours. The event, running the first two weeks of December 2025 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., invites guests to experience the warmth and wonder of a Victorian Christmas inside one of East Tennessee’s most extraordinary historic homes.
Built in 1868 by John Roper Branner, Glenmore Mansion is celebrated as one of the finest examples of Second Empire architecture in the Southeast. The grand, three-story, 27-room home rises 30 feet above its roofline, offering a striking presence that has made it a landmark in Jefferson City for more than 150 years. As the only public house museum in Jefferson County, Glenmore provides visitors with a rare glimpse into Tennessee’s Victorian past.
The mansion has been open to the public since 1972, originally operated by the APTA Glenmore Chapter and now managed by the Glenmore Preservation Society, a volunteer-led nonprofit that has overseen the property since 2019. Beautifully furnished with original and period-appropriate pieces, Glenmore transports guests to a bygone era and serves not only as a museum but also as a sought-after event and wedding venue that continues to enrich Jefferson County’s tourism and community life.
During the Holiday Tours, guests can explore the lavishly decorated rooms at their own pace, with knowledgeable docents in each space sharing the home’s history and festive traditions. The evening concludes in the grand dining room, where visitors are treated to cookies and warm wassail, a signature touch that has become a cherished part of the Glenmore holiday experience.
Tickets are available for purchase on the front porch the night of the event; no reservations are required. Friday and Saturday evenings feature live piano performances by students of Mrs. Julie Wright’s Studio, while December 5 and 7 will include special performances by the Southern Sapphire A Cappella Quartet directed by Diane McGrath of Jefferson City.
Tickets are available for purchase on the front porch; no reservations are required. Guests can enjoy festive live music throughout the tour season, beginning December 5 with a performance by the Southern Sapphire A Cappella Quartet, directed by Diane McGrath of Jefferson City. On December 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14, students from Mrs. Julie Wright’s Piano Studio will fill the mansion with seasonal melodies, adding to the charm of each evening. On December 13 from 6:00–7:00 p.m., the Carter Alumni Choir will perform, bringing rich harmonies and holiday cheer to the grand halls of Glenmore.
Children ages 12 and under can enjoy the “Find a Mouse in the House” activity, searching for hidden mouse silhouettes in each room and receiving a Christmas candy cane treat upon completion.
Entirely volunteer-operated, the Glenmore Mansion Association dedicates countless hours to preserving and sharing this historic home with the public. The Holiday Tours serve as Glenmore’s largest annual fundraiser, with proceeds directly supporting preservation efforts, restoration projects, and ongoing community programming that keeps this Jefferson County treasure alive for future generations. For more information about 2025 Holiday Tours or for inquiries about group tours, visit GlenmoreMansion.com or on their Facebook and Instagram pages @glenmoremansion.
