Updated at 5:03 p.m., Sunday, December 16, 2007
Washington Place holiday open-house this evening
Advertiser Staff
Washington Place opens its doors to visitors this evening with special holiday performances from Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker Suite" and guided tours of the rooms where Queen Lili'uokalani once lived.The public is welcome to explore the historic home beginning at 5:30 p.m. From 7 to 7:30 p.m., young dancers from Ballet Hawai'i's upcoming production of "The Nutcracker" will perform selections on the outdoor lanai.
Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona Jr. and Vivian Aiona will also welcome visitors to Washington Place. The home will be open until 8:30 p.m.
Guests will be treated to tours of the second floor of the 160-year-old mansion, where two Victorian-era Christmas trees with ornaments handmade by the Washington Place Foundation will be on display.
The main Christmas tree at the mansion this year is reminiscent of the first one displayed on Christmas Eve 1858 for the children of Honolulu at Washington Place by Mary Dominis, Lili'uokalani's mother-in-law.
Guests will be invited to enter a drawing to attend the full performance of "The Nutcracker" by Ballet Hawai'i and Honolulu Symphony on Dec. 21, 22 and 23 at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Names will be drawn at the end of the 7 p.m. performance.
All adult guests attending the celebration should be prepared to present a picture ID. Free parking is available at the Department of Health parking lot at 1250 Punchbowl Street.
