HAPPY HOLIDAYS AT BARTOW-PELL MANSION IN THE BRONX By Polly Guerin

Raggety Ann Tree

There's magic in the making at the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum in the Bronx where the museum's highly-popular Storybook Christmas Trees, nine trees altogether, are inspired by children's books and decorated by New York City,Westchester and the Bronx interior designers.
   The season's festivities start this Friday, December 5th with the traditional holiday luncheon when guests can indulge their holiday pleasure looking at the lovely trees and browsing for gifts and home-baked goods at the holiday shop (stocked as usual with the help of Kensington Papers.
  That evening the holiday romp continues with Holiday First Friday, music and the convenience of the Bronx Trolley, which makes a continuous loop from the #6 Pelham Bay subway station to Partow-Pell mansion.
   Then, too, let's not forget the Saturday night Holiday Party when it's time to celebrate in style with cocktails and caroling, a delicious buffet dinner, live auction, a raffle with sumptuous prizes, and much, much more reasons to celebrate. Go to the BPMM website to check out the prizes. www.bpmm.org.
   There's more to come including music with the Bronx Arts Ensemble, candlelit tours of the holiday mansion and Victorian carolers---all magical ways to enjoy the holiday season. The annual Family Day: A Storybook Christmas, Saturday, Dec. 6th starts with storytelling in the morning, caroling by the Morrisania Glee Club, holiday crafts and photos with Santa ...space is limited so call Santa to make a reservation..

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

   The spirit of Christmas never seems to end with Saturday's night's part  and the Bronx Arts Ensemble's Holiday concert on Dec. 13, 1 and 3pm and Sunday, December 24, 1 and 3 pm are free, but reservations are required at 718.601.7399.
   It's a magical experience when you experience the mansion by candlelight with costume docents highlighting the 19th-century holiday traditions. Reservations are required.  Please check out costs and make your reservations for all or any of this wonderful events at 718.885.1461
  Dear reader you may wish to ask just who/what is the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, BPMM?. It is a fabled New York City landmark; operated by the private, non-profit Bartow-Pell Conservancy located in Pelham Bay in the Bronx at 895 Shore Road. During the year the mansion and carriage house are open to the public Wed, Sat. and Sun. from noon to 4pm. For more info about Bartow-Pell visit www.bpmm.org.
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