The Holiday Walk at Meadow Brook Hall is an annual event that starts the day after Thanksgiving, spanning three weeks until right before Christmas.

Shannon O’Berksi, director of marketing and community relations at Meadow Brook, said the Holiday Walk was originally a week long and has become a “long-standing tradition.”

“People are going to see things they’re not normally able to see,” she said of the 44 year-old tradition.  “It’s very focused on the holiday.”

Guests purchase tickets in the mansion’s garage and take self-guided tours around the mansion. Docents are at hand to bring the Dodge and Wilson family to life and to provide insight. Garlands, gowns and 44 Christmas trees are displayed around the sprawling mansion.

Adult tickets are $20, although if students show their Grizzly ID the admission price is $5.

In order to get Meadow Brook ready for the hundreds of people who will enjoy the festivities, preparations begin about two weeks in advance.

O’Berski explained that a decorator usually comes in with a team and works closely with the mansion staff to create their vision. Then, a group of volunteers come in to tidy up the mansion and prep the rooms. Finally, the decorator’s crew transforms it into a Christmas wonderland.

The Holiday Walks usually have themes. This year’s theme, “The Era of Etiquette and Art of Gracious Living”, was shown by table settings around the house. One room is set up for a summer tea, another has commemorative china that Matilda Dodge Wilson bought for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. These artifacts are tucked away in the attic for most of the year, but are on full display during the walk to show how graciously the Dodges and Wilsons lived.

Former Holiday Walk themes included “Around the World”, “Sounds of the Season” and “Treasures of Childhood.”

O’Berski suggested that in the future students should take advantage of “OU Night” at the mansion.  This year’s OU Night was held on Dec. 14 from 5-9 p.m. Students and their guests enjoy a discounted rate and refreshments.

Guests also had the option to purchase a ticket to “Holiday Tea”, which happened on the afternoons of Dec. 8 and 15 and included Holiday Walk admission. “Startlight Stroll” and meals with Santa also take place at the mansion during the holidays.

For more information on the Holiday Walk, visit meadowbrookhall.org/programs/holiday-walk/.