The Gilded Hudson Holiday: Grand Mansions, Festive Flowers & Winter Illuminations
Art-full members are invited to escape the crowded sidewalks and chaotic tour buses of the city for an intimate, warm, and architectural celebration of the season.
Just 40 minutes north of Manhattan, the Hudson River corridor transforms into a classic winter landscape. This private,small-group day escape pairs two of America’s most striking historic estates dressed in authentic 19th-century holiday splendor with a leisurely waterfront lunch and a dusk garden illumination overlooking the river.
The Experience
Gilded Age Grandeur at Lyndhurst Mansion
Begin the morning inside Jay Gould’s legendary Gothic Revival masterpiece, hosting the world-renowned Fleurs de Villes exhibition. Wander through soaring vaulted parlors and grand galleries brought to life with life-sized, couture mannequins crafted entirely of fresh, fragrant winter blooms by top floral designers. Paired with Lyndhurst's historic holiday decorations and designer trees, it is an extraordinary collision of 19th-century architecture and living, high-fashion botanical art.Fireside Waterfront Dining at Red Hat on the River
Settle in for a warm, restorative midday meal housed inside a restored 1910 industrial boiler factory directly on the water’s edge in Irvington. Enjoy classic French bistro fare, warm cocktails, and sweeping, daylight views of the Hudson River and the Palisades.Intimate Victorian Magic at The Armour-Stiner Octagon House
Step inside one of the most whimsical, architecturally singular homes in the world. This rare, domed 1860s octagonal residence opens its doors for an exclusive, docent-led walk through parlor rooms dressed in authentic 1870s tinsel, antique glass trimmings, and period holiday lore.Dusk Finale: The Grand Holiday Illumination at Untermyer Gardens
As the sun dips behind the river bluffs, walk through the breathtaking Indo-Persian Walled Garden in Yonkers. Over 100,000 brilliant lights bring the historic colonnades, reflection pools, and ancient waterways to life, scored to seasonal global music in the crisp evening air.
Full Schedule:
9:30 AM | Depart from Maman
67 University Pl.
(arrive early to get coffee or a snack for the road!)
10:30 AM | Lyndhurst Mansion featuring Fleurs de Ville
635 S Broadway, Tarrytown
12:15 PM | Lunch at Red Hat on the River
1 Key Rd, Irvington
2:30 PM | Victorian Christmas tour at the Armour-Stiner Octagon House
45 W Clinton Ave, Irvington
4:30 PM | Holiday lights at Untermyer Gardens
945 N Broadway, Yonkers
Approx. 6:30 PM | Return to lower Manhattan
Tickets for Art-full members:
Full experience with round/trip car transit from Manhattan: $150 first release; $160 full price
Activities only (self-driving): $100 first release; $110 full price
Premier members save an additional 20%
What’s Included
Reserved admission and timed-entry access to Lyndhurst Mansion & the Fleurs de Ville “Gilded Age” exhibit
Private, docent-led holiday tour tickets for The Armour-Stiner Octagon House
Prime waterfront table reservations at Red Hat on the River (brunch to be paid separately)
Entry to the Untermyer Gardens Grand Holiday Illumination
Seamless, door-to-door roundtrip transit departing and returning directly to lower Manhattan
Space in the car from Manhattan will be limited for this members-only adventure, so grab your spot and come experience the art, stories, flavors and seasonal magic that make the Hudson Valley unforgettable.
The Art-Full Membership
If you are not yet an Art-full member, we would love to have you join us for as little as $45/month for the basic membership, or $65/month for the upgraded premier membership. You can learn more about all membership levels and join here or reach out to alex@womenofculture.org with any questions.
The membership provides:
Access to member exclusive events like this one
Complimentary tickets to all online events, and select in-person events
Priority access to & discounts on ALL events
Premier members also get priority access to 'culture-tunities' including free VIP passes to exclusive after-hours events at cultural institutions all over the city
All designed to help you live your best, most art-full and socially connected life!