Each year since 1979, The Casements Guild honors the Christmas tradition Mr. John D. Rockefeller started at his Ormond Beach riverside home in 1920.  As a gift to the community, The Casements hosts a holiday extravaganza that spans the entire first weekend in December.  On November 30, December 1, and December 2, The Casements Guild invites you to the 40^th Annual Christmas Gala.  This year’s theme, “A Ruby Red Christmas,” will take guests back to a more traditional Christmas experience.  Decked with dazzling decorations, filled with elaborate trimmed trees, alive with musical entertainment, and packed with handcrafted goodies for sale, the home will put you in the Christmas spirit! 

Come out Friday evening to celebrate the festivities with friends and family. Witness the tree lighting ceremony, take a free train ride throughout the park to visit Santa Claus and Mr. Rockefeller, and enjoy an ice cream social sponsored by Hershey’s Ice Cream of Ormond Beach.  Sing along to your favorite Christmas carols and buy some Christmas presents in the Guild’s holiday shoppes.  Saturday’s celebration focuses on family fun; activities include free train rides, face painting, live music, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and an ice cream social.  On Saturday, food vendors will be available on the North Lawn of The Casements while entertainment will be provided under the Gazebo.  On Sunday, the Guild will host a Holiday Tea Party with seatings at 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Mr. Rockefeller and Fanny Evans will provide the afternoon’s entertainment as guests sip hot tea and savor a catered lunch. 

All weekend long, delight in the home’s décor; from trains running under the main tree and embellished wreaths and bows at every corner, enjoy an elegant Christmas at The Casements.  Tour the first floor’s Christmas trees, donated by local businesses, garnished with twinkling lights and trimmed with tinsel and ornaments.  On the second floor, visit the display of the past 40 years of Christmas beginning with the original bell tree, pop into the Gift Shoppe and Unique Boutique, and buy some treats at the Gourmet Shoppe. Reminisce, be merry, and share love and laughter as you behold “A Ruby Red Christmas.” 

As a gift to the community, there will be no admission fee to this year’s Gala thanks to the generous support of the late Mara Gourley, a former docent, for sponsoring this year’s event.  The Christmas Gala will be held on Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and, Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

The Casements is located at 25 Riverside Drive.  For more information, visit www.thecasements.net or call The Casements at 386-676-3216.