KAUKAUNA — Visitors to the Grignon Mansion are invited to step back in time to the Christmas of 1848 as the Friends of the Charles A. Grignon Mansion host their annual Candlelight Christmas tours.
The 2026 tours will be Friday, Dec. 4; Saturday, Dec. 5; Friday, Dec. 11; and Saturday, Dec. 12. Hours are 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays with the last tour scheduled for 6 p.m.
Because there is no electricity in the home, guests who prefer natural light are encouraged to visit before sunset. There are also stairs in the house which might pose mobility challenges.
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary it should be remembered that the Grignon family has roots in North America that go back to the time when Wisconsin was part of New France. They were well established fur traders who settled in this area before the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Back then, the holidays would have been celebrated at the Mansion in the Woods by three generations of the family from Grand Pere Augustin to Baby Maggie, aunts, uncles and guests. Charles built the mansion in 1837 as a gift for his bride Mary Elizabeth Meade. They raised nine children in the home. The Mansion reflects the high style of East Coast fashion and luxury unseen in the Wisconsin wilderness.
Even though this family-friendly event will not be serving the Meade family fruit cake made with a cup of brandy and a cup of wine, it will offer warm mulled or chilled cider and cookies for visitors. Local musician Cy Mader will be performing holiday selections on Saturday, Dec. 12.
Help is always welcome at events. Contact the Friends at www.grignonmansion.org for more information on becoming a volunteer.
The Historic Grignon Mansion is located at 1313 Augustine St. in Kaukauna.
