Each December, the Governor’s Residence in Hartford transforms into one of Connecticut’s most beloved holiday destinations: a historic home filled with trees, artwork, music, and a sense that the entire state has come together to celebrate. As Governor Ned Lamont puts it, “Decorating the Governor’s Residence for the Christmas season is a Connecticut tradition, and I love having the opportunity to share the holiday spirit with everyone.”
On December 5 and 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the public is invited to experience that tradition firsthand at the 35th annual Holiday Open House, a two-day celebration completely powered by generosity. Every Christmas tree, wreath, poinsettia, dining room display, and gingerbread house is donated by Connecticut growers, artists, designers, and museums, at no cost to the state.
Behind that generosity is a network of passionate partners, including Jones Family Farms, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, museums, designers, musicians, volunteers, and a dedicated DAS facilities team that prepares year-round to open the residence's doors to the public.
Preparing a Celebration Months in Advance
For Carol O’Shea, who oversees the residence for the Department of Administrative Services, planning begins almost as soon as one year’s festivities wrap up.
“We start thinking about the next year when the current one wraps up!….what worked, what didn’t, what could be fun for the next year….” she said. Calls to designers, decorators, musicians, and growers begin in August, though the ideas come much earlier.
For newcomers, O’Shea describes the event as a joyful kickoff to the season:
“I think visiting during the open house is a wonderful way to kick off your holiday spirit, as we showcase talent from around the state…visitors can get decorating ideas from local designers and our generous green growers, view beautiful art from local museums, and listen to live music. We spend months planning so our guests can spend a few minutes touring this beautiful historic home.”
Dozens of people are involved, from green growers and musicians to gingerbread bakers and volunteers. Within DAS, O’Shea highlights the dedication of colleagues:
“Jeff (Waller) and Kyle (Sullivan), who try and make all of our Open House wishes come true (no matter how difficult or ridiculous my requests are!), Don (Gunderson) and Ed (Faitella), our wonderful cooks who take such good care of all our volunteers that do the decorating as well as the volunteers that staff the Open House year after year.”
She also praised Stephanie Snyder, who “is our on-site manager during the entire weekend, managing our volunteers and musical guests and supervising our ornament sales.”
O’Shea cherishes the moment the event truly comes alive:
“When the doors open, and the children’s choir starts to sing.”
Some memories stand out more than others:
“Things that went horribly wrong are what stands out most, but we try and keep those stories in house 😉, but a favorite memory may be the year we had an elementary school sign language club come to perform, it was so beautiful!”
DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman added her gratitude:
“Carol O’Shea and her amazing team pour their hearts into this event every single year. Their creativity, attention to detail, and dedication make the Holiday Open House one of Connecticut’s most cherished traditions. I encourage everyone who can to stop by, enjoy the beauty they’ve created, and bring along a contribution to support Operation E.L.F. and the military families who need us this season.”
A Partnership Rooted in Connecticut Agriculture
Among the most striking elements of the open house each year are the Christmas trees, wreaths, and greenery that fill the residence with seasonal fragrance. Many come from one of the state’s most iconic agricultural businesses: Jones Family Farms in Shelton, where the Jones family has grown Christmas trees for generations.
“My grandfather started growing evergreen trees as a 4H project in the 1930’s. He never intended to start an iconic Christmas Tree farm after selling the first trees in 1947. The family is honored to continue the tradition of growing trees for families throughout the northeast,” said Jamie Jones, Farmer and Director of Agricultural and Business Operations.
The farm’s partnership with the open house began years ago. “We started during Gov. Rell. It’s humbling to be able to provide the trees!” he said.
What does he hope visitors notice?
“Their natural beauty. Each tree is individually pruned every year to highlight the growth habit of the variety.”
Growing that beauty takes years:
“Trees average growth is a foot per year once they are established in the field. A typical 8 foot tree is 10 years old. Every year the tree must be pruned, fertilized, and mowed. There is more year round care to a tree than most people think about.”
This year, the hard work shows:
“Trees look very nice this year, after a good growing season.”
When Connecticut families choose a tree, Jamie hopes they savor the experience:
“Families should enjoy the experience of visiting a farm, walking through the fields and the excitement of discovering the perfect tree for their home. They should know they are supporting a local business that cares about the land and tree fields provide habitat for wildlife, pollinating insects and birds.”
Jones Family Farms also produces strawberries in June, blueberries in July, pumpkins and fall produce in late September and October, flowers in May, and wine year-round.
DoAg: Highlighting the Pride of Connecticut’s Growers
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DoAg) views the Holiday Open House as a meaningful opportunity to highlight the beauty, diversity, and economic importance of CT Grown farm products. Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt said, “The agency is honored to support the event and work with partners across state government to ensure that Christmas trees, flowers, seasonal greenery, and other farm-grown decorations are prominently displayed at the Governor’s Residence.”
Hurlburt emphasized that Connecticut’s farmers bring both generosity and pride to their work—qualities evident each year in the decorations they donate. He noted that growers frequently step up for their communities, whether by contributing food, supporting charitable causes, or lending a hand when needed. Showcasing their craftsmanship in the Governor’s Residence, he said, brings joy to both the farmers and the thousands of visitors who admire their work.
DoAg’s collaboration with DAS extends far beyond the holidays. The DAS business office supports essential functions that help DoAg fulfill its mission, including hiring staff, managing grant funding for the agricultural community, and purchasing equipment and supplies. Events like the open house, Hurlburt said, help bring that day-to-day support “full circle” by giving personal meaning to the partnership.
He also hopes visitors recognize how deeply holiday traditions are connected to supporting small agricultural businesses. More than nine out of ten farms in Connecticut are small businesses, and families who decorate their homes, choose gifts, or prepare holiday meals have countless opportunities to buy local.
For those bringing home a real Christmas tree this year, Hurlburt offers one simple piece of advice: “Once you get your real CT Grown Christmas tree home, keep it hydrated to maintain freshness longer. It’s best to check and refill the water daily, if not more often.”
Art, Music, and Community Spirit Fill the Residence
Decorations and displays this year come from:
- Jones Family Farms
- Connecticut Nurserymen’s Foundation
- Connecticut Greenhouse Growers Association
- Kathryn Hunt Studios
- Front Door Designs
- Charter Oak International Academy
- Taste by Spellbound
- Garden Club of Hartford
- New Britain Museum of American Art
- Wadsworth Atheneum
- Local musicians will fill the residence with holiday music, including school choirs, jazz performers, and the Plainville Wind Ensemble.
Giving Back Through the Season
Admission is free, but visitors may donate toys for Toys for Tots or contribute to the Connecticut National Guard’s Operation E.L.F., which supports families experiencing deployment-related hardship.
After the Last Guest Leaves
Decorations remain up for three weeks of state holiday events. After that:
“Most of the décor is returned to the designers, the live plants we TRY and keep alive to use from year to year… the amazing Gingerbread house is returned back to the bakery. Many of the poinsettias that are still in good shape after the events, the Governor has brought them to a local soup kitchen to brighten their tables.”
A Tradition That Grows Stronger Each Year
What does O’Shea hope visitors take away?
“How absolutely generous and talented our fellow CT residents are!”
Asked what she hopes to add someday, she didn’t hesitate:
“Live Reindeer!!”
This December, the doors of 990 Prospect Avenue will open once again, inviting the public to step inside a celebration of beauty, community, and Connecticut tradition.
