Celebrate 'Holidays with Friends' In East Haddam

EAST HADDAM, CT - The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park is pleased to announce that Gillette Castle will be open for tours this holiday season. The former estate of actor William Gillette, famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, will be decorated in a rustic style that compliments its unique interior.

According to a press release, Gillette Castle will be open to the public for tours on weekends only between Nov. 23 and Dec. 23 on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (last ticket sold at 8 p.m.) and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last ticket sold at 3:30 p.m.). Bring your family and friends to enjoy one of the most recognized landmarks of the Connecticut River Valley.

Outdoor entertainment during the holiday season will include bonfires, carolers and musicians. Live performances on the grounds will be at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. There will be an ongoing children’s scavenger hunt that includes the museum, visitor center and cider mill.

William and Helen Gillette, as portrayed by Harold and Theodora Niver, will greet guests in the castle on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. Rumor has it Santa and Mrs. Claus may make a few appearances as well. Follow the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park Facebook page for updates on various events and appearances.

The Sherlock Grill will be open weekends during the holiday season and serving a winter menu. Additionally, the Friends of Gillette Gift shop will be open weekends in the Visitor Center.

Tickets to tour the castle can be purchased upon arrival at the Visitors Center. Pre-purchase tickets online at reserveamerica.com beginning Nov. 16. The museum entrance fee is $6 for general admission, $2 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under, CT Disabled Veterans pass holders and those CT seniors who hold Charter Oak passes.

The castle was decorated by many dedicated volunteers and friends including: Ballek’s Garden Center, Dominion Energy Employees, East Haddam Business Association, East Haddam Economic Development Commission, East Haddam Stage Company, Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Watershed, Friends of Dinosaur Park and Arboretum, Friends of Gillette Castle State Park , Friends of Hammonasset State Beach, Friends of Pachaug Forest, Friends of Rathbun Library, Friends of Sunrise-Macamoodus State Park, Goodspeed’s Station Country Store, Japanese Society of Greater Hartford, Office of Representative Melissa Ziobron, Sherlock Grill and the Yuris Family.

This program was made possible by the efforts of the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park in conjunction with State Representative Melissa Ziobron. Funding for the program was provided in thanks to a generous grant from Dominion Energy.

Gillette Castle was purchased by the State of Connecticut in 1943. It is owned and operated by Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The property includes the castle, the visitor center, concessions, and just over 200 acres of property with miles of trails.

The museum will be open weekends only. Castle tours and program of events are subject to change in the event of inclement weather. The grounds of Gillette Castle State Park are open daily, year-round, from 8 a.m. until sunset. Gillette Castle State Park is located at 67 River Road in East Haddam.

Founded in 1998, the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that is dedicated to the preservation, conservation and education of the castle and its grounds. We are always accepting new members.

Contributed press release.

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