COLUMBIA, S.C. — Governor Henry McMaster, First Lady Peggy McMaster, and the First Family invite South Carolinians and their families to join them for a Christmas Open House on Monday, December 9, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Governor's Mansion. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves will be present to greet guests, and hot cocoa and cookies will be served. The event is free of charge, open to the public, and no reservations are required.

The First Family asks that open house guests consider bringing canned goods to be donated to the Harvest Hope Food Bank. The donations will be accepted at the entrance to the Governor's Mansion.

The Columbia Garden Club, which has decorated the Governor's Mansion for Christmas every year since 1981, began decorating earlier this week when the Governor's Mansion received live Christmas trees from Price's Christmas Tree Farm of Lexington and poinsettias grown by the Future Farmers of America from Lexington Technology Center, all of which will be on display during the open house.

Governor's Mansion Executive Chef Jared Hudson and his team will build a South Carolina farm scene out of gingerbread. Wreaths within the Mansion Complex will be made and hung by the Horticulture Division of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, candy is being donated by Lowes Foods, and the A.C. Moore Bobcat Chorus will provide entertainment.  

Regular docent-guided Christmas tours will be on Tuesday-Thursday mornings, December 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19 at 10:00, 10:30, and 11:00. They are also free of charge, but are by reservation only. Anyone interested in scheduling a tour should call Nancy Bunch at (803) 737-1710.