COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster and First Lady Peggy McMaster invite South Carolinians and their families to join them for a Christmas Open House on Monday, December 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Governor's Mansion.

Guests will be greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, with musical entertainment provided by singers Trudy Wilson and Rhoda Paschal, accompanied by harpist Cayli Boyle. Light refreshments will be served, including hot chocolate, cookies, and candy canes. This event is free of charge, open to the public, and no reservations are required. 

The first family asks that Open House guests consider bringing cat or dog food, litter, or toys to be donated to the Pawmetto Lifeline. 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 this week. Featured decorations include Christmas trees from Penland Christmas Tree Farm in York, S.C., and poinsettias provided by the Gilbert High School Future Farmers of America. A gingerbread house replicating Charleston's Pineapple Fountain will also be on display. 

The wreaths throughout the Mansion Complex are made and hung by the Horticulture Division of the South Carolina Department of Corrections. 

In addition to the Open House, regular docent-guided Christmas tours will be held on Dec. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19 at 10:00, 10:30, and 11:00 AM. The tours are free of charge, but reservations are required. Anyone interested in scheduling a tour should call 803-737-1710 or book online at scgovernorsmansion.org.