Frank Phillips Home Holiday Events

“The Christmas season is a special time to visit the Frank Phillips Home, which will open in full holiday splendor on Frank Phillips’ birthday, Saturday, November 28, and will delight adults and children alike,” said Kim Goss, Volunteer and Events Coordinator.

Beautiful poinsettia arrangements grace the front foyer, and the grand stairway is trimmed with garland. The first floor decorations include festive floral arrangements, and there are Christmas trees in the music room, library, and sunroom.

Visitors will see the traditional centerpiece used by Jane Phillips when entertaining guests and family during the holiday season, Goss said. “The centerpiece, approximately four feet long, is a snow scene with Santa Claus and his sleigh. Along the sides of the sleigh are small wrapped gifts attached to ribbons that run across the table to each guest’s place setting.”

According to the Home’s director, Jim Goss, when Aunt Jane gave permission, each guest would pull the string in front of them and the gift attached to it would be theirs. The second floor features wreaths, beautiful trees and floral arrangements. Of particular interest are handmade jeweled cone-shaped trees in Mrs. Phillips’ bedroom. Frank’s bedroom showcases a money tree and other Christmas items. The third floor features a nine-foot tree decorated in ribbons, small birds, and hundreds of candy canes.

On December 13, from 2 to 4 p.m., the Home and the Jane Phillips Society invite parents and children to “Santa’s Cottage,” located just to the south of the mansion. Re-enactors Brandon and Rachael Reid portray Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and visit with children of all ages. JPS volunteers serve homemade cookies and punch. There is no charge for the Santa’s Cottage event.

Also on December 13, from 2 to 4 p.m., the “Santa Walk” provides fun for all ages. Visitors are invited to stroll through the three floors of the Home and visit with the historic Santa Clauses. This is a juried group of re-enactors from around the state who have studied the history of Saint Nicolas and other Christmas legends from around the world, dating back to the 16th century, Goss explained. Each re-enactor has a particular Santa that they portray, the most modern being 1907.

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Admission for the Santa Walk is $5 for adults, $2 for children 11 and under, plus tax. Tuba Christmas will perform at 3:30 p.m. that afternoon on the front porch of the mansion. “It’s not every day that you’ll see this,” Kim Goss noted. “A group approximately 50 tuba and euphonium players performing holiday classics in a free outdoor concert, and anyone with the right instruments can join in.” Bartlesville High School band director Alex Claussen, is in charge of this tradition which started at New York’s Rockefeller Center in 1974 and has played out in 200 cities around the world.

The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and enjoy this beautiful concert. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Bartlesville High School. The Home will be closed for the Christmas holidays December 23-25. It is closed the month of January for staff training, cleaning and archival work. For more information about the Home, hours of operation and tour times, call 918.336.2491, Ext. 103.