The Henry B. Plant Museum has made it almost impossible not to get into the Christmas spirit when entering their 29th annual Victorian Christmas Stroll.
The museum, which has been transformed into a Christmas-themed historical wonderland, invites visitors to stroll through the various decorated rooms, which highlight momentous and cherished memories related to Plant Hall’s previous Tampa Bay Hotel.
“Each year the stroll offers something new,” said staff member Scott Waltz, who has been working at the museum for three years.
Every stroll offers new themes, including the decorations and the style of the trees.
“One of the new additions, which is also my favorite, is the ‘Where’s Henry?’ game,” said Waltz. “It engages the visitors more and adds a fun addition to the stroll.”
The game consists of a sheet of paper listing the 15 spots throughout the museum where a small picture of Henry is hidden. The “stroller” must write down a description of his placement in each spot in order to receive a prize.
In the evening, a barbershop quartet comes to sing Christmas classics beneath the ceiling-high tree at the end of The Grand Hallway, an inviting aspect all on its own.
Each room is decorated with a Christmas tree by theme. The room titled “Exotic Souvenirs from Plant’s Travels” hosts a pink tree hung with tropical birds and fruit ornaments, while the room titled “Women and their Past Times” displays a tree topped with a large, feathered hat, as well as feathered bird ornaments to compliment the Victorian-style hats.
In the “Reading and Writing Room” a rocking chair sits next to a burning fireplace, with a note saying, “Santa’s coming,” in regards to a jolly Santa Claus who will be making an appearance on December 23rd from 10-1 p.m. at the stroll.
The gift shop is also a magnificent site, decorated with large wreaths and its own small Christmas trees throughout.
Many of the gifts are geared towards the holiday season, like the hand crafted poinsettia earrings, cream and red colored stockings, beautiful ornaments, and dinnerware; from plates to napkins and even salt shakers, all embellished with Christmas flavor.
“The stroll is essential to the operation of the museum,” said Waltz.
“We get a lot of support from locals who take the stroll as a tradition each year, as well as new visitors.”
The Victorian Christmas stroll is a fun and lively holiday centered event to take advantage of, whether you want to check out the many types of Christmas trees decorated, buy something from the gift shop or learn some interesting history about the hotel.
Open everyday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., now until December 23rd, the stroll is free for students, $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7 for children.
Alexa Erickson can be reached at alexaerickson16@gmail.com.