2026 holiday season tickets go on sale on October 15! Brucemore Supporters receive access to a special pre-sale. Donate today to receive pre-sale access and an invitation to our Donor Holiday Preview.

Calling all curious minds looking for a unique night out! Mansion Mixers are your chance to explore Brucemore after hours while diving into fascinating stories from history. Each program includes time for self-guided tours of the mansion, an entertaining presentation from one of our public historians, mocktails in the Tahitian Room, and an activity tied to the evening’s theme. If you’re looking for a fun and casual way to learn something new while connecting with other history fans, then this event is for you!

To celebrate the holidays, our December theme is Twisted Tidings!

This holiday-themed Mansion Mixer uncovers the odd, spooky, and just plain weird ways Victorians celebrated the season. Learn about bizarre holiday cards and the lost tradition of Christmas ghost stories as you sip a drink in the Tahitian Room. As you explore the mansion, search for Krampus figures hidden within the beautiful holiday décor. Your ticket includes snacks and a complimentary drink.

This event has limited capacity and can sell out. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. 

Event Date: December 18

Event Time: 6:00 to 9:00 PM

Event Schedule:

• 6:00 PM: Doors Open
• 6:00 – 8:00 PM: Social Open House (includes self-guided mansion exploration, light snacks to nibble on and a cash bar serving canned beverages)
• 7:15 PM: Presentation in the Tahitian Room*
• 7:45 PM: Presentation in the Tahitian Room*
• 8:15 PM: Holiday Trivia
• 9:00 PM: Evening ends

* Each presentation is the same. Due to capacity limits in the Tahitian Room, attendees will be assigned a presentation time based on order of arrival.

All activities are optional. Choose your own adventure and participate in as much or as little as you’d like!

Event cost:

• $25 General Admission
• Brucemore Supporters receive $5 off per ticket
• A $4 processing fee will be added to all online and phone orders.

What’s included:

• Light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
• Beer samples from Big Grove Brewery
• Self-Guided tour access to the first, second, and third floors
• A presentation in the Tahitian Room

Entry Time Note:
This event is designed to give you unstructured time to explore the mansion. You are welcome to arrive anytime after 6:00 PM and enjoy as much or as little of the social open house as you like. We do not have space to wait inside before doors open. If you arrive before 6:00 PM, we encourage you to enjoy the grounds until the event begins.

Event Cost:

• $25 General Admission
• Brucemore Supporters receive $5 off per ticket
• A $4 processing fee will be added to all online and phone orders.

What’s Included:

• Light snacks and a ticket for one complimentary drink. Additional drinks may be purchased throughout the evening.
• Self-guided access to the first, second, and third floors of the mansion.
• An entertaining presentation in the Tahitian Room. This is not you mama’s history lecture!
• Activities connected to the evening’s theme

Important Event Information:

To help make the most of your visit, we’ve prepared a few tips. If you have any questions that haven’t been answered here, our team is happy to help. Please email us or call 319-362-7375 to reach a Brucemore staff member.

What to Know Before You Go:

•  This presentation will include art depicting the intimately nude feminine form as well as discussion around the topic and is intended for adult audience. Please make the best decision for the participation of your party with this knowledge.
• Light snacks and a ticket for one complimentary canned drink will be provided. Additional hard and soft canned drinks will be available to purchase. Please do not bring outside food or drinks to this event.
• The historic mansion is not wheelchair accessible. There are several stairs to access the first floor, and several flights of stairs to see the other floors. Please make the best decision for the accessibility of your party with this knowledge or call with specific questions. If you need a seat during your visit, a member of our team can show you chairs that are available to use.

 Navigating the Site:

• The entrance to the estate is on Linden Drive. Some GPS systems may try to take you to another gate. This video and this labeled Google Map can help you plan your route to the entrance before you arrive.
• When you arrive on the site, follow signs to the mansion. Parking is available a short walk from the entrance. If parking near the mansion is full, overflow parking is available near the Carriage House, which is a short walk from the mansion.
• Event check-in is inside the mansion. Please enter through the front door, located next to the circle drive.

Ticket and Photo Policies:

• All ticket sales are non-refundable. Please read our ticket policy here.
• At this event, photography and videos may be recorded. By attending this event, you may be included in these photos and videos. Your attendance at this event grants your permission to be in these photos or videos, which may be used for educational, archival, or promotional purposes. If you have concerns about your likeness appearing in these photos and videos, please talk to a staff member when you check in for the event.
• Photography is allowed inside the mansion for personal, non-commercial use. Tripods, selfie-sticks, or other photography equipment are not permitted. Please read our photo policy here.