Fonthill Celebrates the Holidays

The castle home of Henry Mercer will be decked out for the holidays in preparation for a series of captivating tours to celebrate the season.  The festivities kick off with the Winter Wonderland Holiday Tours on December 1. In the Winter Wonderland Tours,  guests experience the visual splendor of Fonthill, replete with themed Christmas trees, Victorian decorations and greens throughout the castle.   

Winter Wonderland Tours run until December 31 and reservations are recommended. Winter Wonderland Tours are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $6 for youth, ages 6-17.

Bring the children to Fonthill Park for an afternoon of Holiday Festivities for the Family on Sunday December 9, from noon to 4 p.m.  Guests will enjoy Fonthill's holiday decorations, while sipping hot cider and making a handmade ornament.  Rooms on view during the open house include the Conservatory, Saloon, Library and Morning Room.  More free holiday festivities await guests at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works.  Activities at the Tile Works include self-guided tours, refreshments, holiday music and a visit with Santa.  Holiday Festivities for the Family is free and open to the public at both Fonthill Castle and the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works.

Visitors will enjoy the evening festivities of Fonthill’s Holiday Lights Meander on Saturday, December 15, from 6:30-9:30 p.m.  A departure from the regular daytime guided tours, the Meander allows guests to wander at their own pace through Fonthill’s spectacular rooms to enjoy seasonal decorations, holiday music and refreshments.  Docents are on-hand to answer any questions.  Tours are $20 per person and registration is required. 

Fonthill takes on a candlelight glow for a special evening of Candlelight Holiday Tours on Saturday, December 29. Guests can take this exciting opportunity to walk through 15 of Fonthill’s 44 rooms to learn about Henry Mercer, his decorative tiles, art, life, and passion for collecting, all the while admiring the festive holiday décor.  Tours run from 6:30-9 p.m. and are $15 per person. Registration is required.

For more information, or to register for Fonthill Castle’s holiday tours, call 215-348-9461 or e-mail fhmail@fonthillmuseum.org.  Visit Fonthill on the web at fonthillmuseum.org.

About Fonthill Castle

Henry Mercer's concrete castle home boasts 44 rooms and 18 fireplaces. The interior walls, floors and ceilings are elaborately adorned with an incredible array of Mercer's original handcrafted tiles.  Fonthill has been featured on A&E's "America's Castles" and in Martha Stewart Living magazine. The castle is celebrating its 100th anniversary  in 2012 is open daily for guided tours only. Fonthill is located at East Court Street and Route 313 in Doylestown.  To make a tour reservation, call 215-348-9461 or e-mail fhmail@fonthillmuseum.org.  For hours and admission prices, visit fonthillmuseum.org.