TRENTON, N.J. November 20, 2025 — As the holiday season approaches, Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy are once again opening the doors of the People’s House and inviting New Jersey residents to attend The Holidays at Drumthwacket, a longstanding tradition of open house tours at the Governor’s official residence in Princeton.
This year, the Drumthwacket Foundation, in partnership with seven garden clubs from across the state, has decorated each room using fresh arrangements and greenery to complement the historical property and pay tribute to the nation’s 250th anniversary next year. Students from schools throughout the state are sending handmade ornaments to Drumthwacket to help decorate trees on the property to the theme of America’s 250th anniversary.
“Over the past eight years, Phil and I have delighted in opening the doors of the People’s House and inviting our fellow New Jerseyans to enjoy The Holidays at Drumthwacket. This year is particularly meaningful as we reflect not only on our time in office but on the rich and storied history of our nation – including the pivotal role New Jersey has played both as the ‘Crossroads of the American Revolution’ and in the 250 years since,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “I look forward to welcoming families from across New Jersey to visit and enjoy the holidays along with us here at Drumthwacket this season.”
The tours are self-guided and there will be several docents stationed throughout Drumthwacket to answer questions and provide historical information about the property. The open house tours will be held on the following dates:
• Thursday, December 4
• Friday, December 5
• Wednesday, December 10
• Saturday, December 20
• Sunday, December 21
Reservations are required; admission and on-site parking are free of charge. Online registration started on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 9 a.m. To make tour arrangements, visit December Holiday Open Houses – Drumthwacket, the Official Residence of the Governor of New Jersey.
The Holidays at Drumthwacket includes the following display presentations located throughout the public first floor of the residence:
Solarium, The Van Nuys Barn, and Exterior Window Wreaths: Seaweeders Garden Club of Bayhead and Mantoloking
The Solarium reflects a nautical theme based on the importance of sea and ocean victories, featuring a tree adorned with shells, rope, and handmade ornaments with nautical theming filling the entire room.
In the barn, four swags embellish the pillars, decorated with white pine, cedar, juniper and holly branches, pinecones, dried oranges, and berries.
All exterior windows are decorated with evergreen wreaths and festive red bows edged with gold.
Foyer & Van Nuys Event Center Wreath: The Garden Club of Mountain Lakes
The Foyer incorporates Revolutionary War and nautical themes with wreaths that showcase the personal flag of George Washington, along with the flag of France. Nautical touches include oyster shells and jute roping on the tree, staircase, and wrapped gifts. The Kwanzaa display features a dough bowl used to hold traditional fruits, nuts, and gifts.
The focal point wreath at the Van Nuys Event Center is filled with natural elements, including sunflowers, hydrangeas, cockscomb, dried artichokes and orange slices, nuts, and cinnamon sticks.
Dining Room: Essex Fells Garden Club
The Dining Room’s theme is ‘Tea Party’. Decor includes the Silver Punch Bowl from the Battleship NJ, Silver Candelabras on loan from the U.S. Navy, dinner plates exported by the French East India Company to the colonies, and a silver tea set from the Drumthwacket collection. The room is ornamented in dried fruits and magnolia leaves overlaid on mixed greens.
Parlor: Garden Club of Metuchen
The Parlor reflects Washington’s heroic crossing of the Delaware River. The decor features the bow of a boat encasing the Christmas tree and an American Flag, while incorporating elements of the winter weather and Continental uniforms, with various greens and Christmas decor found in 18th century homes.
Music Room: West Trenton Garden Club
The music room’s decor will reflect The Battle of Trenton. Thirteen candles on the mantle honor the colonies, while the Christmas tree and holiday decor feature natural greens, dried fruit, and cinnamon sticks inspired by homes in 1776.
Library: Keyport Garden Club
The library will display greenery, handmade ornaments and decor, and seasonal aromatic elements that commemorate the significance of the Battle of Monmouth.
Governor’s Study and Gate Wreaths: Warren Garden Club
The room is adorned with holiday decorations featuring a mix of fresh and dried botanicals, while a key display reflects a miniature replica of the Battle of Princeton.
Entrance gate wreaths feature fresh and dried botanicals, along with feathers, and lush red and gold ribbon.
