Tower Grove House is open Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., through December 29 and nightly during Garden Glow (5:30–9:30 p.m.; line closes at 9 p.m.) through January 4.
Operating hours subject to change or closure. Please consult Visitor Services at the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center for daily operating status.
Experience Victorian Christmas traditions as Garden founder Henry Shaw's country home Tower Grove House is decked for the holidays. Learn more about the origins of Christmas, how the holiday would have been celebrated during Henry Shaw’s time, and what would have been popular in Victorian St. Louis.
Plants popular during the Victorian era take centerstage in the home as we share the roots of some of our favorite holiday plants. Capturing hearts around the world, figures like Santa come to life through literature during this time period. Decorating trees and feasting on treats derived from plants are still family favorites, while sending cards to loved ones and singing carols brings holiday cheer to all. Garden clubs, staff, and volunteers take inspiration from these plants and traditions to inform displays that represent a Victorian trend. Explore these elements of a Victorian Christmas and learn more about the way that the world Henry Shaw lived in shaped some of our favorite holiday traditions and plants we use today.