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The public is invited to a Christmas open house from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at historic Washington Place.
Visitors will be offered a guided stroll through the 163-year-old home and learn how Mary Dominis, widow of Capt. John Dominis, helped establish the Christmas tree, Santa Claus and other holiday customs in the islands.
Dominis is said to have grown a Christmas tree in her garden from a sprig that arrived by ship. On Christmas Eve 1858, she decorated the tree for a grand party she hosted for 100 children and their parents. Washington Place later became the home of Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii’s last monarch.
Although the upstairs chamber, open in years past, will be closed this year for repairs, the Christmas trees of Washington Place, including a tree reminiscent of the 1858 tree Dominis decorated, will be on view along with a "Hawaiian" tree dedicated to the children of the Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust on the first floor. The St. Andrew’s Cathedral Choir, directed by John Renke, will perform from 6 to 7 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the Washington Place Foundation. Reservations are required; call 586-0248 by Thursday. A $5 donation to the Washington Place Foundation is suggested for adults and will be used for preservation and program purposes.
Adults may be required to present a photo ID and may be subject to bag inspection. No large bags will be permitted. Free parking will be available at the state Department of Health (Kina‘u Hale Building) parking lot by entering off Miller Street.