The 2026 Palmer Holiday House Auction
December 3 @ 8:30 pm - December 5 @ 4:00 pm
A Designer Showhouse & Auction
Historic Stonington and the Stonington Garden Club invite you to celebrate the season at Deck the Walls, our annual holiday fundraiser, reimagined this year as the Palmer Holiday House.
Wreaths, Holiday Treasures & Extraordinary Experiences
The event’s signature wreath auction remains at the heart of the celebration, featuring 18 handcrafted wreaths from the Stonington Garden Club, along with approximately 45 additional wreaths and tabletop holiday decorations created by local artists, designers, businesses, and community supporters. The online auction will also feature five exceptional experiences:
Murder at the Palmer House: A private, immersive 1880s murder mystery, complete with hidden clues and theatrical intrigue.
The Lighthouse or Palmer House After Dark: An exclusive evening of historical exploration, stargazing, and champagne.
Séance on the Sound: A theatrical Victorian séance featuring storytelling, illusions, and cocktails in a historic setting.
Palmer’s Secret Garden Party: A private floral-design workshop and champagne luncheon for 8–10 guests.
Holiday Mantel Decoration: Award-winning floral designer and Historic Stonington’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Wood, will personally decorate the winning bidder’s mantel with beautiful seasonal greenery, flowers, and decorative accents.
Visitors can also shop a selection of festive Buy It Now offerings, including potted amaryllis, boxwood trees, and other holiday treasures.
The auction opens Thursday, December 3, at 8:30 pm and closes Saturday, December 5, at 4 pm.
A Beautiful Tradition with a Lasting Purpose
For nearly two decades, Historic Stonington and the Stonington Garden Club have come together to celebrate the holidays and support the preservation and care of Historic Stonington’s treasured landscapes, including the gardens and grounds of the Captain Palmer House and Lighthouse Museum.
Join us for a celebration of creativity, community, history, and holiday spirit—all for a wonderful cause.