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Step into Victorian Christmas Magic at The Octagon House in Irvington, NY - Irvington

Step into Victorian Christmas Magic at The Octagon House in Irvington, NY

Irvingtoneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1 hour

Fitness Level

Visitors should be comfortable standing and walking up and down stairs over the course of the tour.

Overview

Explore a uniquely festive Victorian Christmas tour at The Octagon House in Irvington, NY. Discover how 19th-century holiday traditions shaped modern celebrations in this architecturally stunning historic home.

Irvington, New York

Victorian Christmas at the Octagon House

Guided Tour with 19th Century Holiday Decor

Photography Tour
Walking Tour

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About This Adventure

Experience the magic of the holiday season at The Octagon House, adorned in Victorian elegance. Explore beautifully decorated rooms featuring wreaths, garlands, and three magnificent Christmas trees. This enchanting tour not only showcases antique holiday décor but also immerses you in the rich history that shaped modern American traditions, evoking warmth and togetherness.

Duration

1 Hour

Description

Celebrate the holiday season in Victorian splendor at The Octagon House. All rooms in the house will be decorated with wreaths, garlands, and the sparkle of ornaments on three grand Christmas trees. While exploring the colorful history of this one-of-a-kind home, visitors will see stunning examples of antique holiday décor and learn about the ways the decades of the late 19th century shaped our modern American holiday traditions. The experience is sure to conjure a feeling of warmth and togetherness!

General Information

Our tours are conducted by highly trained docents and include both the exterior and interior of the home.

Tickets are required for all guests, including those under the age of 18. This experience is best suited for ages 12 and up - babies and toddlers (although delightful) are not appropriate to bring along for the tour.

Free parking is available on site, along our driveway or in the circle in front of The Octagon House, but it is limited. Please do not park on West Clinton Avenue.

We ask that you please arrive no more than 15 minutes before your tour time and depart within 15 minutes of the end of your tour. If possible, please carpool if coming as a group. This allows us to make sure all ticketed visitors have access to parking on the grounds.

The tour is not recommended for individuals who will have difficulty walking up and down three flights of stairs or those who cannot stand for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.

We have limited restroom facilities, so we recommend planning ahead and using the restroom before arriving at The Octagon House. Especially during busy times, our restroom may be unavailable prior to the start of your tour.

Please leave all large belongings at home or in a vehicle, including luggage, large bags, tripods, and other similar items.

Picnicking is not allowed on the grounds or the veranda, and food and drink are not allowed inside the house. Please make plans to enjoy your meal at another location, and leave these items in your vehicle while on the property.

Pets are also not allowed inside the house or on the grounds whatsoever.

Photography

Non-flash photography is allowed inside the house, and we encourage sharing your tour experience on social media. Tag us in your posts! The Armour-Stiner Octagon House can be found on Facebook and Instagram.

Please refrain from using selfie sticks, tripods, or any other photography equipment while on the tour. For more information regarding photo shoots or commercial photography, please reach out to us at info@armourstiner.com before making a reservation.

Private Home

The Octagon House is a private home. For this reason, we do not allow access to the gardens and grounds without a ticketed reservation, and certain areas of the home may not be available for viewing. We appreciate your cooperation in respecting these boundaries.

While touring, please stay with your guide and refrain from touching walls, finishes, furniture & objects. Please help us continue to preserve this magnificent home and its furnishings well into the future!

National Trust for Historic Preservation

A discount is available for members of The National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, please email info@armourstiner.com before making reservations.

Adventure Tips

Arrive on time and plan parking

Please arrive no more than 15 minutes before your tour and use on-site parking carefully as space is limited.

Prepare for stair climbing

The tour includes three flights of stairs and requires standing for periods, so be prepared for moderate mobility demands.

Photography rules

Non-flash photography is allowed but selfie sticks and tripods are prohibited to protect the home’s interiors.

Respect the home’s preservation

Stay with your guide and avoid touching furniture or surfaces to help maintain the historic house’s condition.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Eastern Gray Squirrel
  • Peregrine Falcon (occasionally spotted near the Hudson River)

History

Designed in the 1860s by Joseph B. Armour, the Octagon House is one of the few domed octagonal homes in the U.S., reflecting a unique architectural experiment of the period.

Conservation

Tours are carefully managed to protect the historic property, with strict visitor guidelines preserving its interior and exterior for future generations.

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Adventure Hotspots in Irvington

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Essential for navigating the stairs and walking around the house comfortably.

winter specific

Warm jacket or coat

Essential

Irvington winters can be chilly; dress warmly, especially for exterior portions of the tour.

winter specific

Camera or smartphone

Essential

Capture the festive décor but remember to avoid flash and bulky equipment.

Reusable water bottle

Stay hydrated before or after your tour, though water is not available inside the house.