Laketown Winterfest kicks off holiday celebrations at historic Felt Mansion

Winterfest kicked off the holiday season at The Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave., in Laketown Township on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. Hundreds of people enjoyed the free celebration at the historic mansion that included cupcakes, face painting, horse-drawn carriage rides and a visit with Santa Claus.

The event was sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

Upcoming holiday events include:

Self-guided tours

Holiday self-guided tours begin Monday, Dec. 5, and run Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Dec. 28.

Using a tour booklet, guests learn about the Felt Estate and its history, including architectural and historical details. The Felt Mansion is handicap accessible on the first floor only. Visitors must be able to navigate steps to view the upper levels.

Tour tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors over 62, and free admission for children under 12. Arrive before 3 p.m. No need to purchase tickets for self-guided tours in advance. Cash or credit card accepted.

The mansion is promoting Ben’s Big Art Box, a non-profit that puts craft supplies in the hands of children at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Bring in a craft supply to any of the self-guided tours receive $5 off the price of the tour.

Guided tours

Led by restoration specialist and Director of the Felt Estate Patty Meyer, guided tours entertain and inform about the restoration project. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door if tickets are not sold out online.

Guided tour dates are Dec. 10 (6 p.m.), Dec. 11 (2 p.m.), Dec. 17 (6 p.m.), Dec. 18 (2 p.m.), Dec. 23 (Candlelight Tour 6 p.m.), Dec. 30 (6 p.m.). and Jan. 1 (2 p.m.).

Guided tours cost $25 per person. Tickets will be available online through Eventbrite. Free passes may not be used for guided holiday tours. Tours last aboiut 1.5 hours.

Taste and Tours

Music groups Jive at Five performs Dec. 9 and James Reeser and the Backseat Drivers perform Dec. 16.

The evening begins with a guided tour of the mansion decked out in all its holiday finery. Craft beers by New Holland Brewing and wines from Fenn Valley will be available. Must be 21 years of age to attend. Price is $45 includes tour, concert, hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

Tour at 6 p.m. Concert (only) at 7 p.m. The concert will last about two hours.

Two ticket options: Tour and concert or concert only.

Tickets available through the website. For complete information, visit www.feltmansion.org

Participants at Winterfest climb aboard a horse-drawn wagon at The Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave., in Laketown Township on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.
A wide-eyed child looks on as an elf greets participants at Winterfest at The Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave., in Laketown Township on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.
Mrs. Claus offers a candy cane to a child on Santa’s knee at Winterfest at The Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave., in Laketown Township on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.
People at Winterfest enjoy free cupcakes at The Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave., in Laketown Township on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.
Summer Schultz of La-La Land Face Painting creates a Santa look for Marlowe Phillips, 6, of Douglas, at Winterfest at The Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave., in Laketown Township on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.