'Tis the Season at the Historic Seelye Mansion
In the heart of Abilene, Kansas, stands one of the state’s most celebrated architectural treasures. Named one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas – Architecture by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, the Seelye Mansion continues to welcome visitors in 2025 with the same elegance and charm that have defined it for more than a century.
Each holiday season, the mansion shines even brighter as it transforms into a beautifully decorated home filled with seasonal traditions, historic stories, and festive details that make a visit feel truly special.
Here are five things you need to know when visiting the mansion during the holidays:
1. A 120-Year-Old Home with a Christmas Beginning
Construction on the Seelye Mansion was completed in 1905, making it 120 years old this year. The first dinner served in the home took place on Christmas Day 1905 in honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of Mason and Mary Seelye, parents of Dr. A.B. Seelye.
Today, visitors can sit at the very table where that historic holiday meal was enjoyed and imagine Christmas in Abilene at the turn of the 20th century.
2. Nutcrackers Everywhere You Look
The Seelye Mansion has become a favorite holiday stop for nutcracker fans. Thanks to a generous donor, the mansion now displays more than 750 nutcrackers throughout its rooms and hallways. Each one adds personality, color, and a sense of whimsy to the historic home, delighting guests of all ages.
3. The Kansas Connection to Poinsettias
Many visitors are surprised to learn that Mrs. Seelye helped introduce poinsettias to Kansas, turning a now-beloved holiday plant into part of the state’s Christmas tradition.
During the holidays, hundreds of poinsettias fill the mansion, adding vibrant color and bringing the season to life throughout the home.
4. Trees in Every Room
Christmas trees are a hallmark of the Seelye Mansion’s holiday décor. Each room features atleast one of its own beautifully decorated tree, thanks to the dedication of volunteers and staff who return year after year to help prepare the mansion for the season.
The result is a warm, welcoming experience that feels both grand and inviting, with no two rooms decorated quite the same.
5. Celebrating 40 Years of Public Tours
In 2025, the Seelye Mansion celebrates 40 years of tours. The first public tour of the restored home took place on December 14, 1985, made possible by the vision and commitment of Terry and Jerry Tietjens.
Today, guided tours continue to share the stories of the Seelye family, the home’s remarkable preservation, and its lasting role in Abilene’s story.
Plan Your Visit
The Seelye Mansion is open daily:
Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets are $15 and may be purchased the day of your tour. For the best experience, plan to join a 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. guided tour. Visitors should park in the lot behind the mansion and begin at the Seelye Patent Medicine Museum
As the holiday season unfolds, the Seelye Mansion invites you to experience Christmas in a place where history, architecture, and tradition come together. From nutcrackers and poinsettias to glowing trees and guided stories, each visit offers a meaningful way to celebrate the season in Abilene.