Every year in Meridian, a 20-room Neoclassical revival mansion, built in 1859, transforms into a Christmas wonderland.
Every year in Meridian, a 20-room Neoclassical revival mansion, built in 1859, transforms into a Christmas wonderland that has attracted visitors from the state, country, and overseas.
Trees of Christmas at Merrehope is one of Mississippi’s premiere holiday events, and this year’s celebration will be the 57th.
Merrehope will feature more than 70 specially decorated Christmas trees and displays created by decorators from all over Mississippi.
Tours are available from Nov. 23 to Dec. 31.
“Visitors often comment that everywhere you look; there’s something special to see — lanterns, snowflakes, or even a tree hanging from the ceiling,” said Bet Deweese, a teacher and of one of the co-chairs of Trees of Christmas at Merrehope.
BJ Hatten, a local stained-glass artist and teacher who is also a co-chair of this year’s event, said the comments she hears every year are about how grand the entire experience is.
Select ladies created the oversized, shimmering ball ornaments, which are covered in satin braids, lace, and treasured pieces of their jewelry. The final touch is strands of pearls draped across the tree. It’s spectacular.
“Most feedback I hear is about how breathtaking the entire event is. Guests love the diversity — each tree and mantle is different from the next. They appreciate that the theme, and decorations change every year. No two trees are ever the same. No two years are the same,” Hatten said.
Trees of Christmas at Merrehope, which has been voted one of USA Today’s 10 Best Holiday Historic Home Tours, all started in 1968 when five women were on their way to a Federated Women’s Club meeting in Enterprise.
While traveling together, the women discussed the need for a place in Meridian where all the federated clubs could meet. One mentioned that the beautiful old Tibbett’s House was in poor repair and in danger of being torn down. They all agreed it was far too beautiful to be lost. The women led the charge to save and restore the home.
With the help of Meridian philanthropist Jack Stack, the newly formed Meridian Restorations Foundation was formed by members of the nine Federated Women’s Clubs of Meridian. The group purchased and restored the home. They changed the name to Merrehope — MER for Meridian, RE for Restoration, and HOPE for hope for the future. Their main fundraiser, Trees of Christmas at Merrehope, was launched the following year in 1969.
In 1970, The Merrehope Tree was created. Each ornament was handmade by the members of the women’s clubs with old jewelry and old dresses. It’s the only tree that has been part of the event every year and stands year around.
“Select ladies created the oversized, shimmering ball ornaments, which are covered in satin braids, lace, and treasured pieces of their jewelry. The final touch is strands of pearls draped across the tree. It’s spectacular,” Deweese said.
Preparations for the event are major.
“The ladies on the Merrehope Board are heavily involved in every aspect. Friends of Merrehope and other volunteers step up to decorate, serve at special events, play music on Sunday afternoons and staff the door and gift shop — seven days a week for six weeks. In early November, students bring the trees out of storage and place them in their assigned spots. Then the decorators arrive and work their magic,” Hatten said.
The tree decorators start collecting and creating decorations the year before. Initially decorated by local clubs and club members, decorators from outside clubs, schools, businesses and designers have been invited to participate.
“Our decorators come with proven reputations. We always have a waiting list. Each is given a theme, and they run with it. It’s always exciting to see how each one interprets and presents the theme. It’s amazing how it all comes together and flows throughout all 20 rooms,” Deweese said.
This year’s theme is “Experience the Wonder.”
Deweese said visitors from past years have experienced special moments at Trees of Christmas at Merrehope.
“One year we had three marriage proposals. The first couple traveled from Florida. She loved Christmas, and he made it extra special during their first visit to Merrehope. Another couple had met years earlier while decorating a tree. When they returned, he had a full proposal planned — complete with family, friends, and a photographer. The third couple heard about the other two, and during what she thought was a simple Sunday afternoon visit, he popped the question in the Double Parlor. Luckily, they all said ‘Yes.’”
Hatten said families have been coming to the event for years.
“I love when visitors say things like, ‘I’ve been coming since I was a kid,’ or ‘Our school brought us on buses,’ or ‘My grandmother always brought us. It’s a family tradition.’ Merrehope holds so many sweet memories for people.”
For new visitors, Hatten said, “expect to be amazed.”
“The beauty, creativity, and festive spirit shine through every tree, mantle, and display. If you don’t have the Christmas spirit when you walk in, you’re guaranteed to leave with it after the visit.”
57th Annual Trees of Christmas at Merrehope
2025 HOLIDAY TOURS: NOV. 23 – DEC. 31
Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Adults $15 Military and Senior Citizens $10 Students $5
Merrehope • 905 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. • Meridian, Mississippi • 601.483.8439 • merrehopemeridian@gmail.com • merrehope.com
EXPERIENCE THE WONDER UNVEILINGSunday, Nov. 23 • 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.Tours, live entertainment and holiday refreshmentsAdults $15 | Military and Senior Citizens $10 | Students $5
COCOA & COOKIES with MRS. CLAUSSunday, Dec. 7 • 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.The delightful Mrs. Claus is looking forward to spending a little individual time with each child as they enjoy delicious cookies and hot cocoa after their tour of the Trees of Christmas.$5 children and students (Tour included)
PICTURES WITH SANTASunday, Dec. 7 • 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.Victorian Christmas pictures with Santa. Mark Davis, professional photographer, will be on site to photograph your children with Santa.$20 (Tour not included)
MIMOSAS & MERREHOPESaturday, Dec. 13 • 10 a.m. – NoonCheers to tours, live entertainment, brunch fare and mimosasTicket $50 (Limited Tickets – must be purchased in advance)
CHRISTMAS YOGATuesday, Dec. 16 • 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.5 p.m. Open for tours for yoga participants5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. A slow mindful yoga practice with meditationwith Courtney Taylor and Wild Soul YogaTours continue until 7:30 p.m. for participants$15 (Yoga/meditation practice and tour)
SPIRITS OF CHRISTMASThursday, Dec. 18 • 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.Bring your own spirits and enjoy an evening at Merrehope under the Christmas lights.$20 (Tour, entertainment, light refreshments)
GRINCH PORCH PARTYSaturday, Dec. 20 • Merrehope Veranda • 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.Step onto the porch at Merrehope for Grinchy fun, Whoville refreshments, and hangout with Merrehope’s very own Grinch! It’s a perfect photo op before your tour of trees.Adults $15 | Military and Senior Citizens $10 | Students $5
“TOAST TOGETHER” RECEPTIONWednesday, Dec. 31 • Merrehope • 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.Let‘s “Toast Together“ as we celebrate the final day of the 57th Annual Trees of Christmas 2025Adults $15 | Military and Senior Citizens $10 | Students $5
