Step Inside a Rochester Holiday Tradition: Christmas Tours Return to Historic Mayowood

If you head into Target or Walmart, you'll notice that right next to the clearanced out Halloween candy are some of the most magnificent decorations ever.  Yes, Christmas is coming!

As you get ready to put the tree and stockings up, take a moment to discover Christmas in one of Rochester's most magnificent homes - the home of Dr. Charlie and Edith Mayo.

Christmas tours are now available where you can experience "A Traditional Christmas at Historic Mayowood"...and get an inside look at this historic landmark.

READ MORE: Here's When Santa Is Coming To Downtown Rochester, Minnesota in 2025

Christmas Tours Now Available At The Historic Mayowood Home in Rochester, Minnesota

I've lived in Rochester for over 25 years, and I've had a chance to enjoy quite a few of the experiences in our area.  However, it took me a full 24 years before I ever stepped foot in the house that was such an integral part to the start of Rochester, Minnesota - Historic Mayowood.

This Christmas season, step back in time to the years when Dr. Charlie and Edith Mayo and their kids enjoyed the home we now call Mayowood.  This historic house was completed around 1910 to 1911 and the features in the bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen are very advanced for the time frame it was built.

During your guided tour, you'll have a chance to experience Christmas just like three generations of Mayo families did when they lived there.  You'll hear stories of celebrations and enjoy the gorgeous holiday decorations.  And, if you stop by during the month of November, you'll also have a chance to taste a Mayo family tradition - "Emma's Cookies".  These cookies were baked with care by Emma Braun, the Mayowood cook from 1875 to 1953 and were a favorite of Dr. Charles and Edith Mayo.

Grab Tickets Now For Christmas Tours of Mayowood in Rochester, Minnesota

DATES: Christmas tours are available November 1st through December 18th, 2025.  (Wednesday through Sunday in November and Tuesday through Sunday in December)

AGES: The tour is not recommended for children under 3 years old.

TICKET INFO: Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for kids ages 3 to 12.  Buy tickets in advance at the History Center of Olmsted County website.

DON'T MISS THIS EXCLUSIVE TOUR: You can also enjoy another exclusive tour at the Historic Mayowood Home and go back in time to 1951 where a caroler just finished their rounds through the city of Rochester, singing traditional Christmas carols on a crisp December evening. This caroler will guide you through Historic Mayowood where the cookie bowl is full and staff are getting ready for the holiday.  Sign up today for a tour on November 29th, 30th, or December 6th, 7th, 13th, and 14th, at 4pm.  Tickets are $45 per person and can be found online at the History Center of Olmsted County website.

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