Each year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, this beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion is decked out in festive Victorian decor, making it a must-see destination for holiday charm and history lovers alike.

During the holiday season, Pueblo’s historic Rosemount Museum transforms into a winter wonderland, offering one of Colorado’s most enchanting holiday displays. Each year, the mansion dazzles with Victorian-era Christmas decor, from dozens of glittering trees adorned with vintage ornaments to garlands and wreaths that fill each room with festive cheer to banquet tables set for a holiday feast.

According to Deb Darrow, the museum’s executive director, busy elves begin decorating for the holidays Nov. 1.

“It takes us about three and a half weeks typically. We try to do two rooms a day depending upon how much labor we have available,” Darrow said.

Darrow credits her staff, volunteers and the museum’s women’s auxiliary for the heavy lift needed to put out thousands of decorations.

“We will clean and prep the rooms and get everything in place, then the ladies will come in and get to work,” said Darrow. “On any given day we might have six to eight women helping out, and over the course of the month, between 25 to 30 volunteers have a hand in decorating inside and outside.”

Stepping inside the museum feels like traveling back to a Christmas of the past, with every detail reflecting the elegance and charm of the 19th century. Each year, this festive tradition draws thousands of visitors from across the region, making the Rosemount Museum a top destination for those seeking holiday magic with a touch of history.

Darrow said returning visitors can expect subtle changes year to year. The museum will often mix and match things from years past in different rooms.

“We try to give every room a little bit of an upgrade or a little bit of a look that’s a little different. We have many repeat visitors during the holidays, so we definitely want people to see something different every time they come,” Darrow said.

Located just south of UCHealth Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo, Colorado, the Rosemount Museum has become a must-see destination for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts. Built in 1893 by the prominent Thatcher family, Rosemount’s stunning architecture and decor provide a window into a bygone world of elegance and innovation.

“I think the Victorian era is so very different than what we’re used to and there’s a lot of mystery that revolves around it,” said Darrow. “People in that time period were so embedded in tradition, and everything was so structured for them. It’s very different from how we live our lives today.”

Before it was a museum, the Rosemount served as residence for the Thatcher family of Pueblo, Colorado. John A. Thatcher, the family patriarch, founded the First National Bank of Pueblo in 1871, which quickly grew into one of the most influential financial institutions in Colorado.

The Thatchers owned 30 banks in the state and played a significant role in financing and supporting the growth of Pueblo’s infrastructure, businesses, and communities during a period of rapid industrialization and expansion in the American West.

“Construction started in 1891 and was completed in 1893, which was incredibly fast for the enormity of the building,” said Darrow. “There were over 300 people working on it nearly around the clock for that stretch of time.”

The 24,000-square-foot mansion was designed by celebrated New York architect Henry Hudson Holly in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, a rarity in Colorado. The result is an impressive combination of artistic and architectural grandeur.

The building features red rhyolite exterior blocks cut from a quarry near Castle Rock, Colorado and intricate woodwork sourced from different types of trees shipped from across the country. Visitors can view 37 richly appointed rooms, each displaying custom-made furniture, stained-glass windows, and elegant textiles that have been meticulously preserved to retain their historic charm.

In 1969, Thatcher descendants turned Rosemount into a museum, and it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Rosemount Museum offers tours, special events, and educational programs, making it a favorite among locals and tourists.

“It’s a great way to spend an hour or two and really get into the holiday mood. It’s just such a fun place to be during holidays,” Darrow said.

Plan your tour of the Rosemount Museum

The Rosemount Museum is located at 419 W. 14th St., Pueblo, Colorado, 81003. Note that the last tour of the day is at 2:30pm.

Directions to Rosemount Museum:

• From I-25: Take Exit 99B and turn west onto 13th Street. Then, turn right onto Grand Avenue and left onto 15th Street. The museum will be on your left.
• Parking: Free parking is available on-site and along adjacent streets.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, with guided tours offering deeper insights into the Thatcher family’s legacy and the building’s historical details.

For current hours, special event information, and ticket prices, visit www.rosemount.org.