- December 13, 2025
Susan Hansen helps decorate the Christmas tree inside The Casements. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
The Casements Guild President Jayde Lyle and Gala Chair Becky Panknin. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Gala Chair Becky Panknin decorates The Casements in preparation of the 47th annual Christmas Gala. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Pete Gimmi helps decorate the Christmas tree inside The Casements in preparation of the 47th annual Christmas Gala. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Denny Lee Snyder watches as the Christmas tree is decorated inside The Casements. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Mare Koehnecke, Linda Bonis and Paula McMurray-Schwarz pose with the Elsa mannequin inside The Casements. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Patty Ferland and Rachel Hacheky help decorate The Casements. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Margie Sheppard laughs as she works to decorate The Casements' Christmas tree. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Denny Lee Snyder looks up to the Christmas tree with a smile. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Gardens will be the centerpiece of the exterior festivities for the 47th annual Christmas Gala event on Friday, Dec. 5. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Come Friday, The Casements will be glittering in crystals for its 47th annual Christmas Gala.
The Casements Guild have dedicated the start of this week to preparing John D. Rockefeller's historic winter home for the annual event, which will begin with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, and include live entertainment and family activities through 9 p.m. Themed "A Crystal Christmas," the Guild has decked the house in shades of blue, white and silver this year.
"It's a huge group effort, and we start planning in January," said Gala Chair Becky Panknin.
The Guild picks themes two years in advance, always working on the next year's gala event as soon as the current one comes to a close.
The free event will continue from noon-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7, as the community is invited to stop by The Casements and tour the house, enjoy holiday entertainment, visit the gift shop, browse through handmade crafts and view the annual tree gallery — featuring 20 Christmas trees decorated by community organizations.
On Sunday, carolers will be at The Casements in period costume.
This year's gala will also feature a mannequin dressed as Disney's Elsa for photo opportunities.
"I know that's going to be a big hit for kids," Guild President Jayde Lyle said.
The event comes together through the work of between 45-50 volunteers. As gala chair, Panknin's responsibility revolves around organization and making sure tasks are handled and people know where they're supposed to be, both during the decorating days, and on the day of the gala.
But, the end result is worth it for the Guild members.
"It fills you with pride," Panknin said. "Look what we did — again."
Lyle agreed.
"Just to change it up every year is spectacular, really," she said..
