The traditional open house at the Alaska Governor’s Mansion will take place from 2-6 pm on Dec. 13 in Juneau. On hand to greet visitors in the fully decorated house will be Gov. Mike and First Lady Rose Dunleavy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom.
The first open house was held by Territorial Governor Walter Eli Clark and his family on New Year’s Day of 1913. The annual tradition has been held every year since, except for two years during World War II and in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The event features cookies from local bakers, and often has musical performances from Juneau youth ensembles. The line to get into the mansion will often stretch down Calhoun Ave., which will be closed to automobile traffic throughout the event for safety.
Those lining the sidewalk to enter the historic house are often served cookies and hot cider by commissioners and deputy commissioners while they wait to pass through the mansion.
