Upcoming Events at the Inn
Dickens Victorian Tea at The Whistling Swan Inn
Sunday, December 15th, 2024; 1:00 pm – 3:00pm
Sunday, December 22nd, 2024; 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Step back in time this holiday season as our authentic Victorian home welcomes you for a special Christmas tea. Join us for an enchanted afternoon featuring a live reading of Charles Dickens’ beloved “A Christmas Carol” by the distinguished Mr. Michael Donahue, while savoring a festive three-course tea in our historic setting.
As you settle into our Victorian home’s comfortable splendor, each course will be served as Mr. Donahue’s masterful narration brings Dickens’ timeless tale to life. The warm fireplace, period furnishings, and festive decorations create the perfect backdrop for this unique holiday experience. Let the warmth of the season, the charm of our historic inn, and the magic of “A Christmas Carol” transport you to a Christmas past.
Your tea experience will unfold in one of our lovely Victorian rooms:
– The Formal Dining Room, where generations have gathered for elegant meals
– The Front Parlor, where Victorian families once entertained their most distinguished guests
– The Back Parlor, where a blazing fireplace warms both body and spirit, just as it did in Dickens’ day.
Each room in our historic home maintains its original character while offering an intimate setting for your party. Your specific room will be thoughtfully assigned based on your party size.
Sample Holiday Tea Menu (subject to change based upon availability of ingredients)
First Course
– Christmas Eve Tomato Soup 
– Cratchit Family Turkey Sandwiches
– London Market Ham & Mustard
– Mrs. Cratchit’s Christmas Stuffing
– Victorian Winter Squash Trees
Second Course
– Christmas Present’s Cherry & Pistachio Cake
– Christmas Past’s Sweet Rice Pudding
– Victorian Snowball Cookies
– Old Fezziwig’s Gingerbread
Third Course
– Victorian Christmas Ginger Spice Scones
– Carol Singer’s Orange & Cranberry Scones
*Served with Devonshire cream & winter preserves*
Tea Selections
A selection of fine teas including:
– Holiday Herbal
– Holiday Tea
– English Breakfast
– Queen Catherine
– Decaf Hot Cinnamon Spice
– Cranberry Autumn
*Menu items are subject to change based on seasonal availability and quality of ingredients.*
Important Reservation Information
- $45 per person, plus tax (20% suggested gratuity)
- In keeping with Victorian traditions of hospitality, a 20% gratuity will be added for parties of four or more
- Advance reservations are required as seating is limited
- Credit card required to hold your reservation
- 72-hour cancellation notice required
- Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice
- Please call (973) 347-6369 to make your reservation
*”I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”*
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
*Welcome to our home – where Victorian charm meets holiday magic!* 🎄✨
Murder at the Masquerade: A New Year’s Eve Mystery
December 31st, 2024; 7:30 pm – 11:00pm
Step into the enchanting world of New Orleans, where every corner holds a story and every mask conceals a secret. The Whistling Swan Inn invites you to welcome 2025 with an immersive evening of mystery, elegance, and intrigue.
As twilight descends on New Year’s Eve, our historic inn transforms into a piece of the French Quarter, where the lines between reality and mystery blur beneath the shimmer of candlelight. The evening begins with elegant appetizers and engaging conversation as guests arrive in their masked splendor. As dinner is served, the story unfolds, weaving each guest into its tapestry of secrets and surprises.
The evening flows seamlessly from one delightful moment to the next:
- Welcome reception with appetizers
- Elegant plated dinner
- Decadent dessert service
- Interactive mystery experience
- Champagne toast at midnight
- BYOB welcome for additional beverages
Throughout the evening, you’ll find yourself immersed in the traditions of a New Orleans masquerade, where secrets are currency and everyone has a story to tell. As you dine, socialize, and attempt to unravel the mysteries around you, remember – in New Orleans, nothing is quite what it seems.
- Character roles and costume suggestions provided upon reservations
- Period-appropriate attire highly encouraged
- Mask required for entry (part of your costume)
- Interactive elements throughout the evening
- A chance to solve the mystery before the final revelation at midnight
Important Reservation Information
- $100 per person, plus tax (20% suggested gratuity)
- In keeping with Victorian traditions of hospitality, a 20% gratuity will be added for parties of four or more
- Save 15% on your tickets when you book a room for New Year’s Eve
- Advance reservations are required as seating is limited
- Credit card required to hold your reservation
- 72-hour cancellation notice required
- Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice
- Please call (973) 347-6369 to make your reservation
*”In New Orleans, the past never dies… it just puts on a mask and waits for midnight.”*
Unique Events & Parties
When it’s time to celebrate a milestone occasion, the Whistling Swan Inn is an ideal venue for a one-of-a-kind event. Our most popular choice for bridal and baby showers is a charming Victorian tea, complete with dainty sandwiches, home-made scones, savory bites, and customized desserts.
While we do specialize in afternoon tea parties, we also offer catering packages for luncheons, brunches, cocktail parties, dinners, birthday parties, business events or anniversaries.
Special Event Packages
We can accommodate parties of up to 30 people inside or 60 people outside on our veranda.
Luncheons, Brunches, and Afternoon Teas start at $40.00 per person, plus tax and 20% gratuity.
Murder Mystery Dinners: Delight your guests by throwing (or attending) a one of a kind 1920’s Murder Mystery Dinner at the Whistling Swan Inn! Price includes dinner, dessert, coffee/tea/soda. The cost for this event is $75 per person plus tax and gratuity.
To schedule an event, please contact the inn to discuss.