Lt. Governor James R. "Duke" Aiona, Jr. and Vivian Aiona will welcome visitors at a Christmas Open House from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at Washington Place.

The Washington Place Foundation is hosting the evening event, featuring a guided stroll though the 161-year-old home to learn more about the occasion on Christmas Eve in 1858 that sparked the time-honored custom in Hawai'i.

The tradition of the "Christmas Tree" and celebration of Christmas in family homes in Hawai'i owes its origins to Mary Dominis, widow of Captain John Dominis who built one of Honolulu's earliest and most elegant mansions in 1847.

Mary Dominis, known for her gardening skills, is said to have grown a tree herself from a sprig that arrived by ship in Hawai'i. On Christmas Eve in 1858, she hosted a party for 100 of Honolulu's children and their parents, thus establishing a Christmas tradition – and Santa Claus – in the Hawaiian Kingdom, then ruled by King Kamehameha IV.

Visitors are invited to help decorate the "Mary Dominis" tree in the upstairs chamber with Victorian ornaments fashioned by the Washington Place Foundation. This tree will be reminiscent of the original 1858 tree, hung with decorations of fruit and little gifts.

Another special tree will be decorated in tribute to Queen Lili'uokalani, who lived at Washington Place from 1862 until 1917, in the unique Hawaiian style of Christmas trees, before cut trees became popular.

Harpists Ruth Freedman and Lynn Hammonds will play music during the reception.

All adult guests will be required to present a picture ID upon entrance to the property and may be subject to a bag inspection. Free parking will be available at the Department of Health parking lot (enter via Miller Street).