Sign up for Scenic Six
Navigate the endless possibilities of New England travel with Boston.com.
Add luxury to your holiday season at these New England mansion events
Enjoy elaborate decorations and sparkling lights at historic properties across the region this season.
New England is full of historic mansions, and many of them host special programming in the final months of the year. Add a little luxury to your holiday season at one (or all) of these gorgeous properties.
Hammond Castle in Gloucester
A castle along the Atlantic coast, built between 1926 and 1929 for renowned inventor John Hays Hammond, Jr., is hosting its seventh annual “Deck the Halls Holiday Celebration.” Guests can view Christmas trees in nearly every room, as well as wreaths and other holiday decor. Special tours by candlelight will be offered on Dec. 4, 11, and 18. Nov. 21 through Jan. 4; 80 Hesperus Ave., Gloucester; $25 adults, $10 kids.
The Mount in Lenox
Bundle up and head over to The Mount this season, the 1902 home of author Edith Wharton, for “NightWood,” an outdoor event full of theatrical lighting, cinematic music, and scenic elements taking place in the property’s forest and gardens. The Nightwood Cafe, located in the mansion courtyard, is also open for drinks and seasonal treats. Nov. 21 to Jan. 3; 2 Plunkett St., Lenox, $30 adults, $12 kids age 13-18, kids 12 and under are free.
Holidays at the Newport Mansions in Newport, R.I.
Newport’s Gilded Age mansions are once again decorated to the hilt for the holidays and this year visitors can tour The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, and Chateau-sur-Mer. Visitors can check out hundreds of garlands and wreaths, as well as nearly 30 decorated trees. Don’t miss the 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree in the Great Hall of The Breakers, comprised of 150 poinsettia plants. Nov. 22 to Jan. 1; various locations in Newport, $32 to $57 adults, $14-$18 kids, depending on how many properties are toured.
The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk, Conn.
This 19th century mansion is full of holiday cheer this season during Enchanting Lights & Toys: Illuminating the Holiday Season at the Mansion. The mansion, built between 1864 and 1868 for railroad baron LeGrand Lockwood and his wife, will feature historic-era tree displays, a 19th-century vignette featuring a sled with ponies, a festive holiday dinner party, gowns, and more. Nov. 28-Jan. 18; 295 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. $20-$35 adults, $5-$10 kids, depending upon length of tour.
The Old Manse in Concord
Experience Christmas as it was celebrated centuries ago at the 1770 Old Manse. The mansion, built for patriot minister William Emerson, will host “Christmas at the Manse” and “A candlelit Christmas at the Old Manse” this holiday season. For the former, guests can tour the colonial house decorated for the season. For the latter, the house comes alive after dark by candlelight. Nov. 28 to Dec. 29; 269 Monument St., Concord; $9 adult for members and $15 for nonmembers, $6 kids for members and $10 for nonmembers.
Victoria Mansion in Portland, Maine
Guests will once again enjoy “Christmas at Victoria Mansion,” a 44 year-old tradition at the 19th century mansion. Local designers and florists have decorated in the theme of the “Victorian Nutcracker” this year. The house, also known as the Morse-Libby House, was built between 1858 and 1860 for the Morse family, who made their fortune as hotel owners in New Orleans. Nov. 28 to Jan. 4, 109 Danforth St., Portland, Maine; $19.25 adults, $6 kids.
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home in Manchester, Vermont
Spend time on this 412-acre historic estate featuring the 1905 Georgian Revival mansion that was home to Robert Todd Lincoln, the only surviving child of President Abraham Lincoln. This year, the property is hosting an event called “Christmas 1912,” where visitors can step back in time and experience the hand-crafted and elegant decor of the early 20th century. On weekends, musicians will play the organ and Steinway piano. Dec. 4-29; 1005 Hildene Road, Manchester, Vermont; $25 adults, $8 kids.
Castle Hill at Crane Estate in Ipswich
This 1920s Tudor Revival mansion is hosting “Christmas at Castle Hill: A Nod to Nature” this season, an activity that celebrates the beauty of the natural world. Guests will tour 18 spaces decorated for the holidays and featuring birds, flowers, snowflakes, and more. Interpreters will be stationed in the rooms. Visitors will also enjoy freshly baked cookies and hot chocolate. Dec. 5-28; 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich; $25 adults, $15 kids.
Naumkeag in Stockbridge and Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton
The immersive holiday light display “Winterlights” is again illuminating Naumkeag in Stockbridge and the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton this season. The two garden properties will glow with thousands of shimmering holiday lights and guests will enjoy festive music and seasonal treats. Nov. 28 to Jan. 3; 5 Propect Hill Road in Stockbridge and 2468B Washington St. (Route 138) in Canton; $20-$25 adults for members and $25-$30 for nonmembers, $7 kids for members and $12 for nonmembers.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com