Historic House Museums To Visit This Holiday Season in the Northeast
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Step into the holiday season with a fresh look at charming historic house museums in the Northeast region of the United States. These standout homes offer festive decor, rich stories, and an authentic glimpse into the region’s past. Here’s a quick guide to some of the must-see spots that bring history to life this winter.
Victoria Mansion in Portland, Maine
Christmas at Victoria Mansion is a beloved holiday tradition in Portland, Maine where the historic 19th-century home is lavishly decorated by local designers. Each room showcases unique festive themes that highlight the mansion’s stunning architecture and period furnishings. Visitors can experience a magical blend of history and holiday spirit, making it a highlight of the season.
Learn more about visiting for the holidays: Christmas at Victoria Mansion in Portland, Maine
Amour-Steiner Octagon House in Irvington, New York
Step back in time this holiday season with a visit to the Victorian Christmas at The Octagon House in New York. This annual event transforms the historic landmark into a festive 19th-century wonder complete with period decor, twinkling lights, and timeless holiday charm. Experience the magic of Christmas past in one of the most unique homes in the world.
Learn more about visiting for the holidays: Victorian Christmas at The Octagon House in New York
The Newport Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island is home to multiple gorgeous mansions that were once summer homes to some of the richest families during the Gilded Age. And the good news is, you can tour many of them thanks to the Preservation Society of Newport County. The holidays are one of the best times to visit these mansions because they’re all dressed up! Four mansions get decorated for the holidays: The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, and Chateau-sur-Mer.
Learn more about visiting them during the holidays: Visiting The Newport Mansions During The Holidays
Gillette Castle in East Haddam, Connecticut
Holidays in the Park at Gillette Castle State Park transforms the historic grounds into a charming winter scene filled with lights and festive decorations. Visitors can stroll through the park, enjoy seasonal displays, and take in the beautifully decorated castle that overlooks the Connecticut River. The event creates a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that’s perfect for families and holiday enthusiasts alike.
Learn more about visiting during the holidays: Holidays in the Park at Gillette Castle State Park in Connecticut
Avery-Copp House in Groton, Connecticut
The Avery-Copp House Holiday Open House in Groton, Connecticut offers a simple, festive way to step into the season. Guests can tour the historic home, enjoy seasonal decor and refreshments, and learn about local traditions. It’s free to visit, but they do ask that you bring a donation for the local food pantry.
Learn more about visiting during the holidays: Holiday Open House at the Avery-Copp House in Groton, CT
Staatsburg State Historic Site in Staatsburg, New York
A Gilded Age Christmas at Staatsburgh State Historic Site transforms the mansion into a festive wonderland, with its original furnishings and décor lavishly adorned in turn-of-the-century style. Tours are self-guided, but there are docents around the house to share stories. The experience evokes the elegance and charm of a Hudson Valley holiday during America’s Gilded Age.
The Leffingwell House
The Leffingwell Christmas in the Colonies Open House is a free event at the Leffingwell House Museum in Norwich, Connecticut. During the event, you’ll learn how Christmas was celebrated during the early days of the colonies. You’ll enjoy regional flavors of the season from New England and the Southern colonies. Last year, my favorite thing about the event was getting to taste colonial chocolate and hot chocolate from The Pewter Pot.
Florence Griswold House
If you’re into historic houses and art, this spot in Old Lyme is definitely a great place to visit during the holidays! The house is decorated for the holidays and there are different themes in each room based on the artwork in the room. Additionally, there are trees decorated with paint palettes that were painted on by talented artists from across the country!
Wilderstein Historic Site in Rhinebeck, New York
The Wilderstein Historic Site offers holiday tours where the house is decorated with festive Yuletide decorations. The guided tour covers the landscape, exterior of the mansion, and the first and second floors. Unfortunately, I don’t have any pictures of the decorations inside as photos are not permitted inside the mansion. You’ll just have to check it out for yourself!
Samuel Smith Farmstead in East Lyme, Connecticut
The Samuel Smith Farmstead in East Lyme offers “Do it Yourself” Holiday Photos in the winter months. I did this last year for the first time and there are various photo opportunities around the farmstead, including in the outhouse! I brought my tripod and took my own and had a blast. They also had hot cocoa as well!
Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut
The Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut gets decorated for the holidays every year. In addition to the decorations around the house, there are also some unique events you can check out like the Holiday Spirits Ghost Tours. Whether you’re a fan of Mark Twain or not, this is a great spot to get into the holiday spirit. Photos are not allowed inside the house, so unfortunately, I don’t have any photos inside the house. You’ll just have to check it out for yourself.
