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Some of the most historic homes on Long Island are decking the halls and opening their doors to the public this holiday season. Become immersed in the sparking lights and festive holiday décor at these Long Island holiday house tours.
Old Westbury Gardens
In the summer, Old Westbury Gardens is known for its beautiful outdoor flower gardens, but come November the horticulture staff works tirelessly to decorate each historic room of the historic house with elegant Christmas trees, wreaths, mantelpiece arrangements, topiaries and plants. See for yourself each weekend from Saturday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Dec. 23.
Santa will also be there along with cookies and cider for guests to enjoy. Children are invited to drop by on Saturdays to create a keepsake holiday craft or on Sundays to create a card. Both events run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
General admission is $12; senior admission is $10; the tickets children ages 7 to 17 is $7; and children six and under are free.
There will also be additional workshops and tours throughout the month such as a Cream Tea and Tour on select days during the week and Christmas Wreath-making workshops for adults. Advanced registration is required for the workshops and Tea Tour.
71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury; 516-333-0048; oldwestburygardens.org
Rogers Mansion
The Southampton Historical Society is hosting a candlelight reception and house tour at Rogers Mansion on Saturday, Dec. 29 at 4 p.m. The parlors and sitting rooms of the Gilded Age mansion will be festooned with garlands of fresh wintergreens and flowers, and colorful antique holiday decorations can be seen on the many trees that decorate the rooms. Enjoy light refreshments before or after your self-guided tour.
The cost is $10 for adults and free for members and children 17 and under.
17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton; 631-283-2494; southamptonhistory.org
Sagtikos Manor
Celebrate “Christmas with the First Ladies” on Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This special house tour allows you to experience Christmas through the eyes of some ofAmerica’s First Ladies. You’ll even be escorted through the festivelydecorated first floor of the manor by costumed docents.
Space is limited, reservations are highly recommended.$25 for adults, $20 for seniors (60 and over) and students, and children are $8 (5-12).
677 Montauk Hwy, Bay Shore; 631-854-0939; sagtikosmanor.org
Vanderbilt Mansion and Museum
The Vanderbilt Museum’s holiday centerpiece is the mansion of William and Rosamond Vanderbilt, decorated each year by local designers and garden club. The guided tours will be given from the day after Thanksgiving through Sunday, Dec. 30. During the day, tours are given Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday — except Dec. 24 and 25 — at 12:30, 1, 2, 3 and 3:30 p.m. Visitors pay general admission: $8 for adults, $7 for students with ID and seniors (62 and older), and $5 for children 12 and under, plus $6 per person for a tour.
180 Little Neck Road, Centerport; 631-854-5579;vanderbiltmuseum.org
East Hampton Historical Society
Take a stroll down Main Street as the tales of the historic inhabitants are brought to life. The East Hampton Historical Society’s Lantern Tour gives participants access to explore five historic buildings — Clinton Academy, Osborn-Jackson House, First Presbyterian Church, Mulford Farm House, and Home Sweet Home — to see how they were illuminated in the past. The tour is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. and will begin at Clinton Academy Museum, rain or shine. Cost is $15 per person and reservations are required.
101 Main Street, East Hampton; 631-324-6850; easthamptonhistory.org
Mill Neck Manor
Step back in time and experience the historic Mill Neck Manor during the most magical time of the year. The manor is hosting special holiday tours on Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2 to coincide with its Christmas Magic event when the whole house will be transformed into a winter wonderland.
There will be an 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. group tour plus mini tours throughout the day. Santa will be on site with plenty of photo opportunities. There will also be arts and crafts, cookies and hot chocolate for children. $10 parking fee, admission is free.
40 Frost Mill Road, Mill Neck; 516-922-4100; millneckmanorhouse.org
