Take a candlelight tour and enjoy the festive holiday décor of historic homes in the Washington, DC area. Several house museums in Maryland and Northern Virginia offer candlelight tours, complete with seasonal music, storytelling and holiday treats. Some programs require reservations, so be sure to call ahead.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
November 27-29, December 4-13, 2009. Learn about the Christmas traditions of George Washington and his family, meet historic characters and tour the Mount Vernon Estate by candlelight. Admission is $15 for adults and $8 for children under 12.
Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours
December 12-13, 2009. Historic Alexandria will host candlelight tours at five festively decorated historic sites in Old Town. Ticket prices are $20 for adult and $15 for seniors, $5 for children (ages 6-17).
Candlelight Tours at Sully Historic Site
December 12, 13, 19 and 20, 2009, 5-7 p.m. 3601 Sully Road, Chantilly, Virginia. (703) 437-1794. Discover the spirit of Christmas at a candlelight tour of the elegant 1794 home of Richard Bland Lee. Following the tour, warm yourself by the fire, sip some cider and join in caroling. Prepaid reservations required. $10/adult, $7 senior and child.
Candlelight at Belair Mansion & Stable
December 6, 2009, 4-7 p.m. Belair Mansion, 12207 Tulip Grove Drive Bowie (301) 809-3089; Belair Stable 2835 Belair Drive Bowie, MD. Visit Belair Mansion and Stable museums by candlelight for a glimpse of Christmas past. No reservations required. $3 donation per adult (age 15 and up) requested.
Montpelier Mansion
December 10-12, 2009. 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, Maryland. (301) 953-1376. Enjoy refreshments and live holiday music by local performers, then take a candlelight tour of the National Historic Landmark that dates back to the late 1700s. $3/adults, $1/children
Annapolis by Candlelight Tour
November 6 and 7, 2009, 5-9 p.m. (410) 267-8146. Seasonal music, candlelight tours of a variety of historic homes. Tickets $35. Free trolley shuttle between homes. Reservations required. See more about Christmas in Annapolis.
Candlelight Tours in the Washington, DC Area
Tour House Museums by Candlelight in Maryland and Virginia
By Rachel Cooper, About.com Guide
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