Experience one-of-a-kind festive events in the US, from a Dickens-themed village to candlelit tours of historic Southern mansions
Are you wondering how to celebrate the holiday season with family? How about touring historic Southern mansions dripping with dramatic decorations or holiday villages draped in twinkling lights, festive wreaths and grand ornaments? From colonial towns to charming Victorian homes, these destinations provide immersive and festive events for everyone in your group. Consider visiting some of the most decorated abodes and towns with your family, each boasting unparalleled experiences that blend history and holiday spirit for a memorable season.
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Grand Illumination fireworks display is one of many festive events in this holiday village. Photo credit: Colonial Williamsburg Facebook
Holiday Attractions in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Experience a colonial-era holiday village in Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg, a top choice for multigenerational family groups. In December, the 18th-century town transforms into an authentic Yuletide village with traditional period decor, crooning carolers and captivating seasonal reenactments. Virginia’s historic streets are decorated with handmade wreaths and pine garlands, while windows glow with candlelight. Completing the experience are historical interpreters dressed in period attire, bringing history to life.
The “Grand Illumination” festive event is not to be missed, where fireworks illuminate the sky and live music rings in the season. Younger children will enjoy the authentic horse-drawn carriage rides, while older kids and adults can explore the historic homes decorated as they would have been in colonial times. Additionally, kids can create colonial-style ornaments at the Williamsburg-hosted holiday craft workshops.
Holiday villages, like Old Sturbridge, recreate 19th-century Christmastime with authentic music and decorations. Photo credit: Old Sturbridge Village Facebook
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts
Old Sturbridge Village offers a glimpse into New England’s past with its “Christmas by Candlelight” festive event. Visitors are treated to authentic winter traditions from the early 19th century that will captivate all ages. The holiday village is a living history museum featuring more than 40 historic buildings to explore. Family groups can celebrate the season with nightly candlelit tours, horse-drawn sleigh rides and joyous musical performances.
Family-friendly activities include gingerbread-making contests and toy-building workshops geared toward younger family members. The singers in your group can take part in caroling by the bonfire. Everyone will enjoy nightly readings of “The Night Before Christmas” and chances to see Father Christmas, which adds a nostalgic touch to the experience.
Families Love Dickens Victorian Village, Cambridge, Ohio
Is your group interested in literature, history and cultural activities? Immerse your family in the world of Charles Dickens at Dickens Victorian Village. Cambridge, Ohio, transforms into a delightful holiday village adorned with Victorian-era decorations and hosts festive events. The charming town recreates iconic scenes from beloved Dickens’ novels, including more than 90 life-sized Victorian figures in dioramas displayed throughout shop windows and along the streets.
Festive events include Dickens Group Tours, which are ideal for the entire family to enjoy costumed guides leading walking tours through the holiday village. Or, hop on the heated trolley for a one-hour narrated holiday ride through town. The Guernsey County Courthouse features a synchronized holiday light show each evening that will captivate all ages.
Biltmore Estate is one of the most spectacular holiday destinations for families featuring thousands of twinkling lights and gorgeous decorations. Photo credit: Biltmore Facebook
Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina Holiday Attractions
America’s largest privately owned home, the Biltmore Estate is an architectural marvel that must be visited during the holiday season. The opulent estate gets an elegant holiday makeover each winter, inviting groups to participate in festive events and tours. Dozens of Christmas trees line the halls, and thousands of twinkling lights and captivating ornaments provide a luxurious, family-friendly experience at the mansion.
The Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore feature pathway luminaries, glowing candles, roaring fireplaces and a festive Norway spruce Christmas tree. Families can explore the historic mansion and marvel at the decorations of the Gilded Age. Gather for Christmas storytelling sessions and themed activities at Antler Hill Village. While there, you can be sure to glimpse Santa, who often makes an appearance, and stroll through Antler Hill Village Illumination, which dazzles with cascading strands of lights decorating trees, businesses and pathways.
Savannah’s Holiday Historic Homes Tours are a great way to glimpse opulent southern decor throughout private southern homes. Photo credit: Savannah’s Holiday Historic Home Tours Facebook
Savannah’s Holiday Historic Home Tour, Georgia
Savannah’s private residents of 19th-century mansions open their doors to visitors during the holiday season. Explore elegantly decorated homes on the Holiday Tour of Homes, which showcases historic residences adorned with period-appropriate decorations.
The city also offers incredible festive events, including holiday carriage rides through the cobblestone streets. Deck the Docks on River Street provides exceptional entertainment, holiday shopping and dining. At the same time, Savannah Holly Days festive events include a boat parade of lights, a Christmas parade, tree lighting, and much more. Savannah’s historic charm and rich joyous traditions will captivate your group and add magic to your trip. Savannah is an ideal city for groups looking for elegance and historical authenticity during Christmastime.
The Lantern Light Village is perfect for families and children to explore during the festive season. Photo credit: Mystic Seaport Museum Facebook
Holiday Activities at Mystic Seaport Museum, Connecticut
Connecticut celebrates the holiday season with festive events at Mystic Seaport Museum. Families can take a one-of-a-kind tour of Lantern Light Village and ascertain New England’s maritime history. Groups can walk through a recreated 19th-century village and take in the sights by lantern light. In addition, groups can enjoy a theatrical performance that tells a story about the Christmas season, perfect for the whole family.
Younger family members will enjoy holiday craft-making, caroling and spirited storytelling gatherings. In addition, stroll through the twinkling village and enjoy traditional games, dancing, music, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday treats and more. Immerse your family in the village’s historic waterfront setting adorned with festive decor and maritime charm for an incredibly unique family holiday destination.
These historic destinations offer families unique, enriching holiday experiences that blend fun with an educational journey through America’s past. From New England villages to grand Southern estates, each destination invites families to embrace timeless traditions and visit.
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By Heather Dale
Header image: Biltmore Candlelight Christmas Evenings. Courtesy of Biltmore Facebook.
