If you’re looking to tour a historic property this holiday season, there are plenty of options around Northern Virginia. Here are a few places to kick off your holiday season in style.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
December 2-3, 9-10, & 18, 5:30-8 p.m.
Join a guided after-hours tour of the historic mansion by candlelight. As you explore the grounds, you’ll learn about 18th-century Virginia holiday traditions and what led to the American Revolution. George Washington’s Mount Vernon is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the year 1772, which marked the start of the road to the American Revolution. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon; $18-$36
Rippon Lodge Historic Site
December 2-5, 9-10, 16-19, & 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Travel back to the 18th century with the dazzling display at Rippon Lodge in Woodbridge. Built by Richard Blackburn around 1747 near Neabsco Creek, the Potomac River, and the historic King’s Highway, the lodge is open to tour year-round — but the holidays are the best time to visit. Decked out for the Christmas season, guests can tour and take part in historic seasonal festivities. To take in the full holiday ambiance, take the tour at night on December 2 and 3 to see period lights throughout the grounds. 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge; $10
Holiday Candlelight Tours of the Lee-Fendall House
December 3, 10, & 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
The Lee-Fendall House will be decorated like a Victorian holiday masterpiece and is open for candlelight tours for you and your family. Tours are offered every half hour from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and space is limited to 15 people, and reservations are required. 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, Reservations required, $5/child, $10/adult
Carlyle House Historic Park
December 9-10, 5-8 p.m.
Turn back time with Colonial Holiday Nights at Carlyle House Historic Park. On this holiday-themed weekend, you’ll get the chance to tour the first floor and learn about how the Carlyles and their enslaved workers marked the holiday season. 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria; $4-$12
Afternoon Tea at Cherry Hill Farmhouse
December 10, 2-4 p.m.
Relax for an afternoon tea at this charming historic farmhouse. Cherry Hill Farmhouse is decorated for the holidays and will have tea sandwiches, assorted sweets, warm scones, and a bottomless cup of tea. The event is designed for adults but families can also attend. 312 Park Ave., Falls Church; To register, call the Falls Church Community center at 703-248-5027 and provide the activity number 131501-A; $35
Sully Historic Site
December 10 & 17, 4:45-7:45 p.m.
Take a candlelit tour through Sully, the 18th-century home of Richard Bland Lee, who was Northern Virginia’s first congressman. You’ll hear holiday stories, make crafts, and have some historically accurate cookies made from the original recipe. 3650 Historic Sully Wy., Chantilly; $10-$12
Feature image courtesy of George Washington’s Mount Vernon
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