Holiday Tours and Events at Hudson Valley Mansions

Much like Newport, Rhode Island, New York’s Hudson Valley is home to some of the country’s finest architectural masterpieces, which served as mansion homes to industrialists and the landed gentry. These elegant mansions are even more breathtaking when adorned with ribbons, pine, floral arrangements, and period Christmas decorations during the holiday season.

This guide outlines special holiday tours and events at the Hudson Valley mansions this Christmas season. Most locations host charming gift shops, where visitors can find unique holiday gifts while supporting preservation efforts.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at Locust Grove

Address: 2683 South Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA

Phone: +1 845-454-4500

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Located just 85 miles north of New York City, Locust Grove Historic Estate is well known as the home of telegraph inventor Samuel F.B. Morse. The mansion’s original owner, Henry Livingston, Jr., is also celebrated as a potential author of the famous Christmas tale, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

From late November through mid-December and daily from December 26-30, Locust Grove celebrates the magic of Christmas past with special holiday tours showcasing the mansion’s 25 rooms, adorned with beautiful trees and elegant decorations. Special events include Sunset Sensations Wine & Food Events featuring self-guided tours and local culinary delights on December 7 and 14. A favorite tradition is the Holiday House Hunt on December 3, 10, and 17, where kids and families embark on scavenger hunts through the mansion.

Victorian Holiday House Tours at Wilderstein

Address: 330 Morton Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572-2540, USA

Phone: +1 845-876-4818

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Wilderstein, an impressive Queen Anne Victorian mansion in historic Rhinebeck, will be beautifully decorated for the holiday season. For over 30 years, skilled florists and designers have transformed the first floor of Margaret Suckley’s home into a stunning Christmas setting. Visitors can enjoy Holiday House Tours featuring Victorian and modern decorations on select dates in November and December. Reservations for a special Yuletide Tea on December 9 are highly recommended.

Holiday Events at the Home of Franklin Roosevelt

Address: 4079 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538-1990, USA

Phone: +1 845-486-7770

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The Franklin D. Roosevelt Home and Eleanor Roosevelt’s Val-Kill cottage in Hyde Park showcases the family’s holiday traditions throughout December. The Holiday Open House on December 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offers guests a chance to see FDR’s mansion adorned for the season. Shuttles are available to Val-Kill cottage for further holiday festivities. This event is free of charge. For more information, call 845-229-9115.

Christmas at Clermont

Address: 1 Clermont Ave, Germantown, NY 12526, USA

Phone: +1 518-537-4240

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Clermont State Historic Site invites visitors to join the Livingston family for a free public open house to celebrate Christmas on December 16. Themed tours, A Child’s Christmas, will take place on December 2 and 3, along with special candlelight tours offered on December 17 at 3 p.m. Guests can enjoy wassail and traditional holiday treats in the mansion’s historic kitchen after their tour. For more details, call 518-537-4240.

A Gilded Age Christmas at Staatsburgh State Historic Site

Address: 1 Clermont Ave, Germantown, NY 12526, USA

Phone: +1 518-537-4240

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Celebrate a Gilded Age Christmas at Staatsburgh State Historic Site in Staatsburg from late November through late December (closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas). Come marvel at the exquisite dining room decorations at this historic landmark, once known as the Mills Mansion. On snow days, children will enjoy sledding with views of the Hudson River. For holiday updates, call 845-889-8851.

Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol at Lyndhurst

Address: 635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591-6499, USA

Phone: +1 914-631-4481

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Located in Tarrytown, Lyndhurst is a striking Gothic Revival mansion on the banks of the Hudson River. Visitors can enjoy festive tours from November 24 – December 30. Discover luxurious Christmas decorations along with unique historical displays, such as children’s toys belonging to Anna Gould, the last private owner of Lyndhurst.

This National Trust for Historic Preservation property also presents 60-minute theatrical performances of Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol throughout the holiday season. Enjoy the show from December 10 to 30, where actor Michael Muldoon brings Dickens’ stories to life in the mansion’s enchanting surroundings. Tickets for these events are priced at $40 for adults and $35 for seniors and youth up to 16 years old. For details, call 914-631-4481.

Vanderbilt Mansion Holiday Open House

Address: 119 Vanderbilt Park Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA

Phone: +1 845-229-7770

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Welcome the holiday season at Vanderbilt Mansion’s free Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 3, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear their best holiday attire while capturing memories in front of the mansion’s exquisite Christmas tree in Elliptical Hall. The mansion will be beautifully decorated, and seasonal tours will be available throughout the festive period. For verification of holiday hours, call 845-229-9115.

Twilight Christmas Tours at Boscobel

Address: 1601 NY-9D, Garrison, NY 10524, USA

Phone: +1 845-265-3638

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Boscobel, a picturesque Federal-style mansion overlooking the Hudson River, offers six evenings of Twilight Tours this Christmas season. Set for select weekends in November and December, guests will enjoy candlelit rooms, stunning 19th-century decorations, and the sounds of live music. Tours run from 4 to 7 p.m. each evening, and advance ticket purchases are recommended. Daytime tours are also available daily, offering insights into holiday traditions from the Federal period.

Holiday Craft Workshops at Olana

Address: 5720 NY-9G, Hudson, NY 12534-4129, USA

Phone: +1 518-751-0344

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Explore holiday creativity at Olana, sculptor Frederic Church’s eclectic home in Hudson. This venue will host a series of seven hands-on holiday craft workshops covering various themes:

• The Art of Wrapping Paper on November 24,
• Explore & Create: Paper Windows on November 25,
• The Art of Seasonal Greens: 19th Century Wreath Making on November 29,
• Explore & Create: Persian Inspired Tiles on December 2,
• The Art of Holiday Greens: Boxwood Tree Making on December 6,
• 19th Century Holiday Cards on December 9, and
• The Art of Wax: Beeswax Candle Making on December 9.

Purchase tickets in advance to secure your spot and create special holiday gifts in this inspiring setting. For further information, call 518-828-0135.