Historic Holiday Tours in Westchester: Journey Through Time

With the holiday season is upon us, three historic Westchester estates open their doors to offer guests a step back in time.  The Hudson River Museum’s Glenview house, Lyndhurst Mansion, and Caramoor’s Rosen House all present holiday tours that showcase the opulence and charm of their respective periods. This month, visitors can immerse themselves in the luxurious holiday customs of the Gilded Age and early 20th century.

The tours of these houses offer visitors the opportunity to experience the festive traditions of bygone eras similar to the ways former estate owners enjoyed them.

The Hudson River Museum’s Glenview house, an 1877 Gilded Age mansion designed by architect Charles W. Clinton, invites guests on a 30-minute guided tour through six restored period rooms through December 29. Glenview is adorned with antique ornaments, toys and intricately decorated Christmas trees. The festive décor reflects the holiday traditions of the home’s former owners, the Trevor family. New this year are original “kissing balls” created by contemporary artists that reimagine the Victorian tradition of mistletoe.

Lyndhurst Mansion’s Holiday Classic Tour, offers a stroll through a Gothic Revival style estate once owned by railroad tycoon and financier Jay Gould. During this time of year, the space is transformed into an extravagant holiday wonderland. The one-hour tours, through December 29, take revelers on across the main two floors of the mansion. There, a showcase of dozens of expertly decorated Christmas trees is on display, all complementing the elegant period furnishing. Throughout the tour, visitors can admire rarely-seen items that belonged to Lyndhurst’s former owners, offering a unique glimpse into the mansion’s rich history.

On December 13, 14, 20 & 21, a new series of “Illuminated” evening tours will be offered at Lyndhurst. When evening comes and the lights dim, guests will be immersed in the glow of lit Christmas trees. These tours allow guests to explore the mansion’s first floor and kitchens illuminated by the decorated trees as knowledgeable guides explain how and when many of today’s most cherished Christmas traditions became established.

From December 13 to 22, Caramoor’s Rosen House offers 45-minute holiday tours that allow visitors to experience the season as the Rosen family once did. The art-filled house is decked out with decorations that were inspired by the cherished Rosen family archive. In these hallowed halls, visitors will gain insight into the family life that inspired celebrations in this historic home.

These holiday tours not only provide entertainment but also serve as educational experiences. Visitors will each experience and explore the evolution of Hudson Valley holiday traditions and the lifestyles of some of the most prominent local families in the region’s history. By stepping into these historic settings, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural and social aspects of holiday celebrations throughout different eras in American history. Plus, it’s an excuse for a unique adventure through time.

You May Also Enjoy:

• 30+ Holiday Events in Westchester 2024
• Support the Arts With Holiday Markets and Boutiques in Westchester

Top photo: Glenview Hours at Hudson River Museum (photo courtesy of HRM); Lyndhurst (photo courtesy of Lyndhurst, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation); Rosen House at Caramoor (photo credit: Roslyn Wertheimer)