guides

Visit Christmas Past at these Stunning Historic Sites

February 24, 2022

Each year, local historic sites like Skylands Manor in Ringwood and The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus are adorned with stunning holiday decorations to replicate an era gone by. If you ever wondered what it was like to celebrate Christmas in the 19th and early 20th centuries, don't miss these time-limited events. Don't forget the camera because there might be a surprise from a special visitor!


A Magical Holiday Open House at Skylands Manor (Ringwood, NJ): Take self-guided tours of each room decorated around a "magical" theme. Try to find the pickle ornament for a special gift at the cafe! No strollers allowed. November 30 through December 3, 10AM-5PM (last ticket sold at 4PM). $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for children 6-12, free for ages 5 and under. Evening reception on December 2 from 6-8PM for $45. 


Roaring Twenties Christmas Display at The Hermitage (Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ): Step back in time to experience a 1920s Christmas party! The Hermitage Museum features elegant flappers in gorgeous gowns, dapper gentlemen in black tie and tails and children in their holiday best-all celebrating the season in festively decked-out rooms. House tours run Wednesdays through Sundays at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15. $7 for adults, $6 for AAA members, $5 for students/seniors, $4 for children 6-12, free for ages 5 and under.



Victorian Christmas at Ringwood Manor (Ringwood, NJ): Ohh and ahh at the gorgeous furnishings of Ringwood Manor or be inspired to create you own Victorian Christmas decorations. Each room will help you instill a sense of Gilded-Age elegance to your own home! Children can participate in scavenger hunts and search for a variety of interesting objects throughout the house. Crafters will have hand-made items for sale to help you buy that perfect holiday gift for your loved one. Self-guided tours December 2-3 from 11AM to 5PM. $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $3 for child ages 6-12, free for children 5 and under.



Sinter Klass Day at Historic New Bridge Landing (River Edge, NJ): Enjoy Jersey Dutch holiday treats, refreshments, a visit with Sinter Klaas in the restored tavern in Campbell-Christie House, open-hearth cooking in an authentic Jersey Dutch out kitchen, and a children's cornhusk angel ornament workshop throughout the afternoon. All three Jersey-Dutch sandstone houses will be open for tours. For that special holiday gift, browse unique historical gift shop. December 3 from 10AM to 4PM. Free admission.


Christmas at Westbury Gardens (Westbury, NY): Celebrate Christmas at the Old Westbury Gardens featuring beautifully decorated rooms, a visit from Santa, cookies and cider, a children's craft (select days only) and a Holiday Market featuring local food and artisanal boutiques on December 2-3. November 24-26, December 2-3, December 8-10, December 15-17, December 22-23 from 10AM to 5PM. $12 for adults, $10 for seniors over 62 and students with ID, $7 for children ages 7-17, free for members and children under 7. First night and Tree Lighting featuring tree lighting, refreshments and a performance by members of the Bethel Concert Choir on December 2 at 6:30PM is a separate admission: $15 for adults/$13 for members, $8 for children ages 7-17, free for children members and ages 6 and under.