45°
Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle for a soothing interlude at two historic locations where you'll plug in to how the season was celebrated in the more serene 18th and 19th centuries. Sunnyside in Tarrytown, NY and Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on Hudson, NY dress up, roll out their welcome mats and throw open their doors this December, so visitors can glimpse the lost tradiitions of a quieter but no less elegant season.
Tour Van Cortlandt Manor where you'll want to wrap yourself in its decorated splendor. Step into its glowing, sumptious formal parlor, where a harpist performs and you might think you see some guests in formal attire whose spirits linger. A guide carrying a candlelit lantern then leads the way to the Ferry House. There, you'll meet the Lord of Misrule who leads Twelfth Night festivities, including dancing to fiddle music, toasts with cider and cookies and outside, a glowing bonfire.At Sunnyside, it's the 1850s and as you walk down the lantern-lit path, you'll see Washington Irving's house, decked with holly, evergreens and candles. Celebrate Irving's writings and then join in for some caroling and hot cider before the roaring fire. Drop in at the gift shop for some unusual stocking stuffers and maybe a reminder for yourself of the beauty of these places. Evening candlelight tours take place Saturday, Dec. 18, and Sunday, Dec. 26, and begin at at 4 p.m. Tickets are $6 and $14. Reservations are required and can be made at www.hudsonvalley.org, or by calling (914) 631-8200.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
