Candlelight Tours in the DC Region

With the Christmas season in full bloom, many of us are looking for a break from the crazy shopping season. We all need a chance to slow and enjoy the simple things. One of them is enjoying candlelight tours. It's a chance to know what Christmas was light before Televisions and wireless phones. Here are some great candlelight tours in the region.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight: Want to know how they celebrated Christmas in the 18^th Century America? At this event, Martha Washington hosts an 18th-century Christmas with candlelit walks, fireside caroling, and festive décor. Visitors are treated as holiday guests of the Washington family. During this event, the rarely-seen third floor will be open to the public, where visitors can see Martha Washington's garret chamber. The refurbished room was unveiled in 2005 after new curatorial research transformed this sparse space into an accurate restoration of the elegant room used by the Lady Washington after her husband's death. On the grounds, guests can enjoy caroling and free cookies and hot cider around a roaring campfire. This is the only time of the year that Mount Vernon is open exclusively for public evening tours. Tickets are on sale now, but they're selling fast. This event runs from November 23 - December 9, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours: Alexandria has a rich history, and you can see it for yourself and your family during the Candlelight Tour of Historic Alexandria. You and your family will enjoy evening candle-lit tours of each site (some in period costume), live musical performances, seasonal greenery and displays, and hot cider. The tour involves 4 Alexandria historic sites. The sites on this year's tour include: The Lee-Fendall House, Carlyle House Historic Park, Gadsby's Tavern Museum and Christ Church. This tour happens on December 8^th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $20 for adult and $15 for seniors, $5 for children (ages 6-17). You can buy them online on this website.

Candlelight Tours at Sully Historic Site: If you plan to heading to Chantilly, VA. This holiday, you need to check out the Sully Historic Site's annual candlelight tour. Take a trip back to the elegant 1794 home of Richard Bland Lee. You will Engage with costumed characters and take in the rare sight of 18th century rooms aglow with candlelight. Outdoors, warm yourself by the fire and join in caroling. See military reenactors encamped on the lawn and hear stories of American Christmas celebrations in the field. Listen for the jingle bells that adorn the robe of our Victorian St. Nicholas and receive a treat. Take a holiday photo by our antique sleigh. Cookies and cider served. The tours take place on December 8^th and December 9^th. Tickets are $10/adult, $7senior and child. It's recommended that you pay for your reservation in advanced to avoid being left out.

Candlelight Tour of Belair Mansion & Stable: Celebrate Christmas at this the beautiful five-part Georgian plantation house of Samuel Ogle, Provincial Governor of Maryland. The Belair Mansion and Stable museums tour by candlelight offers visitors a glimpse of Christmas past. Unlike other tours, this tour has no reservations required. There is a $3 donation per adult (age 15 and up) requested.

Holiday Candlelight Tours at Montpelier Mansion: Celebrate the holidays on this historic Prince George's County Site. Warm up your winter evenings with music, candlelight and fragrant holiday greens at Montpelier. Local garden clubs decorate the mansion's rooms in traditional 18th century style, complete with candlelight and greenery. Area performers entertain nightly. Light refreshments served. All ages, $3 adults, $1 children. The tours run from Thursday, December 6 - Saturday, December 8, 6 - 9 pm.