Home for the Holidays: Historic Decorations, Southern Style

All around the South, historic estates, mansions and plantation homes are sporting festive holiday decorations. December is the perfect time to visit one (or more) of them – get a glimpse of life in the "old days," gain inspiration for your own holiday decorations, and maybe even recapture the childhood sense of wonder and excitement you felt as December approached. Ten Southern states, 19 spectacularly decorated historic homes!

ALABAMA
In the town of Theodore (about 15 miles from downtown Mobile) you'll find Bellingrath Gardens and Home, a 65-acre property with a 10,500 square foot house and a magnificent variety of plantings. During Magic Christmas in Lights, the 1935 home is festooned with greenery and poinsettias; the grounds are known far and wide for their fantastic displays incorporating over 3 million twinkling lights. Nov 28-Dec 31, 5pm-9pm (closed Dec 25).

ARKANSAS
Little Rock's Historic Arkansas Museum, a complex of several pre-Civil War houses and a museum building, offers the ever-popular Christmas Frolic (December 7 this year), and the decorations create a festive atmosphere all month. Tours depart every hour on the hour, and include at least one living history encounter. Kids will enjoy this one as much as their parents! And if you still need to pick up a few gifts or stocking stuffers, the museum's shop has a fantastic array of made-in-Arkansas items, as well as old-fashioned toys, books, quilts and more.

GEORGIA
The Atlanta History Center, a sprawling property with several historic buildings and gorgeous gardens, celebrates the season with extra-special period-appropriate holiday decorations and two evening candlelight tours. Stroll along the garden paths, tour the homes, then enjoy family crafts led by the Center for Puppetry Arts. Dec 9 and 16, 5:30pm-9pm.

In nearby Roswell (about 30 minutes north of Atlanta), several historically significant homes decorate for the holidays. Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation dress in their holiday finery for the entire month and offer additional events and programs for adults and kids. All properties open daily through December (closed Dec 25).

KENTUCKY
If you're anywhere near Louisville, you definitely ought to check out the Old Louisville district. The picturesque neighborhood is well-known for its fabulous Victorian homes – an evening stroll here is sure to make your spirits bright! The early December Old Louisville Holiday House Tour highlights several homes each year. Dec 6-7, Noon-6pm.

LOUISIANA
Magnolia Mound in Baton Rouge is a French Creole plantation dating to 1791. Traditional decorations in the style of the early 1800s adorn the home through the month, providing a fun peek at customs and clothing of the time. Guided tours are available from 10am-3pm Monday-Saturday; open hearth cooking demonstrations are offered on select weekdays as well. Through December.