Home for the Holidays: Historic Decorations, Southern Style

MISSISSIPPI
Jackson's Manship House Museum is bedecked with Victorian holiday finery for special themed tours. The 1857 Gothic Revival home was built and decorated by Charles Henry Manship, a Civil War-era mayor who excelled as a decorative painter – the home luckily preserves some of his best work. Tue-Sat through the holidays. Closed Dec 25. 

NORTH CAROLINA
Asheville's Biltmore Estate rewards visitors throughout the year. Every season is different, and each has its merits: azaleas in the spring, rhododendrons and concerts in the summer, vibrant leaves in the fall, and absolutely amazing holiday decorations in the winter. More than 30 Christmas trees, miles (literally!) of garland, hundreds of poinsettias, thousands of twinkling lights and candles give the castle an unmatchable aura of holiday cheer. Daytime Christmas at Biltmore tours begin in November; candlelight evening tours through the holdiay season.

While in Asheville, be sure to stop by the Grove Park Inn. This 1913 beauty is gorgeous any time of the year, with its stone façade, soaring lobby and massive fireplaces. Decked out for the holidays, it's even more impressive. Plus, the resort hosts the National Gingerbread House Competition every November – the winning creations are displayed through early January (for non-guests, viewing is Mon-Thu).

SOUTH CAROLINA
The coastal city of Charleston is steeped in history. The entire town decorates for the holidays, and several historic properties are worth special visits at this time of year. Magnolia Plantation is enjoying its world-famous seasonal camellia bloom, a magical sight on its own, and the house sports absolutely lovely decorations. 9am-5pm daily through December. Closed Dec 25.

At Middleton Place, families can join the fun of Plantation Yuletide (Dec 13, 5:30pm-8pm), as well as phenomenal holdiay decorations throughout the property. The Edmondston-Alston House offers candlelight tours on Dec 5 and 12, along with stunning Christmas decor à la 1860. Both open daily through Dec; closed Dec 25.

Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant not only pretties up for the holidays, it also schedules numerous concerts. Daily through December. Call for concert dates and times.

TENNESSEE
Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation presents a holiday masquerade every day – visitors wear masks and interact with costumed docents who detail how an 1890s Christmas ball would be planned and experienced. The decorations are absolutely gorgeous. Daily through Dec 31 (closed Dec 25).

VIRGINIA
Do your December travel plans include time in Virginia? Richmond's Maymont House goes all out with spectacular Victorian decorations and a 12-foot tree. You can almost smell the feast cooking in the kitchen! The property also features a number of outbuildings and manicured gardens, as well as a collection of antique carriages. Holiday tours are Nov 21-Jan 6, Tue-Sun Noon-5pm except Dec 25.

Colonial Williamsburg is just an hour's drive from Richmond, and the entire town is picture-perfect. Holiday wreaths, garlands, trees – the style here is simpler and more humble, but no less cheerful! The Christmas in Williamsburg celebration includes a special Christmas Decorations Walking Tour, offered daily through the holiday season.

Alternatively, you could head up to Mount Vernon (less than 2 hours from Richmond), to tour the home of George and Martha Washington. Decorations are simple and period-appropriate, but quite pretty: boughs of pine and cedar and swags of holly and ivy. The table is laid for a banquet, and visitors can even get the recipe for Martha's famous cake; the third floor is also open (a rare occurrence). Daily, Nov 28-Jan 6 (closed Dec 25).

Happy Holidays!