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The county's historic mansions offer a variety of activities to inspire the Prince George's County's holiday spirit.
"It's not just for history lovers," said Susan Reidy, museum director for Darnall's Chance House Museum and Marietta House Museum, of the upcoming events taking place at the mansions this month.
"The whole house smells so good," Reidy said.
Each visitor is granted two votes upon arrival, one vote in the children's category and one in the adult category. These votes are tallied for the coveted viewers' choice award.
Reidy also has started what she hopes will be a new tradition at the Marietta House Museum in Glenn Dale.
The first ever Once Upon a Time story telling experience will take place from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, and Dec. 13 and Dec. 14.
"The children who grew up at Marietta heard the same stories we hear today," Reidy said. "It will be like stepping out of the middle of December back in time into a story."
Each of the county's historic house museums provide a charming way to experience the rich culture it embraces to boost your holiday spirit.
Tour participants will find Montpelier adorned with traditional holiday greens, softly lit by candlelight as local performers entertain nightly. The self-paced tour is narrated to give visitors a feel for life in the early 1800s as it was experienced by the Snowden family, who once occupied the property.
"The experience speaks for itself," said Edna Graham, a member of the Montpelier staff.
Montpelier Mansion also plans to host Hands-on-History day from 10 a.m. to noon, on Dec. 13. Children are invited to the mansion to learn about Christmas traditions held by slaves, who once labored the lands of Montpelier.
Farther to the north, visitors to Riversdale House Museum will find the house ornamented with floral arrangements presented by the Paint Branch Garden Club and decorations reflecting the 18th century style of the house.
St. Nicholas Day at the Riversdale House Museum is Saturday. This annual event for children provides an opportunity for kids to sit with and talk to a traditional St. Nicholas.
Visitors have a chance to learn about Flemish Christmas traditions as they were celebrated by those who inhabited the house in the 18th century. Also, every child leaves with a goody bag.
"The children get really excited about it," said Samantha Ferris, who is celebrating her second holiday season with Riversdale. "They appreciate learning about what happened [at Riversdale] during the period."
Riversdale House Museum also plans to host the Twelfth Night; the symbolic end of the holiday season in traditions of the Federal Period. This formal gala is celebrated on Jan. 10 and invites guests to enjoy an evening that consists of a banquet style feast and formal dancing.
"People really go all out for [Twelfth Night]" Ferris said.
If you're still looking to increase holiday cheer, consider a trip to Hillwood Estate in northwest Washington, D.C
Hillwood invites visitors to the Russian Winter Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 13 and from 1 to 5 p.m., Dec. 14. Guests will experience how Hillwood celebrates the holidays in Old Russian style.
Music and dance performances set the mood for this fun-filled festival where visitors can meet Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden and take part in an art activity for all ages. Guests can also leisurely peruse the 12 acres of December gardens the property has to offer.
Hillwood also hosts wreath and centerpiece workshops to help guests create seasonal décor to enjoy in their own homes. The Fabulous Wreath Workshop is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday.
The Fabulous Holiday Centerpiece Talk and Workshop is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Dec. 10 and Dec. 16. Supplies are provided for each workshop and space is limited. For reservations call 202-686-5807 or visit www.hillwoodmuseum.org
