PHILADELPHIA - This December, Philadelphia residents and visitors are invited to step back in time and celebrate the holiday season within one of the country's few remaining historic villa districts. Five remarkable historic houses located in East Fairmount Park are opening their doors for their annual December holiday tours, offering guests a rare glimpse into America's architectural and cultural history.
Step Back in Time: Experience the Holidays at East Fairmount Park’s Historic Mansions
Constructed along the Schuylkill River in the 18th and early 19th centuries as rural retreats for prominent Philadelphia families, these country estates will be beautifully transformed with seasonal decorations.
What to Expect on Your Historic Holiday Tour
Managed by Park Charms—a consortium operating in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and local stewardship organizations—each of the five participating properties offers a distinct interior style and unique holiday hospitality.
- Historic Strawberry Mansion (2450 Strawberry Mansion Drive): Take in the elegant, historic setting while enjoying a special holiday tea, which is served on December 12, 19, and 20 for an additional $5.
- Laurel Hill Mansion (3487 Edgley Drive): Browse the dedicated holiday gift shop and enjoy complimentary spiced tea, included with admission on December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20.
- Lemon Hill Mansion (1 Lemon Hill Drive): Explore the stunning oval parlors and curved doors of this Federal-style country house, fully decked out for the winter holidays.
- Ormiston Mansion (2000 Reservoir Drive): Relax during your tour with complimentary tea and cookies.
- Woodford Mansion (2300 N. 33rd Street): Enjoy complimentary hot spiced cider and cookies, which are served every Saturday and Sunday the mansion is open in December.
2026 Holiday Tour Dates and Visitor Information
All five historic houses are open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on their scheduled operating days, with the final tours of the day beginning at 3:30 p.m.
- Historic Strawberry Mansion & Lemon Hill Mansion: Open December 3–6, 10–13, and 17–20.
- Ormiston Mansion: Open December 4–6, 11–13, and 18–20.
- Laurel Hill Mansion: Open December 3–6, 10–13, 17–20, 24, and 26–27.
- Woodford Mansion: Open December 2–6, 9–13, 16–20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31, and January 2–3, 2027.
Tour tickets cost just $5.00 for adults, and children 12 and under are admitted for free. Tickets are available directly at each house's entrance. Payment options vary by location and may include cash, credit card, PayPal, or Venmo.
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