Holiday Tours at 5 Historic Homes

Those who helped build Ohio and the nation are remembered at these historic estates that offer a glimpse of what life was like during the time their original owners lived there. From the former home of the 19th President of the United States to the Akron mansion of a tire magnate to smaller private homes of business leaders of their time, these properties provide the opportunity to step into the past, and the holiday season is a great time to visit.  

Christmas Mansion Tours at Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum | Through Dec. 21
John and Sarah Bradfield built their Barnesville mansion on the corner of  Walton Avenue and Chestnut Street between 1888 and 1893, capping off its completion with a 300-guest summer party. Today, the Belmont County Historical Society owns the Victorian-era home, which spans 26 rooms and looks much as it did when its original owners resided there. During the holidays, the home is decorated for Christmas mansion tours, which are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between until Dec. 21.

Memories of Christmas Past at Arms Family Museum | Through Dec. 31
Wilford and Olive Arms moved into this residence on what was then Youngstown’s millionaire’s row in 1905. Each year during the holidays, seven rooms of the home — now owned by the Mahoning Valley Historical Society — are filled with an array of vintage holiday decorations. Items include pieces from the museum’s collection, private collectors and the personal collection of Anthony Worrellia, designer of the annual exhibit.

Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens | Select Dates Nov. 28-Dec. 30
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. co-founder F.A. Seiberling and his family once called this Akron estate their home. These days, the holiday season brings Deck the Hall, an annual event running Nov. 28 to 30, Dec. 4 to 23 and Dec. 26 to 30 this season. This festive event features self-guided tours of the decorated mansion and holiday lights displayed across the grounds. Visitors can also enjoy gingerbread cookies and other refreshments at Molly’s Courtyard Cafe.

Christmas at Kingwood at Kingwood Center Gardens | Nov. 29-Dec. 30
Charles Kelley King amassed his wealth through his work for the Ohio Brass Co. and constructed a beautiful estate in Mansfield that visitors can now visit year-round. The holidays bring decorations both inside the historic mansion and across the grounds at Kingwood Center Gardens. This annual features twinkling lights, tours of the historic mansion and festively decorated gardens.

Hayes Home Holidays: Spirits of Christmas at Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums | Dec. 19-20
Rutherford B. Hayes and his family lived at Spiegel Grove in Fremont both before and after his time as president. Each year during the holidays, visitors to the Rutherford B. Hayes Home and Presidential Museums can experience a bit of what Christmas was like during that era. The 31-room mansion is decorated in a historically accurate manner, while Charles Dickens-themed Hayes Home Holiday tours are offered on the evenings of Dec. 19 and 20.

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