Looking for holiday cheer? The historic houses of Fairmount Park are the place to visit this December!
Starting November 30, 2023, five of Fairmount Park’s historic houses will deck the halls for the holiday season. This year’s “Holidays in the Park” highlights include free historic house tours on December 16, 2023.
DETAILS
All five houses will be open on Saturdays and Sundays in December from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dates include:
- December 2-3, 2023
- December 9-10, 2023
- December 16-17, 2023
Additional tour hours are available but vary depending on the house—check the links to each house below for all available dates.
- Guests of any age are welcome to join in the fun this holiday season.
- Children 12 and under are free.
- $5 suggested donation.
- Masks are encouraged but are not required.
FEATURED HOUSES
Laurel Hill Mansion
3487 Edgley Drive, 19121.
Laurel Hill is one of the most visible houses situated along the Schuylkill River. The view of the river from the back porch is beautiful.
Tour dates
Thursday through Sunday, from November 30 to December 17, 2023.
The house will also be open for tours on December 21, 22, 23, 28, and 29, 2023.
Learn more about Laurel Hill Mansion.
Lemon Hill Mansion
1 Lemon Hill Drive, 19130.
Philadelphia merchant Henry Pratt built Lemon Mansion in 1801. He named the estate after citrus trees he grew in his greenhouse. Lemon Hill was built in the Federal style. It features unique oval rooms that overlook the Schuylkill River. There are also great views of the city skyline.
Tour dates
Saturdays and Sundays, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17, 2023.
Special events
“Winter Around the World” program:
- Dec 2–celebrate Ukraine
- Dec 3–celebrate Mexico
- Dec 9–celebrate Sweden
- Dec 10–celebrate Southeast Asia
Learn more about Lemon Hill Mansion.
Ormiston Mansion
2000 Reservoir Drive, 19121.
A wealthy Scottish merchant built the mansion in 1798. The Royal Heritage Society of the Delaware Valley maintains the house. Ormiston is an example of Georgian architecture. The third-floor dormer windows open to a magnificent view of the river.
Tour dates
Saturdays and Sundays, December 2 to December 17, 2023.
Historic Strawberry Mansion
2450 Strawberry Mansion Drive, 19132.
Historic Strawberry Mansion is the largest of the Fairmount Park Historic Houses. Handcrafted and manufactured ornaments and decorations will adorn the mansion for the holidays.
Tour dates
Thursday through Sunday, from November 30 to December 17. Closed after December 17, 2023.
Special events
Yuletide Tea and Treats from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on December 9, 16, and 17, 2023.
Learn more about Historic Strawberry Mansion.
Woodford Mansion
3400 West Dauphin Drive, 19132.
William Coleman, a trusted confidant to Benjamin Franklin, built Woodford in 1756. Since 1927, Naomi Wood’s unique collection of colonial objects has been displayed here.
Tour dates
Wednesday through Sunday, November 30 through December 17, 2023.
The house will be open for tours on December 23-24, 2023, and December 28-31, 2023.
Learn more about Woodford Mansion.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
On December 16, 2023 the houses will be open free of charge! The free tours are part of the Philly Holiday Experience. This city-wide event includes a tree lighting ceremony, holiday parade, and free museum days. View the list of over 20 museums and cultural sites that will offer free or pay what you wish days in December.
Accessibility
The houses’ historic designs create certain accessibility challenges. Guests with specific needs can call before visiting to learn about their options. The links above lead to pages with each house’s contact information for any questions.
Trolley tours between the historic houses will not be offered in 2023. Guests are free to walk or drive between the mansions. There is free parking at each location.
