Tis the season, and all over the valley, gracious halls are being swagged, decked, and opened for public viewing. Stunning riverside mansions, historic hotels, colonial dwellings, and even entire towns take on an enchanted glow. The admission price for many tours will support charitable causes like local preservation and social services, and many house museums also have gift shops full of seasonal goodies. Whether you choose to visit a Victorian castle or a village-turned-winter fairy tale, a decorated house tour is a sure bet for lighting your own holiday candles of cheer.
Featured here is just a sampling of regional offerings. Call or email in advance for information about directions, fees, and weather cancellation.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY

Evening Candlelight Tours at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside
TARRYTOWN
Once home of the writer who penned such classics as The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, this charming expanded cottage has been decorated for an 1850s Christmas. Readings from Irving’s Christmas tales, fireside carol singing. December 8, 9, 15, and 16. Tours 4-8pm. Reservations required.

Also, Winter WonderLights tour, December 11-14, 18-23, 26-30; January 2-3. (914)631-8200 hudsonvalley.org Evening Candlelight Tours at Van Cortlandt Manor
CROTON-ON-HUDSON
Enjoy a 1700s-style celebration of “Twelfth Night” at the home of one of the wealthiest families of the post-Revolutionary era. Live music and lantern-lit orchard stroll. December 20. Tours start 4pm; last tour begins 8pm. Reservations required. (914) 631-8200, ext 618 hudsonvalley.org PUTNAM COUNTY Cold Spring by Candlelight Holiday Festival & House Tours
COLD SPRING
Self-guided walking or trolley tour of 13 unique historic houses and sites in the Village of Cold Spring and nearby Nelsonville. Carolers, holiday concerts, visits from St. Nick, carriage rides, and holiday storytelling. Proceeds help developmentally disabled children and adults. December 6. 12-6pm. (845) 278-PARC, ext. 287 coldspringbycandlelight.com Boscobel Holiday Tours
GARRISON
This federal-style mansion overlooking the Hudson River and West Point has been decorated with flickering candles and fresh greens. Classical music, a roaring fire, and traditional refreshments. December 12-14. 5-8pm.(845) 265-3638, ext. 115 info@boscobel.org boscobel.org ORANGE COUNTY Candlelight House Tour
NEWBURGH
This annual event features the elaborately decorated Crawford House, home to Newburgh’s Historical Society, as well as a dozen private residences. December 11. 12-5pm(845) 561-2585 newburghhistoricalsociety.com DUTCHESS COUNTY Silver Christmas Holiday Tours at Wilderstein
RHINEBECK
Imposing Queen Anne Victorian home of FDR’s cousin and confidante Daisy Suckley has been designer-decorated for the holidays for the last 20 years. Weekend self-guided tours from November 23-December 23. Annual Yuletide High Tea December 6. (845) 876-4818 wilderstein.org A Gilded Age Christmas at Staatsburgh State Historic Site/Mills Mansion
STAATSBURGH
Elaborate holiday decorations, flower arrangements, Edwardian-style Christmas trees. Wednesdays through Sundays for tours, 12-4:30pm until December 16; then open daily except December 25. Additional evening hours December 26, 6-8pm. (845) 889-8851 staatsburgh.org COLUMBIA COUNTY Olana Holiday House Tours
HUDSON
Artist Frederic Church’s eclectic home displays his paintings and objects from trips to Mexico and celebrates this country’s holiday traditions. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December. Annual Holiday Bonfire December 6 at 4pm.(518) 828-0135 olana.org