As the leaves change, the clocks turn back, and the sun sets earlier, many Historic New England sites close for the winter. Despite these closures, we continue to offer fun, exciting activities throughout the cold winter months. Read on to find out what we have in store for you this winter.
The Eustis Estate, Gropius House, the Lyman Estate, and the Lyman Estate Greenhouses remain open for tours year-round. Warm up in the oasis of the Lyman Estate Greenhouses Tuesdays–Saturdays. The colorful plants will temporarily transport you to a tropical paradise! And mark your calendar for the Houseplant and Begonia Sale on January 18 and Camellia Days on Tuesdays–Saturdays, February 18–March 18.
From Our House to Yours returns with members-only virtual tours of Casey Farm in Saunderstown, Rhode Island; and Langdon House in Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury, Massachusetts. Everyone can enjoy our virtual landscape tours and 360° house tours, which are always available on the Digital Visitor Experience page on our website.
Many of our landscapes are open year-round from dawn to dusk, free of charge. Please visit, take in the spectacular views, and enjoy the walking paths—your leashed dog is welcome to join you.
Join us at the Sarah Orne Jewett House on February 4 for a hands-on Climate Conversation Workshop with Joie Grandbois, Historic New England’s sustainability coordinator. Learn how Historic New England is addressing climate change, and take part in guided small-group discussions to practice tackling tricky conversations about this pressing topic.
If you prefer to stay toasty warm indoors, Historic New England will host several concerts and performances this winter. Head to the Eustis Estate in Milton, Massachusetts, on December 12 for Gilded Glow, an evening concert lit by hundreds of candles, creating a unique atmosphere in the Gilded Age mansion. In Waltham, Massachusetts, the Lyman Estate will host its annual holiday concert with the Sheffield Chamber Players, who play a diverse selection of festive music that encourages a cheerful celebration of the season.
Several Historic New England sites toast the season with fabulous, period-appropriate decorations and fun holiday activities. Nickels-Sortwell House in Wiscasset, Maine, opens its doors December 6-8 as part of Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest.
Following years of tradition, in Massachusetts, the Eustis Estate and Phillips House in Salem are hosting holiday teas and visits from Santa. The Eustis Estate will also host fun evenings of Christmas Cheers on December 5 and December 8. You can explore the Eustis Estate’s glowing evening ambiance and celebrate the season with live music. Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury is hosting Christmas on the Farm, a members-only evening holiday celebration. Guests will explore the evolution of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Christmas traditions, tour the manor’s first floor, enjoy refreshments, and listen to Irish folk music by Killeeshil.
There is so much to do with Historic New England and we hope to see you in person or virtually this winter!
Written by Moriah Illsley, Public Programs Administrator
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