London Town's annual holiday teas are sold out already, but visitors still will have the opportunity to tour the house and take part in an event related to the doll exhibit.
Holiday events
Decorations on display Dec. 9-31.
Wreath workshop. Make your own holiday wreath. 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 7. $20.
Antique doll exhibit. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Noon-2 p.m. Sundays. Dec. 9-31. $4.
Lecture and tour. "Let's Talk Dolls" by Stuart Holbrook, president of Theriault's, an internationally known Annapolis auction house. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 11. $12.
House tours. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Noon-3 p.m. Sundays. $2-$4. Free if you bring a canned good Dec. 26-31.
Mount Clare Museum House
1500 Washington Blvd., 410-837-3262.
Two centuries of holiday traditions will be showcased at Mount Clare.
Formerly home to Charles Carroll the Barrister and his heirs, Mount Clare contains many period furnishings that are original to its owners.
The holiday display includes an ornate (circa 1760) gown believed to have been worn by Margaret Tilghman Carroll when she went to a birthday tea in London honoring Queen Charlotte of England.
Holiday decorations center on greens, holly, wreaths and fruit.
Holiday events
Decorations are displayed Dec. 3-31.
House tours. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $1 admission Dec. 14-15. Admission all other times $3-$6.
Historic Oakland
5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, 410-730-4801.
Charles Sterrett Ridgely, a former speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, built Oakland in 1811 as a country home.
The house, which features elements of Federal, Greek Revival and Colonial Revival architecture, passed through several owners before the Rouse Co. acquired it in 1965. Today, it is owned and operated by the Columbia Association.
Restored with antique and reproduction pieces to its original Federal style, the house includes a vast ballroom as well as a cozy library.
The simple holiday decorations include fresh greens and ornamental greens.
Holiday events
Decorations displayed Dec. 5, 10 and 12.
Afternoon tea. Two-course tea. Local artisans will sell their works at the event. 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 5, 10 and 12. $12.60. Reservations required.
William Paca House
186 Prince George St., Annapolis 410-267-7619.
Dating to 1763, this 18th-century town home was built for William Paca, a young planter who signed the Declaration of Independence. Restored to its 18th-century heyday, the home features an extensive collection of antique furniture, silver and decorative arts.
This year's holiday decorations at Paca House are inspired by the Historic Annapolis Foundation's golden (50th) anniversary. Lemons, gold ribbons and a nightly illumination, which casts a golden light on the home's exterior, are highlights of the celebration.
Visitors will learn how gold, parties and traditions associated with light helped boost Colonial spirits on long winter nights.
Holiday events
Decorations displayed Dec. 7-31.
Wreath-making workshop. 9 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7. Also, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 13. $30-$35. Reservations required.
Music and candlelight at the Paca House. Tour the home as it would have appeared when William and Mary Paca entertained during 18th-century winters. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 7. Free with admission to house.
Gift-making workshop for kids. Participants will make golden nut ornaments, tinsel stars, lemon pomanders and decorative goodie bags. Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 15. $6.50-$8. Reservations required.
House tours. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday to Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 31. $5-$8 per person, $25 for a family of four, age 5 and under free.
Historic Waverly
2300 Waverly Mansion Drive, Marriottsville, 410-313-5400.
This historic home to two former governors of Maryland (John Eager Howard and his son George) is a 2 1/2 -story "hyphenated" house. One part was built in 1764, the other in 1811. They are connected by a hallway.
Seasonal decorations by area garden clubs reflect both of these periods. The focus of the decorations is on greens and fruit.
Holiday events
Decorations displayed Dec. 9-Jan. 1, depending on durability of fresh materials.
Candlelight tour. 10 a.m.-noon and 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 9. $1-$3.
House tours. 9 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday. All visitors must make an appointment. $1-$3.
