Holidays at Strawberry Mansion (Photo: Connie Ragsdale)
In the late 18th century, Philadelphia was a thriving center of commerce and culture, and many of its wealthiest citizens built elegant country retreats along the banks of the Schuylkill River to escape the bustle of city life. Six mansions known as the “Charms” are among the few remaining from the dozens of villas that once lined what is now Fairmount Park.
Each December, these beautifully preserved homes are transformed with period-inspired holiday decorations that evoke the warmth and traditions of Christmases past. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's architectural, social, and cultural history while showcasing the different styles of American design, from the balanced proportions of Palladian architecture to the refined elegance of the Federal style and the enduring influence of Neoclassicism. Experience the appeal of three “Charms” on this tour.
Begin at Strawberry Mansion, one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the region. Richly furnished with an outstanding collection of American decorative arts, the mansion's period rooms are decked with festive greenery and seasonal displays that highlight 19th-century holiday traditions. Continue to Woodford Mansion, a National Historic Landmark celebrated for its elegant interiors and one of the country's premier collections of colonial furnishings and decorative arts. Holiday decorations complement the home's craftsmanship and provide a welcoming backdrop for exploring the lives of the family who once lived there.
At Laurel Hill Mansion, a graceful Georgian-style estate overlooking the Schuylkill River, discover beautifully restored rooms decorated with greenery, ribbons, and ornaments inspired by historic celebrations. Learn about the development of Fairmount Park as one of America's great urban landscapes.
The day concludes with a visit to the Fairmount Water Works, a pioneering 19th-century engineering marvel that supplied clean water to a growing city. Set along the Schuylkill, its elegant neoclassical architecture and sweeping views provide a fitting finale to a day celebrating Philadelphia's history, architecture, decorative arts, and holiday traditions.
Local historian Tom Keels serves as the tour leader.
Know Before You Go
- The tour departs by motorcoach from downtown Washington, DC with a designated secondary pick-up outside the city. Content delivered by the study leader on the way to the destination, after the secondary pick-up, is an integral part of the study tour experience. Meeting the group once the tour is en route is discouraged.
- Tour participants meet at and leave by bus from the Mayflower Hotel, Connecticut Ave. and DeSales St. NW, with a pickup stop at the DoubleTree Hilton, 15101 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, Maryland, at about 8:10 a.m.
- Lunch at a local restaurant is included.
- Note: Due to the historic nature of the homes, not all are accessible and the use of stairs is required.
General Information
- Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 10, 2026.
- Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
- As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
- For additional tour information:
