Holiday-decorated mansions at Planting Fields and Bayard arboretums on view

Find more than “a little Christmas” at the seasonally decorated Tudor-Revival Coe Hall Mansion, set among the gardens and hiking trails at Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay; and the Manor House at Bayard Cutting Arboretum, nestled on the shore of the Connetquot River, in Great River.

Coe Hall is decked out with Christmas trees, nutcrackers, presents and wreaths throughout its varied rooms for an annual Holiday Festival, held Dec. 9-10 and Dec. 16-17. Bring the kids to enjoy their excitement upon learning that Santa will make a stop at the fest (both weekends). Once they’ve whispered their wish lists to him, the kids can partake in the face-painting and cookie-decorating festivities. Through the house, the music you will hear is performed live by Jack Kohl, a pianist; Alan & Hugo, flamenco guitarists; and House of the Red Hart singers.

Manor House is decorated – more than 20 rooms – with natural greens and live trees, along with themed decorations like the Carousel Christmas decor in the Main Lobby, which you can view on a Holiday House Tour; or on a Candlelight House Tour for an 1800s experience, offered in the evening. After the Candlelight Tour, the house staff will treat you to warm beverages and cookies in Mrs. Cutting’s parlor, which is now used as the café in the Manor House. Holiday House Tours: Dec. 6-10 and Dec. 13-17; and Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 27-30. Evening Candlelight Tours: Dec. 7-9, Dec. 14-16, Dec. 20-22 and Dec. 27-29. Call for times and reservations.

I’m all set for visions of illuminated trees gracing these grand homes to add a little “fa, la, la, la, la” to my holidays – how about you?

Holiday Festival
Coe Hall at Planting Fields Arboretum
1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay
Hours, both weekends: 11 a.m.-4 p.m
516-922-8678 · plantingfields.org.
Holiday House and Candlelight tours
Manor House at Bayard Cutting Arboretum
440 Montauk Hwy., Great River
631-581-1002 · bayardcuttingarboretum.com