No place showcases the gilded era better than Newport, R.I., where the Preservation Society of Newport County decorates and opens three humongous "cottages" for daily tours: The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House. Few sights are as impressive as the towering Christmas tree made of poinsettia plants that this year will welcome visitors to The Elms, but for pure over-the-top extravagance, don't miss the Breakers, the 70-room, Italian Renaissance-style palazzo inspired by the 16th-century palaces of Genoa and Turin. Touring these properties with their ornamentation and festive trees is just a start. Plan a visit around one of the special holiday evenings, when a mansion is lighted for the celebration, has live holiday music, and offers sweets. Christmas at the Newport Mansions runs through Jan. 4.
Winter Passport ticket providing daytime admission to all three houses can be purchased for $25 adults, $9 ages 6-17. Purchased separately: Breakers $16.50, $4; Marble House, The Elms each $11, $4. Evening events $25, $10. 401-847-1000; www.newportman sions.org.
Given the Astor family's prominence in US social history, it's no surprise that Beechwood won't let other Newport mansions overshadow it, even during the holidays. Visits are enhanced by members of the Beechwood Theatre Company portraying family members and domestics and end with a musical performance and dancing.
Tours continue through Dec. 30 and cost $20 adult, $8 ages 6-17, or $50 for a family of two adults and up to four children under 18. 401-846-3722; www.astorsbeech wood.com.
In Maine, Portland's Victoria Mansion is a treat at any time, but at Christmas it goes beyond spectacular to stunning. The Italianate mansion drips with lavish ornamentation, architectural embellishments, and opulent decoration even before area florists and designers individually decorate rooms on the first two floors for the holidays. This year, Christmas at the Victoria Mansion, Nov. 28-Dec. 31, celebrates the theme "We Three Kings of Orient Are," and visitors can view the newly restored Turkish Smoking Room.
