BRIGHT SPOTS

Historic mansions are attractive holiday destinations for familiesseeking a peek into past traditions, says Richard Moe, president ofthe National Trust for Historic Preservation. "There's no better wayto celebrate this time of year than to experience the customs ofthose who established the diverse holiday traditions in America."Here, he shares a list of historic halls decked with holly -- andholiday spirit.

Brucemore, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

"Seasonal greenery, dried-flower arrangements, bright poinsettias,twinkling lights and 14 exquisitely decorated trees adorn the late-19th-century mansion and community center through Dec. 31. Eventsinclude evening tours, festive music and several visits from Santa."www.brucemore.org.

Shadows-on-the-Teche

New Iberia, La.

"Victorian-style garlands and wreaths made of local greenery,fruit and ribbons decorate this grand 19th-century plantation house,located just off the Bayou Teche. Tours of the mansion focus on thehistoric holiday celebrations of the antebellum period."www.shadowsontheteche.org.

Molly Brown House, Denver

"Recounting the life of Margaret Tobin Brown, the 'unsinkablelady' known for surviving the Titanic disaster, the MB House createsan elaborate Victorian Christmas display with candlelight tours,festive wreaths, mistletoe, ribbon and special events recounting theholidays as Brown experienced them." www.mollybrown.org.

Graceland, Memphis

Elvis Presley famously decorated for the holidays. Today, "thestaff continues Elvis' traditions by placing Christmas trees inseveral rooms. Look outside for Elvis' life-size Nativity scene, thelighted aluminum trees and the winding driveway outlined withhundreds of blue lights." www.elvis.com.

Lyndhurst, Tarrytown, N.Y.

Rooms in the 165-year-old Gothic Revival mansion on the HudsonRiver represent different fairy tales. "Included in the decorationsare the glittering ornaments donated to Lyndhurst by Scarsdale nativeChristopher Radko." www.lyndhurst.org.

Pabst Mansion, Milwaukee

More than 100 Christmases ago, sea captain and beer baron Capt.Frederick Pabst built his Flemish Renaissance mansion. "This year,the 37-room mansion presents 'A Victorian Christmas' through Jan. 11.Intricately decorated trees and seasonal decor are in every room onthe first two floors. Holiday music from local musicians is featuredeach weekend this month." www.pabstmansion.com.

Colonial Williamsburg

Williamsburg, Va.

"Nothing quite matches the excitement, sights, sounds and grandeurof the Christmas season in Williamsburg. Watch the Grand Illuminationwith candles and a huge display of fireworks. Seasonal programsinclude children's theater, seminars on Williamsburg's decorations,18th-century musical performances and tours of private homesdecorated for the season." www.history.org.

Biltmore Estate

Asheville, N.C.

Since George Vanderbilt and his family first celebrated Christmashere in 1895, "America's largest home continues the tradition with alarger-than-life celebration that includes holiday music, candlelighttours, hundreds of poinsettias, dozens of Christmas trees and a 34-foot tall Fraser fir adorned with lights, brass ornaments and gifts."www.biltmore.com.