Photo Gallery | Holiday House Tours Kick Off Holiday Season Nov. 16
Historic Columbia Foundation’s annual Holiday House Tours kick off on Friday, November 16. View the decorated halls of all three of HCF’s historic house museums—the Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion and Mann-Simons Site—as part of HCF’s regular daily tours from November 16 - December 31.
Enjoy stories from holidays past in Columbia and learn how families decorated and entertained during the 19th and early 20th centuries as guides lead you through the beautifully decorated halls of these historic sites. Tours run Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm and Sundays from 1pm to 4 pm. Tours are just $6 for adults and $3 for children. Tours do not run on Mondays, Christmas and New Years Day.
Holiday House Tours are just one of the many holiday events HCF will offer this November and December. The full line-up of holiday events is listed below:
Historic Holidays Program for Scouts
November 17 – December 22 (by reservation)
Tour three historic houses and learn how families in Columbia celebrated the holidays throughout the 19th century. Enjoy a visit from our Victorian Santa Claus, holiday crafts and hot chocolate and cookies.
$8 per scout, $5 per adult
Early Adventures: Santa's Little Helpers
November 19 – December 21 (by reservation)
Children ages 3-8 will play games, make crafts and listen to stories in our cozy Carriage House. Enjoy a visit with from our Victorian Santa Claus, hot chocolate and cookies. Private groups of 10 or more, reservations required.
$6 per child
Family Day: Historic Holidays
Saturday, December 8 | 10 am – Noon
Children are invited to participate in a variety of holiday activities highlighting South Carolina holiday history, crafts, the decorated Robert Mills House and more.
Free for HCF members
Non-members: $6 for first child, $3 for each additional
Choir Showcase and $1 Holiday Tours
Saturday, December 8 | Noon – 4 pm
Local elementary schools will help HCF celebrate the season by providing musical entertainment for the community. Come hear them sing in front of the Robert Mills House. While you are here, step inside our historic houses to view the holiday decorations.
FREE | Optional House Tour $1
Candlelight Tours and Carriage Rides
Thursday & Friday, December 20 & 21 | 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Enjoy the decorated halls of our historic Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion by candlelight on a guided tour. Tours highlight southern holiday traditions from the Antebellum through the Victorian Age and into the 20th century. Carriage rides through the Robert Mills historic district will be offered for just $5!
Free for HCF members
Non-members: $6 adults, $3 children
Breakfast with Victorian Santa
Saturday, December 23 | 8 – 11 am
Enjoy a continental breakfast in our cozy Carriage House while listening to seasonal music. After your meal, view the decorated halls of the Hampton-Preston Mansion, see a Victorian Christmas tree, make a holiday craft to take home, and don’t forget to get your picture taken with our Victorian Santa Claus! Reservations required.
HCF Members: $8 adult, $3 youth (4-12)
Non-members: $10 adult, $5 youth (4-12)
Free for all children 3 & under
