Check out far swankier digs than you've been decorating this year, during the Fairmount Park Yuletide Tours in Philadelphia.
The park's famed houses are decked out in their seasonal best, and when you go, you just may find a trained docent to dish up details on the history, architecture and holiday decorations of each. (However, this is only guaranteed with group tours of 15 or more people; call 215-684-7863 to reserve.)
You'll be able to tour three of the houses right now: Cedar Grove, Mount Pleasant and Woodford Mansion -- through Dec. 31 if you want to see the holiday decor, or any time after that if you're OK being garland-less.
A notable stop on the trek is Woodford Mansion (33rd and Dauphin streets, East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Penn.), a National Historic Landmark. The house is filled with furniture, portraits and hundreds of other items that tell the story of the colonial-era mansion's former residents. Woodford is currently decorated to re-create Rebecca Franks' holiday party.
Admission is $5 per house per person; kids age 12 and younger are free.
