Historic Houses Open Doors for Holiday

History buffs, take note: Nine historic Essex County sites throw their doors open to the public Saturday and Sunday for the county's second Holiday House Tour. Each home on the self-guided tour is decked out in holiday finery, showcasing past glory and present decor.

"Essex County is rich in history and architecture. Take a break from the hustle and bustle this December and visit seven local homes that will have decked the halls in holiday extravagance for one spectacular weekend," said Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. "Tour historic Essex County with your friends and delight in the elegance of the season."

Marzena DelGaudio, of Montclair, said she visited Kip's Castle Park in Verona Saturday to take her daughter's holiday card picture. "They always do a nice job and I can't compete," she said. "Last year, it was more colorful, but each year they have a different theme and I like it."

Listed below are the locations and available times for the tour.

Essex County Kip's Castle Park

22 Crestmont Road, Verona

(973) 239-2485

Noon to 4 p.m.

Walther House at the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

474 Upper Mountain Ave., Upper Montclair

(973) 783-5974

Noon to 4 p.m.

Glenmont at Thomas Edison National Historical Park

211 Main Street, West Orange

(973) 736-0550, ext. 11

11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., by tour only

Grover Cleveland Birthplace

207 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell

(973) 226-0001

1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Israel and Nathaniel Crane Houses

108 and 110 Orange Road, Montclair

(973) 744-1796

Morgan Farm and Museum

903 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove

(973) 239-5414

2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Ballantine House at Newark Museum

49 Washington Street, Newark

(973) 596-6550

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Charles Shultz House-Evergreens, Montclair

30 North Mountain Avenue, Montclair

(973) 744-1796

Zenas Crane Homestead

289 Westville Avenue, West Caldwell

(973) 226-8976

1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Each site offers music, refreshments or educational programs. There may be an admission fee at some of the locations. For more information, please call (973) 239-2485 or visit Essex County.

— Joshua Wilwohl contributed to this report.