The Cincinnati Enquirer

Special holiday hours at the Promont House Museum in Milford start next week. | ZOOM |

The Promont House Museum in Milford will begin celebrating a Victorian Christmas next weekend.

The museum, home of the Greater Milford Area Historical Society, once was the residence of John Pattison, 43rd governor of Ohio. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Special holiday hours will be 1:30-4:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Friday through Dec. 22. Candlelight Tours will be 7-9 p.m. Friday and next Saturday and Dec. 13-14.

In Aurora, Hillforest Museum will have an evening tour of its Victorian Chritmas exhibit 6-8 p.m. Friday. The mansion-museum's holiday exhibit will remain through Dec. 19. Regular hours: 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Cost: $5, $2.50 students and free for children 6 and under. Information: (812) 926-0087.

IF YOU GO

What: Holidays at the Promont House Museum. When: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Friday through Dec. 22. Candlelight Tours 7-9 p.m. Friday and next Saturday and Dec. 13-14. Where: 906 Main St., Milford. Admission: $3. Information: 248-0324; Web site.

Promont House, 906 Main St., has been restored to the Victorian elegance of the late 19th century by the historical society. For the holidays, the stairways will be festooned with garlands and the dining room table will be set for an elaborate Christmas dinner. Even the bedrooms will reflect the holiday spirit, with antique toys and a tree decorated by schoolchildren.

The museum gift shop also will have special holiday hours. In addition to regular hours 1:30-4:30 p.m. Friday and Sunday, the shop will be open 1:30-4:30 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 21 and 7-9 p.m. Friday and next Saturday and Dec. 13-14.

The shop carries Cat's Meow Ohio Bicentennial Barns, Sheila's Collectibles (replica Victorian houses and ornaments), lace table runners, mantel scarves, beaded jewelry and children's replica toys.