Historic antebellum home to host annual Christmas open house

Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens, Birmingham’s only antebellum-era home, is on the National Register of Historic Places. And Arlington, at 331 Cotton Ave. S.W., will host its annual Christmas open house Friday through Sunday, Dec. 7-9, with free admission for most of the weekend.

Christmas at Arlington, held for more than 60 years, features music, refreshments and entertainment, including a juggler and minstrels, according to Terri Hicks of the Arlington Historical Association.

There will be children’s activities and Santa will pose for photos. And thanks to local decorators, visitors can “see the house in its full holiday splendor with period decorations,” Hicks said.

Docents, including family members of Arlington’s previous owners, will discuss the history of the Greek Revival-style house, according to Hicks. On Friday at 6 p.m., Mayor Randall Woodfin and Anne Gibbons, president of the Historical Association, will hang a wreath, followed by a candlelight tour and reception. 

Tickets to the Friday events are $20 and can be purchased at the door. There will be free admission to the open house on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1-4 p.m., though donations are accepted. For more information, call 780-5656 or go to arlingtonantebellumhomeandgardens.com.