Editor's Pick: Gilded Age Christmas At Staatsburgh Mansion

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Sometimes the best response to feeling overwhelmed is to find a beautiful distraction. Here's one: A Gilded Age Christmas at the Staatsburgh Historic Site.

The elegant American Renaissance mansion, a cornerstone of Hudson Valley history, is all decked out for the holidays.

A special event Friday from 5-8 p.m. includes live music, a craft activity and guides in period clothing.

If you can't make it Friday, go on Saturday or Sunday. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the last tour at 2:30 p.m. And Saturday will include the last of this season's performances of period music, performed by harpist Elysia Roman. Set amidst the historic rooms, decorated for the holidays, Ms. Roman’s performances are not formal concerts, but are meant to be enjoyed as visitors tour the house. Roman will perform holiday songs that are now classics but were brand new during the Gilded Age.

You can even go if you had planned to use the time for last minute gift-searching because that is one great gift shop.

Keep it in mind during Christmas week, too: it's open every day Dec. 26-31.