CAIRO HISTORICAL MANSIONS WILL OPEN THANKSGIVING DAY

CAIRO, Ill. -- The Magnolia Manor in Cairo will open for the Christmas season on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 28.

The historical Victorian mansion will join with its sister house, Windham, with dazzling Christmas displays.

At Magnolia Manor, all 14 rooms of the 1869 mansion will glisten with the theme "A Visit from St. Nick."

Windham will glow with nostalgia as it celebrates "A Victorian Christmas." There are nine rooms in this 1876 mansion.

The displays will overflow into the lawns of both houses. Display items are for purchase.

The mansions open on Thanksgiving through Dec. 1. They will reopen Dec. 7-8. Hours are 1-5 p.m. Group tours can be arranged by calling (618) 734-0201.

Tickets for both mansions will be available at Magnolia Manor. No tickets will be available at Windham. Profits from admission and sales help the Cairo Historical Association maintain Magnolia Manor.

Situated at 2700 Washington Avenue in Cairo, Magnolia Manor is a stately four-story Victorian museum listed as a national landmark for its architectural and historic significance. Its sister house, Windham, at 2606 Washington, is a national landmark and bed and breakfast.