Oatlands, celebrating 200 years this holiday season, is decorating the property as seen through the eyes of a child by featuring "A Child's Christmas in Loudoun".

A property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this 360-acre estate featuring a stately Greek revival mansion, magnificent formal terraced garden and 19th century dependencies, will present a spectacular Christmas display.

Using as inspiration the 19th and 20th century memories of Christmases at Oatlands, the mansion will be adorned with traditional decorations, such as handmade ornaments, glittery pine cones, candy canes, gingerbread and stockings hung by the fireplace. Many decorations were collected or made at Oatlands. As you travel from room-to-room inside the beautifully decorated mansion, imagine the sense of wonder felt by a young child at Christmas.

During the evening tours, the ambience is enhanced by candlelight with costumed guides presenting interpretations of Oatlands history.

Tours run from November 19 to December 30 and are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and students, $7 for youth (6 to 16) and free for children 5 and under.

Oatlands will host its renowned candlelight tours again this year Saturdays, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On arrival, visitors will be met in the historic Carriage House with complimentary cups of hot apple cider and cookies. After a brief stroll to the mansion, guests will be greeted at the house by costumed Interpreters who will regale them with accounts of past holiday celebrations at Oatlands. The entire family will experience the romance and joy of the holiday season on an Oatlands' Candlelight Tour. Admission is $12 for adults, $3 for children 7 & under. Group rates available to groups of 20 or more must be booked in advance.

During the holiday season, Oatlands offers a unique shopping experience at the Carriage House and Potting Shed Gift Shops. Stocked with a rich variety of holiday gift items, the Oatlands shops have become a destination for many shoppers in the region.

Afternoon tea at Oatlands continues throughout the holiday season from November 6 through December 18 and runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday (except Thanksgiving). Seatings are at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. each day and reservations are required. The cost of tea is $17.95 (plus tax) for adults and $8.95 (plus tax) for children 8 and younger. Call 703-777-3174 for tea reservations and other information.

For additional information call 703-777-3174 or visit the web at www.oatlands.org.