Three historic Demopolis homes will be open during Christmas on the River, giving local residents and visitors to the area a chance to look back in time.

Marengo County Historical Society will decorate both Bluff Hall and Lyon Hall for Christmas in the Canebrake, and the Alabama Historical Commission will open Gaineswood for a rare candlelight evening at the home.

Bluff Hall and Lyon Hall will be open from 5:30-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. Admission will be $5 for adults, and children 12 and under will be free.

Santa Claus will be at Bluff Hall throughout the evening, and parents are encouraged to bring their children for a chance to see him.

“We’re excited to have Santa coming this year,” said Kirk Brooker of the Marengo County Historical Society. “Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras, as we won’t have a photographer there. We want to keep costs down for visitors, and having them bring their own cameras helps with that.”

In addition to Santa, there will also be several local choirs and musicians at both Bluff and Lyon Hall. One act includes the Dickens Carolers from Thomasville. They will be singing carols in clothing true to the Victorian era. Hot apple cider will be served at Bluff Hall, holiday punch will be served at Lyon Hall, and sweets and savories will be served at both homes during the night.

Both historic homes will be decorated in fresh greenery, which will stay up through the season.

“This night really covers all of the sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas,” Brooker said.

The entertainment schedule for Bluff and Lyon Halls is as follows for Friday night:

Bluff Hall

•5:30 Beth Mason and Company

•6:00 Fairhaven Baptist Church Choir and Ensembles

•6:30 Laura Clement’s Talent Coaching Vocal Group

•7:00 Decatur Street Boys, First United Methodist Church

•7:30 Dickens Carolers of Thomasville

Lyon Hall

•5:30 Laura Clement’s Talent Coaching Vocal Group

•6:00 First Baptist Church Handbell Choir

•6:30 Dickens Carolers of Thomasville

•7:00 First Baptist Church Handbell Choir

•7:30 Wanda Dunklin and Angela Schumacher, flute; and Beth Mason, violin

Bluff Hall will also be open Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for tours.

Gaineswood will be open from 5-8 p.m. on Friday for a candlelight evening. There will be live entertainment by John Bultman, who plays the open back banjo. He will play Christmas favorites and traditional holiday songs.

For Friday evening, admission to Gaineswood is $5 for adults and no charge for children 12 and under.

“This is really the only time we open in the evening all year,” said site director Eleanor Cunningham. “It allows you to step back in time and see Gaineswood by candlelight.”

Gaineswood will also be open for tours Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at regular admission prices, which are $5 for adults, $3 for children 6-18 and free for children under the age of 6.