Holiday celebrations are deeply rooted in customs and these rituals are passed down from one generation to the next. Although many familiar aspects of the holidays such as decorations, caroling and even refreshments have changed throughout the years, visitors looking to celebrate old-fashioned traditions can find them at Georgia State Historic Sites.

This winter, many of the state's 15 historic sites will provide an enlightening look into the culture of holidays past with a sampling from Antebellum, Colonial and Moravian themed celebrations. There will be plenty of distinctive events and activities for the entire family to enjoy - from candlelight tours of historic homes adorned with period decorations to living history reenactors and costumed characters. Admission to each event and location varies, but an annual pass to all sites is available for just $20 for adults, $15 for children or $35 for a family of four. Events and tours at these presidential homes, ancient Indian mounds, Revolutionary War forts, Civil War battlefields and picturesque plantations can be enjoyed year-round. Visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org for more information.

Below is a list of planned holiday happenings at Georgia State Historic Sites:

Christmas on the Old Plantation, Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2, 6-9 p.m., Hofwyl- Broadfield Plantation Historic Site - Brunswick: Catch a glimpse of how the holidays would have been celebrated on a Southern plantation during the Civil War era. Tour the site as it is lit solely by candlelight and watch living history reenactors dressed in period costumes. Light refreshments

will be served and guests can visit with Santa or join the caroling at the visitor's center. Hourly tours begin at 6 p.m. Reservations are suggested and can be made beginning November, 1. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children. (912) 264-7333.

Christmas Candlelight Tours, Saturday, December 2, 6-9 p.m., New Echota Historic Site - Calhoun: Step back into the simpler 1820s time period as New Echota, the historic Cherokee Capital, is transformed into a world of candlelight, music, singing and refreshments. Admission is $2.50-$4. (706) 624-1321.

Spice and Splendor: Holiday Open House, Sunday, December 3, 2-5 p.m., Lapham-Patterson House Historic Site - Thomasville: Celebrate an old-fashioned holiday with entertainment and refreshments in this festively decorated Victorian home and museum. The one-of-a-kind structure was built in the late 1800s as a cottage for a survivor of the great Chicago fire and now serves as a National Historic Landmark. Admission is free for this event. (229) 225-4004.

Dahlonega's Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration, Sunday, December 3, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site - Dahlonega: As part of the city of Dahlonega's celebration, the Gold Museum Historic Site will be hosting an open house and waiving admission fees. The museum will be adorned with period decorations and will feature an antique toy exhibit. Outside on the square, guests can visit with Father Christmas, his reindeer and elves or enjoy an outdoor ice skating rink. Admission is free for this date only. (706) 864-2257.

1860s Christmas, Saturday, December 2, 7-9 p.m., Jefferson Davis Memorial Historic Site - Fitzgerald: Learn how the holidays were celebrated before, during and after the Civil War with candlelit tours and reenactors. Santa, in period dress, will also be making an appearance. Kids can enjoy refreshments and crafts. Admission is $1.50-$3. (229) 831- 2335.

Cherokee Christmas by Candlelight, Friday, December 8 - Saturday, December 9, 6-9 p.m., Chief Vann House Historic Site - Chatsworth: Commemorate James Vann opening his new home to the Moravian Missionaries in order to hold the first Christmas celebration in the Cherokee Nation in 1804. Although you can view the house decorated Moravianstyle with natural garland, paper ornaments and more than 300 luminaries throughout December, candlelight tours are only held on the second Friday and Saturday nights in December. Admission is $2.50-$4. (706) 695-2598.

Christmas Candlelight Tours of Jarrell Plantation, Saturday, December 9, 6-8 p.m., Jarrell Plantation Historic Site - Juliette: Stroll along a luminary lit trail through the plantation and farmhouse built in the 1800s, decked out with natural decorations. Enjoy stories and entertainment around a campfire. Admission is $2.50 -$4. (478) 986-5172.

Winter Muster and Candle Lantern Tour, Saturday, December 9, 8 a.m. -7 p.m., Fort McAllister Historic Park - Richmond Hill: For a different type of Antebellum holiday experience, learn about the last days of this Confederate fort before its capture and watch a reenactment of the capture of the garrison. The fort will be open to the public from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and visitors can watch the "troops" prepare. The battle begins at 4 p.m., followed by a candlelight tour at 6 p.m. Admission is $2.50 -$4. Reservations suggested. (912) 727-2339.

Celebrating 75 Years of Christmas Melodies, Saturday, December 9, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Robert Toombs House Historic Site - Washington: In honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Georgia State Park system, experience seven decades of your favorite holiday melodies throughout this stately Antebellum mansion, the former residence of a Georgia political legend. The carols will be brought to life with decorations, interpretation and costumes. Admission is free to this event. Donations appreciated. (706) 678-2226.

Victorian Christmas at Liberty Hall, Sunday, December 10, 2-5 p.m., A.H. Stephens Historic Park - Crawfordville: Experience the holidays from a Victorian era perspective. Visit this stately Confederate Vice President's home, which will feature period decorations and refreshments will also be served. Admission is $1.75 - $3. (706) 456-2602.

Colonial Christmas Dinner, Saturday, December 16, 7-9 p.m., Fort King George Historic Site - Darien: Get a taste of the past with this festive dinner featuring multiple courses of 18th century cuisine, served in the soldiers' barracks. The evening also features an artillery demonstration. Dinner is $30 per person, with proceeds benefiting The Garrison of Fort King George. Reservations required by December 9. (912) 437-4770.

A Colonial Christmas, Saturday, December 9, 4-8 p.m., Fort Morris Historic Site - Midway: In the past, war was put on hold to observe Christmas. Join park staff at Fort Morris Historic Site, a Revolutionary War era bulwark, for their version of a peaceful and intimate holiday cel-

ebration with colonial refreshments, a bonfire, caroling and firing of the Christmas guns. Admission to this event is free. (912) 884-5999.

Colonial Christmas at Wormsloe, Sunday, December 10, 2-5 p.m., Wormsloe Historic Site - Savannah: Observe the holidays, colonial-style, with caroling, burning of the Yule Log and games and refreshments. Admission is $2.50 - $4. (912) 353-3023.