Michigan Mansions Compete For Best U.S. Holiday Home Tour

Michigan is home to some of the nation’s most stunning historic homes. This holiday season, two of them are competing for a spot at the very top.

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USA Today and 10best are asking their readers "Which Holiday Historic Home Tour is the Best in the U.S.?" A panel of experts chose twenty historic residences that pull out all the stops during the holidays. It's now up to a public vote to determine the top ten. Last year, both Michigan homes landed in the top five...

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Once again, Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester and The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores are vying to be the best holiday historic home tour in the nation.

Meadow Brook Hall

Ranked No. 2 last year, Meadow Brook Hall is a National Historic Landmark with 110 rooms filled with original art, décor, and furniture. Built between 1926 and 1929 by Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of auto pioneer John Dodge, the Tudor-style mansion doubles as a museum, cultural center, and event venue.

Holidays at Meadow Brook runs November 28 through December 30 in 2025. Visitors can enjoy a daytime Holiday Walk through the elaborately decorated interior and stroll the grounds. At night, enjoy the outdoor light show, Winter Wonder Lights, with music and festive treats.

Tickets for the latter are $23 for adults and $13 for kids 3–12, with children under two admitted free. Discounts are available for members, seniors, military, veterans, and Oakland University students. Special events like the Starlight Stroll, Holiday Tea, and Santa Saturdays make the experience even more magical.

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The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House

Coming in at No. 5 in last year’s poll, the Ford House sits on the shores of Lake St. Clair. Built in 1928, the estate was home to Edsel Ford, president of the Ford Motor Company and son of Henry Ford, and his wife Eleanor.

Today, it is a National Historic Landmark open to the public, featuring the main residence, outbuildings, 87 acres of gardens, and a visitor center with exhibits, dining, shopping, and event space.

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Home for the Holidays at the Ford House runs November 30 through December 21, 2025. Guests can take a self-guided tour of the house to see how Eleanor decorated for the season and enjoy a one-mile walk around the grounds to view dazzling holiday lights. Santa makes nightly appearances to delight visitors of all ages. Admission is $22 for adults and $12 for kids 2–12, with infants admitted free.

Vote for your favorite Michigan mansion once per day through Dec. 1 at noon here.