A weekend of holiday activities will take place at St. Mary of Providence Center, 227 Isabella Road, Elverson, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15.

Events will begin on Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with guided tours of the historic Potts Mansion, which will be decorated in a Victorian theme by local designers and artists.

The mansion is known as Langoma, which is a Native American term that means "homestead." The mansion features 76 rooms, 22 fireplaces and numerous architectural highlights such as Tiffany stained-glass windows, "floating" staircases and woodwork detailing.

Construction of the mansion was started in 1890 by Joseph Potts, whose family members were local ironmasters. Joseph's great-great-grandfather was John Potts, the founder of Pottstown.

Today, the facility is operated by the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence. It functions as a retreat facility year-round for people of all religious denominations. In addition to the religious retreat center, the site includes several buildings that house senior citizens.

Volunteers have been busy decorating the mansion for the upcoming Christmas tours, with a goal of making the mansion look as it did in the early 1900s. Visitors will be able to view fresh and artificial Christmas trees, Nativity scenes, candles, greenery and other festive decorations.

Decorated areas on two floors of the mansion will include the ballroom; the east and west staircases; the east and west foyers; and the bedroom of Mrs. Potts, which has recently been restored and refurbished. "Mrs. Potts' room was renovated to the Victorian period. It is styled now with period furniture," said volunteer Liz Oulton, who is helping to organize the events along with Sister Brenda McHugh, site director.

There will also be an opportunity for tourgoers to win gift baskets donated by local businesses, individuals and the senior citizens who reside at St. Mary's. One of the baskets is coffee-themed, and it comes complete with coffee and a coffee maker. Names of the gift basket winners will be drawn after the last tour.

Tickets for the tours must be purchased in advance. "The tours are timed and guided," said Oulton. "(Tickets) usually sell out."

Refreshments will also be available to purchase. An admission fee will be charged. There will be separate prices for adults and children ages 6 to 13. Children under age 6 will be admitted for free.

Also on Dec. 14 will be the celebration of "A Victorian Christmas Evening at the Mansion" from 6 to 10 p.m. The evening will include live music, refreshments, hors d'oeuvres and tours of the mansion.

"(People will be) free to explore on their own, and there will be guided tours," Oulton noted. "(The mansion) is beautifully lit in the evening."

"Both during the day and at night in one of the rooms upstairs Bishop Shanahan High School students will re-enact ''Twas the Night before Christmas' story," Oulton added. "There will be music playing on an antique instrument - a pump organ."

A fee will be charged per person. The price includes the tour and refreshments.

Cookies with Santa will be offered on Dec. 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. Families will be able to enjoy gingerbread decorating and hot chocolate. A Victorian-style Santa Claus will be on hand to meet with the children. A fee will be charged per family.

The site's gift shop will be open throughout the weekend. For more information about any of the events or to reserve tickets, visit http://www.stmaryprov.org or search for "St. Mary of Providence Center" on Facebook. Those with questions may call 610-942-4166.