Three special holiday activities have been planned at St. Mary of Providence Center, 227 Isabella Road, Elverson, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14. Events will include tours of the Potts mansion, which will be decorated for the Christmas season; a Jingle and Mingle Christmas Celebration; and Cookies with Santa.

The Potts mansion, known as Langoma, is a historic 76-room mansion built in the 1890s by ironmaster Col. Joseph D. Potts for himself and his sons' families. It was originally intended as a double mansion but is now used by the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence as a retreat and retirement center. The mansion is known for its elegant features, including marble staircases, Tiffany glass and 22 fireplaces.

Tours of the mansion will be offered on Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. As part of the event, businesses, artists and groups have picked a country of their choice and will be decorating rooms based on that country's Christmas traditions and styles. Decorated areas of the mansion will include the ballroom, the east and west staircases, the east and west foyers and Mrs. Potts' bedroom.

"Every year, we do a different theme; last year was Victorian. This year it is 'Joy Around the World,' which really highlights different people, cultures and heritages," explained Sister Brenda McHugh, center director. "Stemming from Potts himself, throughout the mansion you will see his heritage proudly displayed. The rose represents his English heritage; the thistle, his Scottish heritage; and the fleur-de-lis, his French heritage. Designers and decorators will highlight this theme and add other themes as well."

There will be more than 20 decorated Christmas trees throughout the mansion, with one prominent tree dubbed the international tree, which will have decorations representing different countries. Wooden ornaments were recently hand-painted by the seniors who reside at St. Mary's, and each ornament depicts a different country's flag.

Those who may have taken part in the tours before will see new attractions this year. "Around the mansion there are new antiques, and over the last two years, we have been refurbishing some of the rooms to make them look like back in the era, including the Mary Potts room," said Sister Brenda.

Tourgoers will learn more about the history of the mansion and have their questions answered by expert tour guides in costume. Lunch will be available to purchase, and will include a sausage griller, chips and a beverage. Fresh stuffed cannoli will be available to purchase. There will be complimentary hot chocolate, and attendees will also have an opportunity to win gift baskets filled with items donated by local businesses.

Later in the day, a Jingle and Mingle Christmas Celebration will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Attendees will be able to tour the mansion and talk to the designers about their rooms and the items they used. The ticket price includes live music, performances by local students, a variety of hors d'oeuvres and butlered food items, desserts and refreshments. A group of Irish dancers will perform and teach the dancing to attendees.

Dress code is smart casual. Valet parking will be available. "It is a much more formal event," Sister Brenda said. "It almost looks like you are entering a different world. It is so beautiful in the evening - the lights on the trees and all the decorations shimmer. It's so enticing to come for that event."

The weekend will conclude on Dec. 14 from 2 to 5 p.m., when Cookies With Santa will be offered. Attendees will enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating, hot chocolate and a visit with a Victorian-style Santa.

For more information about any of the events or to reserve tickets, visit www.stmaryprov.org or search for "St. Mary of Providence Center" on Facebook. Those with questions may call 610-942-4166.