Actors dress up in period costumes for the holiday tours.

–Hearst Castle is now offering “Holiday Twilight Tours,” where the public can experience the castle, “dressed in holiday splendor.” These special tours take visitors through the grounds, Casa del Mar guest house, and the grand social rooms on the ground floor of Casa Grande, all glittering with holiday cheer.

This seasonal tour showcases magnificent holiday decorations, including two towering 18-foot Christmas trees, and a one-of-a-kind poinsettia tree.

“We welcome the public to come to see William Randolph Hearst’s celebrated art collection in the warm glow of thousands of holiday lights,” said San Luis Obispo Coast District Superintendent Brooke Gutierrez. “Your knowledgeable guide will share stories of holiday festivities during the estate’s heyday while volunteer docents dressed in 1930s period attire bring the Castle history to life.”

Offered most evenings from Dec. 19 through Jan. 2, the new tours will replace the regular evening tour only during this limited time period. Holiday twilight tours are priced at $30 for adults and $15 for children (ages 5-12).

Advance tour reservations are strongly recommended and can be made at www.HearstCastle.org or by calling (800) 444-4445.