NEW YORK — The Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum is a holiday haven in the Bronx that some folks may not know about.

It's the last of around two dozen country estate homes that were located in the area that is now Pelham Bay Park, the city's largest park.

"We hear 'Ah, ooh, and ah,' and yeah, that's what makes this building so special during this time of year," said Susan Chesloff, Museum Administrator at Bartow-Pell, which was constructed between 1836 and 1842.

The mansion was saved from demolition by members of the International Garden Club, and became a museum in 1946. Now, it's a headquarters for the holidays, with 10 Christmas trees located throughout the estate. For the first time this year, the trees were curated by individuals and organizations in neighboring communities.

(NY1/Roger Clark)

"We went to the public, we went to residents in the Bronx and Westchester, and asked them to come up and decorate the trees, and we've got a lot of great trees this year, and it's very special. It's a special year," Chesloff said.

The trees and other decorations throughout the house are a backdrop for a variety of activities, including candlelight tours, a "Teddy Bear Tea" for kids and selfies with Santa Claus.  

The mansion, which can be reached via public transit by taking the 6 train to the number 45 Westchester Bee Line Bus, has designated this year's theme "Baubles and Bling." It's all about things that sparkle.

(NY1/Roger Clark)

Chesloff said it's not necessarily exactly how the house would have looked when the Bartow Family moved in in 1842, but it is a modern take on it.

"We have a lot of fake stuff. If the Bartows were decorating for the holidays, they would have used natural branches and greenery, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, that type of thing," Chesloff said. "We kick it up a notch for us."

To find about all of the holiday activities at the Bartow-Pell Mansion, head to the museum's website.