Christmas 1888 in 1988 - holidays in Victorian style

San Jose. San Jose Historical Museum, 635 Phelan Avenue; (408) 287-2290. This 25-acre section of Kelley Park preserves 20 buildings from old San Jose. Visit the decorated bank building, stables, post office, and homes; listen to carolers. Vignettes present Victorian family life. Open 10 to 4 December 10 and 11; $3, $2.50 seniors, $2 ages 6 through 17, $2 parking.

In the Central Valley Unless noted, area code is 209. Fresno. The Kearney Mansion, 7160 W. Kearney Boulevard; 441-0862. M. Theo. Kearney's grandiose dream celebrates its 24th Victorian Christmas this year, decked with a 1 2-foot fir tree, wreaths, and exhibits based on the area's Armenian heritage. Musicians and cboirs-some in costume-perform Saturdays and Sundays. Open from I to 4 December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 18; $3, $1.50 ages 13 through 17, $1 ages 12 and under.

The Meux Home, Tulare and R streets; 233-8007. Built for Fresno doctor Thomas Meux, the house has 12 charming rooms decorated for a Victorian country holiday. Docents in full Victorian regalia lead house tours; carolers serenade you. Baked goods are for sale. Open from 3 to 6 December 10 and 17, 1 to 4 December 11 and 18; $3, $1 ages 6 through 17.

Sacramento. Governor's Mansion, H and 16th streets; (916) 323-3047. This 1877 Italianate house celebrates from 10 to 4 December 3 and 4. Lavishly decorated (one room holds 100 Santas), the place rings with caroling. There are homemade cookies and a 12-foot tree, too. Admission is $2, $1 ages 6 through 17.

In the Rockies

Colorado's area code is 303, Utah's 801.

Denver. Grant-Humphreys Mansion, 770 Pennsylvania Street; 894-2505. See trees decorated with antique ornaments in this 1902 Beaux-Arts house. From 5 to 8 November 25, enjoy tours, music, and food ($12). On November 26, children can make Victorian ornaments, listen to storytellers, and visit St. Nick from 10 to 3 ($3 adults, $2 ages 16 and under). On November 27, join a sing-along from noon to 3. Tours offered 10 to 2 Tuesdays through Fridays.

Molly Brown House, 1340 Pennsylvania Street; 832-4092. Festive decorations at this 1889 lava-stone mansion include three trees hung with Victorian ornaments. Tours led by period-costumed guides run from 10 to 3 Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 3 Sundays. Victorian decorations are for sale.

Georgetown. This 1800s mining town, about an hour's drive west of Denver off I-70, celebrates its 27th annual Victorian-style Christmas Mart December 3, 4, 10, and 11. From 10 to dusk, visit food and crafts booths, see Victorian houses, and listen to caroling and Scottish bagpiping.

Salt Lake City. Pioneer Trails State Park, 2601 Sunnyside Avenue; 533-5882. From 7 to 9 December 2 and 3, take a candlelight tour of buildings from historic Old Deseret area. Enjoy wagon rides and a Victorian tea (write to reserve; zip is 84108). From noon to 5 December 10 and 11, join an 1850s Christmas with costumed docents and carolers; make wooden toys; watch dancing and gingerbread-making. Entry fee is $1, 50 cents ages 6 through 15.