MYSTIC, Conn. -- A well-known Connecticut tourist destination is now being called a holiday hot spot.

Time.com has put Mystic Seaport on its top 10 list of favorite holiday stops in the country for 2008.

The Web site ranks Mystic Seaport and its Lantern Light Tour as the second-best place in the nation to visit during the holiday season.

As part of the experience, actors dressed in period costumes give tours of the seaside village.

“They all stay in costume and asked the questions, they'll answer as if they're still in that era,” Emily Eisenlohr said.

For example, some of the actors portray people on Christmas Eve in 1876.

“You ask them about washing machines, they'll say that sounds like a crazy contraption,” Eisenlohr said. “It’s just a lot of fun, and it’s very festive.”

Leavenworth, Wash., was the only place to beat Mystic on the top 10 list. Newport, R.I., was No. 8, and New York was No. 10.

The next lantern light tour will take place Thursday and will run until Sunday.