I love holiday house tours…touring nice houses, admiring their decor and getting ideas for projects I may or may not ever end up doing at my own house! I love these tours so much that in 2018, almost two years since we moved in to our house, I signed up to have our house be on a charity house tour in Princeton. The charitable organization was called Hearts for Heat, and they provided home heating oil to people in need. Nice. I signed us up to be on the tour, in large part, because I needed a kick in the butt to finally unpack and go through everything we moved in here at the end of 2016, but were in varying stages of unpacking. TRUST ME, this is not the best way to accomplish a goal, I now know.
We spent about 2 months prepping for this house tour–unpacking, putting things free on the side of the road, to the recycle center, etc…then there were the small projects, repairs, painting, and cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. Toward the end, as the months to ‘get ready’ shortened in to weeks, days and down to the last few hours, we made a few ‘OFF LIMITS’ signs and called it a day. The benefiting organization encouraged us to find our own volunteers to be in various parts of the house, and they also provided additional volunteers, if needed. A few of my friends from Westminster and Princeton signed up, and it was fun. Fun to finally be done with the prep work. About 85 people came through the house, having paid $30 or so to visit 8 houses in town. Some came specifically to tour our new accessory apartment, which I wrote about in another story, that you can read here: Considering Multi-Generational Living, an In-law or Accessory Apartment?
As my luck would have it (you know I can’t make this stuff up), near the end of the tour, when I was officially exhausted, I had a text and call from our credit card company stating that there was someone actively potentially hijacking our credit card. Our youngest son Adam was on a 2,000 mile bicycle trip, and that credit card was his backup funding source, so it was possible that it was him, on the other side of the world in New Zealand. It wasn’t him, it was actually someone in Georgia trying to do an in-store pickup and they needed me to stay on the other end of the line as they questioned this woman. It was fraud, so I’m glad I picked up the call, but that really did me in for the day. **NOTE: The photo above of Pugsley is because when I went to search for photos I took on the day of the house tour, this was the ONLY one. I always do that.
So THIS YEAR, I’m going to GO TO some holiday house tours! Message me if you know of others, and I’ll be happy to add them on! I’d love to hear your plans and feedback.
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Holiday Tour of Homes 2024
“In a traditional year, 600 participants take a self-guided tour of beautifully decorated homes and locations in town. The Tour of Homes Committee loves to see generations of families and friends attend this fundraiser to help provide scholarship support to local kids and teens. During the tour you will be inspired with decorating ideas, learn about the homeowners and their traditions, and you will be filled with joy as you embrace the magic of the holiday season.” Find out more and buy tickets here. (Source: Boys and Girls Club West Springfield, Give Lively ticket website)
45th Annual Christmas in Salem
“Few communities have the rich legacy of historic houses that Salem, Massachusetts boasts. These homes, spanning four centuries, help define the character as well as the appearance of the city. Every year Christmas In Salem focuses on a different neighborhood, and some of the homeowners invite visitors into their homes fully decked out in holiday regalia, and to explore a series of unique histories and architectural tales.” Find out more and buy tickets here. (Source: Historic Salem Inc.)
Sippican Woman’s Club Annual Holiday House Tour
“Join us for the 34th Annual House Tour, Holiday by the Sea! Come discover these secret and magnificent homes in our seaside Village, decked in festive holiday décor by generous homeowners and local designers. Be inspired for the season ahead!” Find out more and buy tickets here. (Source: Sippican Woman’s Club)
Concord Museum’s 14th Annual Holiday House Tour
“Join the Guild of Volunteers for the 14th Annual Holiday House Tour on Saturday, December 7th! Visit several of Concord’s most beautiful homes, festively decorated for the holiday season. Decorated by professional designers, these spectacular homes will fill you with the spirit of the holidays. Spend the day in Concord and enjoy the charming downtown, cafes and shops during your self-guided tour. Gather your friends and bundle up to enjoy this one-of-a-kind holiday tour!” Find out more here. Ticket details coming soon.
Sunday, December 8, 2024
45th Annual Christmas in Salem
“Few communities have the rich legacy of historic houses that Salem, Massachusetts boasts. These homes, spanning four centuries, help define the character as well as the appearance of the city. Every year Christmas In Salem focuses on a different neighborhood, and some of the homeowners invite visitors into their homes fully decked out in holiday regalia, and to explore a series of unique histories and architectural tales.” Find out more and buy tickets here. (Source: Historic Salem Inc.)
New Bedford Preservation Society Historic Holiday Tour
“The 30th Annual New Bedford Preservation Society Holiday House Tour will take place on December 8th from 1pm-5pm. The tour headquarters are at the James Arnold Mansion, 427 County Street. This annual tour is a great opportunity to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends and family while enjoying the community spirit of the holidays Visitors are invited to discover the unique historical character of New Bedford homes and explore the interiors that reflect the creative individual taste of the owners. These spaces are lived in and loved!“ (Source: New Bedford Preservation Society)
The Church Hill Holiday House Tour
“Take part in the 58th Holiday House Tour and explore the interiors of historic and new neighborhood homes and buildings. Learn more about the architecture of Church Hill, see how our neighbors mesh old with new, and get some decorating tips along the way—all while spending time with loved ones. Free buses will be available to take participants along the route. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 day-of.” Find out more and buy tickets here. (Source: The Church Hill Association)
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Burlington MA Holiday Home Tour 2024
“It’s time for our 3rd Annual Holiday Home Tour in Burlington, Massachusetts! Tour specially selected homes around town decorated inside beautifully for the holidays, then head to our office at Kadilak Realty Group for appetizers, beer & wine, and purchase raffle tickets to raise money for the nonprofit, Burlington Womenade.” Find out more and buy your tickets here. (Source: Kadilak Realty Group, Eventbrite ticket website)
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Newburyport Holiday House Tour
“Join us for this year’s Holiday House Tour on Saturday December 14th from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. You will enjoy a rare glimpse into greater Newburyport’s finest private residences and unique spaces. Your self-guide tour will lead you through each of our homes all decked out both inside and out in holiday style reflecting the homeowner’s individual celebrations and traditions of the season. Come and experience a day full of holiday magic and surprise! Note: This tour is appropriate for children ages 12 and up. We will also be hosting our Holiday Market (sponsored by United Family Medical), located at the Newburyport Senior Community Center, 331 High Street, and features over a dozen artisan crafters, holiday greenery and epicurean treats from 10:00AM to 4:00PM.” — Find out more and buy your tickets here. (Source: Anna Jaques Hospital Aid Association ticket website)
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Revival Wheeler Mansion Holiday Tours
“Welcome to the Revival Wheeler Mansion Winter Tours event! Join us on Thu Dec 26 2024 at 6:00 PM for an exclusive tour of the historic Wheeler Mansion located at 75 E Main St. Explore the beautifully decorated mansion and learn about its rich history and architecture. The event will last around 1 1/2 hours and you will be able to see majority of the mansion, minus our private living spaces and I will be hosting a Q&A after the tours. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of winter at this stunning location. Mark your calendars and invite your friends and family to join us for a memorable evening! Hot Chocolate and locally baked cookies will be served. Free Parking Available.” Find out more and buy your tickets here. Event is free but donations accepted. (Source: Revival Wheeler Mansion, Humanitix ticket website)
Friday, December 27, 2024
Revival Wheeler Mansion Holiday Tours
“Welcome to the Revival Wheeler Mansion Winter Tours event! Join us on Fri Dec 27 2024 at 6:00 PM for an exclusive tour of the historic Wheeler Mansion located at 75 E Main St. Explore the beautifully decorated mansion and learn about its rich history and architecture. The event will last around 1 1/2 hours and you will be able to see majority of the mansion, minus our private living spaces and I will be hosting a Q&A after the tours. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of winter at this stunning location. Mark your calendars and invite your friends and family to join us for a memorable evening! Hot Chocolate and locally baked cookies will be served. Free Parking Available.” Find out more and buy your tickets here. Event is free but donations accepted. (Source: Revival Wheeler Mansion, Humanitix ticket website)
Saturday, December 28, 2024
Revival Wheeler Mansion Holiday Tours
“Welcome to the Revival Wheeler Mansion Winter Tours event! Join us on Sat Dec 28 2024 at 6:00 PM for an exclusive tour of the historic Wheeler Mansion located at 75 E Main St. Explore the beautifully decorated mansion and learn about its rich history and architecture. The event will last around 1 1/2 hours and you will be able to see majority of the mansion, minus our private living spaces and I will be hosting a Q&A after the tours. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of winter at this stunning location. Mark your calendars and invite your friends and family to join us for a memorable evening! Hot Chocolate and locally baked cookies will be served. Free Parking Available.” Find out more and buy your tickets here. Event is free but donations accepted. (Source: Revival Wheeler Mansion, Humanitix ticket website)