Holiday Home Tours

Tour grand private homes, historic homes, and beautifully-lit neighborhoods across Virginia this holiday season.

Northern Virginia

Delaplane - Nov 27-29 - Holiday House and Country Christmas - Escape the holiday hustle and bustle and enjoy an old-fashioned country Christmas in the park. Tour Mount Bleak House, decorated to reflect local celebrations from the 18th through the 20th centuries. Join entertainers playing traditional carols. Buy unique gifts reflecting Northern Virginia's agricultural heritage.

Mount Vernon - Nov 27-29, Dec 4-6, 11-13 - Mount Vernon by Candlelight - "Mrs. Washington" hosts an enchanting evening of candlelit tours, fireside Christmas caroling, and hot cider and ginger cookies. A newly formatted tour includes the first and second floors only, featuring characters from the Washingtons' world guiding visitors through the home and adding ambiance and authenticity to a traditional Christmas evening at Mount Vernon.

Alexandria - Dec 5 - Campagna Center's Designer Tour of Homes - Celebrate Christmas in Old Town by visiting some of the most beautiful homes in Alexandria. You'll be inspired by the beauty and magnificence of these homes, decorated for the holidays by some of the area's top designers.

Fredericksburg - Dec 5 - "A Monroe Christmas" Holiday Open House - Holiday festivities at the James Monroe Museum commence with an open house with period music and light refreshments. Visitors will be welcomed by "President Monroe," and staff will be on hand to guide through the galleries. The museum will be decorated for the season by a local garden club. Free and open to the public.

Sterling - Dec 5 - Holiday in the Park - Experience the charm of the holidays in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Candlelight tours of the Lanesville house will highlight a Lane family Christmas of the 1780s in one parlor and the 1870s in the second parlor. Enjoy an evening holiday hayride through the park, roast marshmallows, drink hot cider, sing carols at the campfire, and visit Frogshackle Nature Center.

Woodbridge - Dec 5 - Holidays at Rippon Lodge - Enjoy tours of Rippon Lodge, seasonal crafts for children and period refreshments. Learn about holiday customs from the 18th century.

Fredericksburg - Dec 6 - Candlelight Tour at the Mary Washington House - Evening candlelight tours and refreshments at the Mary Washington House, the home George Washington bought for his mother.

Fredericksburg - Dec 6 - Christmas Open House at Rising Sun Tavern - The Rising Sun Tavern was built by Charles Washington in 1760 as his home, and later operated as a tavern, the only "proper" tavern in the bustling port city of Fredericksburg. On this occasion, the tavern will feature the sights and sounds of a colonial Christmas.

Alexandria - Dec 12 - Christmas in Camp Open House - This holiday event interprets how Christmas was observed during the Civil War. The program features living history interpreters, a Victorian Christmas tree, period music, refreshments, readings of “The Night Before Christmas” and a patriotic Santa Claus. Guided tours of the fort will be offered, weather permitting. Suggested donation: $2/adult, $1/child.

Alexandria - Dec 12-13 - Historic Candlelight Tours - Take a break from the pace of the season and experience the charm and history of Old Town with this holiday celebration. Tour Carlyle House, Gadsby's Tavern Museum, Lee-Fendall House and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum by candlelight and enjoy decorations, entertainment and refreshments. $20 adult, $15 seniors, $5 ages 6-17. Pre-sale discount before Dec. 1. Reservations recommended.

Fredericksburg - Dec 12-13 - HFFI Candlelight Tour - 39th Annual - Please join us for the 39th Annual 2009 Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. Candlelight Tour of Homes in Historic Fredericksburg, Virginia. This year's tour will take place on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13 from 11am - 5pm on both days. Tickets will go on sale in October. The cost will be $25.00 in advance and $30.00 on the days of. Children 5-11 are $15.00 and 4 & under are free.

Falmouth - Dec 13 - Holiday Open House at Belmont - The Gari Melchers Home and Studio will hold its 32nd annual Holiday Open House Sunday December 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. The event is open to the public without charge. Highlights will include exterior fresh decorations designed and installed by a local garden club and interior decorations created by museum staff. Guests will also enjoy touring the historic house and studio galleries.

Fredericksburg - Dec 20 - Civil War Era Christmas - Come to the historic colonial house, Chatham Manor, decorated with candles and traditional greenery. Learn about the history of Santa Claus and Christmas traditions related to Chatham's role in the Civil War. 'Christmas at Chatham' is hosted by the National Park Service; tours are provided by Chatham docents.

» Top

 

Hampton Roads

Smithfield - Nov 28 - Holiday Open House at Historic St. Luke's Church - Savor the sounds and traditions of Christmas in our 17th Century Church while enjoying our Southern hospitality. We will have Tours & Holiday Music in the acoustically beautiful Historic Church. In the Gift Shop we will have refreshments, SALES and free gift wrapping.Historic St Luke's is a Historic National Landmark and a Historic Shrine. Admission is free, donations are appreciated.

Norfolk - Nov 29 - Home for the Holidays - Featuring historic homes in Ghent decorated for the holidays.

Suffolk - Dec 5-6 - Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society Candlelight Tour - Celebrate the holidays with the Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society's 31st Annual Candlelight Tour. This festive Suffolk tradition features select historic homes in downtown decorated for the holidays. Complete with carolers, hot chocolate and old fashioned holiday spirit, this tour is a perfect way to start the season.

Montross - Dec 6 - Historic Home Tour - Come visit some of the gems of Montross! The tour will begin with a reception at the Westmoreland County Museum, then tour through several beautiful homes and conclude at St. James Church right in the heart of town.

Portsmouth - Dec 6 - Historic Port Norfolk Holiday Tour of Homes - Enjoy holiday decorated historic homes dating back to the late 1890s in Port Norfolk, one of 5 historic districts in Portsmouth. In 1890, the Port Norfolk Land Co. purchased 175 acres of what is now the Port Norfolk Historic District. The lots were promoted with the promise of fresh air and a view of the harbor. In 1895, a horse-drawn streetcar line was introduced on Mt Vernon Ave. Most of the homes are single family. Bungalows, foursquares and Queen Anne homes predominate.

Newport News - Dec 10-11 - St. Nick at Endview - Toys for Tots program. Let your child experience the magic of an 1861 Christmas with a visit to see St. Nick. A keepsake photo and refreshments are provided. Parents are to bring two presents: one wrapped for their child and a new unwrapped present for a needy child. Donated toys will be given to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. $3 per child. Reservations suggested.

Portsmouth - Dec 11-12 - Olde Towne Candlelight Home Tour - Portsmouth - The warmth and charm of Olde Towne will kindle your holiday spirit. The Olde Towne Civic League’s Candlelight Home Tour guides visitors through five historic homes, built from 1790 to 1890. You’ll enjoy the warmth and character of the old neighborhood as you see how today’s families enjoy their holidays in historic homes. Indulge in the sounds of the season as we entertain you with live carolers and musicians throughout the homes and along the walk.

Williamsburg - Dec 12, 19, 26 - James River Plantation Progressive Candlelight Carol Tour - Christmas past comes to life during this special evening in Williamsburg's James River Plantation Country. Explore history and holiday musical traditions, while exploring Piney Grove - 1790, Ashland - 1835, and Ladysmith - 1857. You will enjoy the very unique collection of Christmas decorations of the Gordineer that spans five generations!

Charles City - Dec 19-20 - Berkeley's Colonial Christmas - Come to historic Berkeley and learn how the Harrison family celebrated Christmas during the 18th century. Partake in the festive atmosphere created by colonial music and fresh greenery from Berkeley's gardens. Costumed guides will add a special treat to your holiday season with stories about Christmas hospitality over 200 years ago. Enjoy holiday refreshments. Reservations are required.

» Top

 

Central Virginia

Petersburg - Dec 5-6 - Holiday Open House - Stroll through Historic Centre Hill Mansion built in 1823 by the Bolling family, now a historic house museum, located at 1 Centre Hill Ave in Petersburg. Admire the stately examples of architecture from the different eras of the residence's occupancy. Enjoy live entertainment and light refreshments. Participate in children's activities for all ages!

Schuyler - Dec 5-6 - A Christmas Weekend at Walton's Mountain Museum - Enjoy apple cider and cookies with paid admission. The rooms have Christmas decorations and you can take your own photo INSIDE replica rooms.

Lynchburg - Dec 6 - Christmas Open House at Point of Honor - Point of Honor will host its 27th Annual Christmas Open House on December 7 from noon to 4:00 PM presenting one of Lynchburg’s architectural jewels decorated for the holiday season as it would have been in the early 19th century. Point of Honor was built in 1815 by the Cabell family and is among the most elegant examples of Federal architecture in Piedmont Virginia. Join us for free admission, period music, refreshments, and special items on sale in our Gift Shop.

Richmond - Dec 6 - An Old-Fashioned Christmas at Maymont - This charming holiday celebration features special Maymont Mansion tours, designed for the entire family, that highlight the breath-taking decorations and Victorian holiday traditions. Enjoy carriage rides, Victorian activities, living history demonstrations and period entertainment. Fees for activities.

Richmond - Dec 10-13 - Tuckahoe Plantation's Candlelight Christmas Tour - Thomas Jefferson's boyhood home celebrates the holiday season with a Candlelight Christmas Tour. The mansion and grounds will be open to the public for this special evening tour. Bring the family to enjoy a step back in time. The halls of this 18th century mansion will be adorned with fresh holiday greens and colonial decor on this special tour of one of our nation's historic treasures.

Hopewell - Dec 12 - Christmas at Appomattox Plantation - Appomattox Plantation will host a day-long living history program focusing on the ways Christmas was celebrated by the enslaved and their owners.

Richmond - Dec 15 - Candlelight Tours at Maymont Mansion - Experience Virginia’s Gilded Age treasure, the elegant showplace of James and Sallie Dooley, in this special after-hours holiday tour. Maymont Mansion is aglow as Victorian ladies and gentlemen share the gracious traditions of Christmas 1893. Lavish tree trimmings, the opulent dining room, spectacular decorations and the elaborate preparations belowstairs bring the wonders of a 19th century Christmas to life.

Richmond - Dec 26-27 - Holiday Glitter: Monument Avenue After Dark - Enjoy the lights and glitter of Monument Avenue decked out for the holidays. This early evening stroll combines history with a touch of glitz!

 

Chesapeake Bay

Stratford - Dec 11-12 - Christmas at Stratford Hall - Join us for our Annual Christmas Celebration at Stratford Hall. Enjoy refreshments and entertainment in the Visitor Center. Step back into Colonial times as you are guided to the outdoor kitchen to discover how food was prepared for the Lees and their guests. Your guide will then take you through parts of the Great House, where view the festivities with the Lees’ guests in the Great Hall.

Reedville - Dec 12-13 - Reedville's Christmas on Cockrell's Creek - Stroll Historic Main Street while touring homes beautifully decorated for the Holidays by The Chesapeake Bay Garden Club. Sip hot cider and munch Christmas cookies while listening to organ recitals in the Walker House. Bring the kids, young and old, to visit the Northern Neck Railroad layout--the trains will be running!

» Top

 

Eastern Shore

Onancock - Dec 12 - Onancock Christmas Homes Tour - Step inside some of this historic wharf town's finest homes, all decked out for the season. Listen to holiday music, including the Orchestra of the Eastern Shore, at a free concert at Historic Cokesbury Church, 4-8 p.m. Tour tickets can be purchased the day of the tour or in advance by phone. Presented by the Onancock Business & Civic Association.

 

Blue Ridge Highlands

Blacksburg - Dec 3-6 - Holidays at Smithfield - Holidays at Smithfield is an 18th century holiday celebration celebrating its 26th anniversary this year. Come tour the house, decorated for the holidays in Colonial style; have a leisurely cup of tea, sweets, and savories in Susanna's Tea Room. Enjoy traditional musical entertainment, colonial dancing, a children's craft table, a holiday greenery sale, and unique gifts from our Museum Store. Cost: TBD All activities included in ticket price. Tickets available for purchase at the door.

 

Heart of Appalachia

Ewing - Dec 4-5 - A Frontier Christmas - Join us for a festive, yuletide celebration of music, dancing and caroling as the Christmas spirit illuminates the Virginia frontier. Enjoy a candlelit tour of historic Martin’s Station at the height of the yuletide season. Take part in the historic festivities or just sit back and enjoy a warm fire in a settler’s cozy cabin.

» Top

 

Shenandoah Valley

Middletown - Dec 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 - Christmas Tours at Belle Grove Plantation - Enjoy a magical Shenandoah Valley Christmas complete with traditional decorations by regional garden clubs. Visitors will find a festive exhibit in Belle Grove’s authentically decorated period rooms,evening fireside refreshments & live, holiday music. Children won’t want to miss Christmas storytelling and a visit with Santa on Sundays. Candlelight and daytime hours available; call for times.

Roanoke - Dec 5-6 - Old Southwest Holiday Parlor Tour- 30th Anniversary! - Roanoke, VA. historic Old Southwest will celebrate its 30th Anniversary of the Holiday Parlor Tour. Come take a look, it'll be great! Tickets can be obtained on the dates of the tour at the entrance to Highland Park (5th St and Washington Ave).

Winchester - Dec 5 - Preservation of Historic Winchester Holiday House Tours - Preservation of Historic Winchester’s Annual Holiday House Tour features five splendid homes decorated for Christmas. Featured homes to be announced closer to event date. Saturday night kicks off the event with candlelight tours and a preview party from 6-9 p.m. Daylight Tour will be from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Contact Preservation of Historic Winchester for more information.

Lexington - Dec 12 - A Victorian Christmas at the Campbell House - Come tour the elegantly decorated Campbell House in historic downtown Lexington, home of the Rockbridge Historical Society. Enjoy live music, costumed interpreters and refreshments. Free.

Buchanan - Dec 13 - Buchanan Candlelight Christmas Home Tour - The Buchanan Town Improvement Society invites you and your family to tour five area homes dressed in their seasons finest. From porch to parlor each home is filled with treasures from the past and present for your viewing pleasure.

Stephenson - Dec 14, 21- Historic Jordan Springs Christmas Tour - Bring your family to a historic mansion turned into a magical winter wonderland for the holidays. Decor includes a life-size horse of a different color, Santa's toy shop, nearly 50 Christmas trees and over 500 ornaments. Children 12 and under are admitted for the discounted rate of $5 each.

 

Southern Virginia

Brookneal - Dec 6 - Christmas Open House at Red Hill - Step back in time and enjoy a traditional Christmas open house at Patrick Henry's Red Hill. Enjoy complimentary Brunswick stew, holiday cookies and warm spiced cider. Listen to Christmas music as Henry experienced it in this idyllic setting overlooking the Staunton River valley. Take tours of the Henry's candlelit home and plantation dependencies.

» Top

See Virginia for the Holidays for information regarding 100 Miles of Lights, arts and crafts events, winery events, and parades and tree lightings.