Holiday House Tour

The Holiday House Tour is traditionally held the first weekend in December. The event serves as PHW's major fund raising activity and attracts up to 600 visitors to homes and historic buildings decorated for the holidays. The Tour is a staple of Winchester holiday traditions - the first tour was held in 1975. Since then, the tour has only been redirected once - 1978. (That year, a giant gingerbread castle by R. Lee Taylor was used as a raffle and a walking tour was offered of the exteriors of South Loudoun Street properties undergoing renovations as part of PHW's Revolving Fund.)

The Holiday House Tour requires a tremendous amount of effort and energy from volunteers. To make the event successful, PHW is always looking for people to lead tours as docents, provide musical entertainment, or help decorating the homes. Donations of fresh greenery or baked goods, or setting up a booth of handicrafts at the Bough and Dough Shop are also welcome. The Shop is always in need of magnolia, berried holly, nandina berries, boxwood, and pine. If you would like to donate greenery, PHW volunteers can trim your trees and bushes for you. Please contact the PHW office for more information or state how you can help by calling 667-3577 or e-mailing phwi@verizon.net.

Aspects of the Tour

The Holiday House Tour can be broken into three distinct aspects: The Preview Party and Candlelight Tour, the Daylight Tour, and the Bough and Dough Shop.

The Preview Party and Candlelight Tour is held on Saturday evening (6-9 p.m. in most cases.) The homes are opened for a sneak peek before the major Daylight Tour. The Candlelight Tour offers a more relaxed experience with fewer visitors. Before, during, or after touring the homes, guests may stop at the Preview Party House for refreshments and a convivial atmosphere. If all the stops are not visited on the night of the party, Preview Party ticket holders may visit the other homes on Sunday during Daylight Tour hours. The Preview Party House may or may not be open as a home on the Daylight Tour.

The Daylight Tour is held on Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. It is the main attraction of the Holiday House Tour weekend, drawing crowds of up to 500 (sometimes more) visitors. While the Daylight tour does not feature the Preview Party, musical entertainment may be featured, and homeowners may chose to put out small refreshments.

The Bough and Dough Shop, usually held in a historic building along the route of the Tour, offers fresh cut greenery—including boxwood, magnolia, and holly—for your holiday decorating. Baked goods and handicrafts from local artists are available for holiday gift-giving. Special items, such as books, may also be available on a year to year basis. The Shop offers complimentary hot chocolate and coffee to its visitors. No admission or ticket is required to the Bough and Dough Shop. Shop hours are dependent upon the location of the Shop and vary from year to year.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the event rescheduled in case of inclement weather?
No, the Holiday House Tour does not have an inclement weather make up date. We will proceed, rain or shine!

How should I dress for the tour?
We recommend you dress for the weather, as you may spend time outside walking to the locations or waiting in line. Comfortable, low heeled shoes are also recommended.

Is photography allowed inside the homes?
We leave this up to the homeowner to decide what is the most comfortable for them. Please ask the docent at the house in question if photographs are acceptable.

Can we receive a refund on advance tickets?
We are sorry, but PHW will not issue refunds for unused advance tickets. If you purchase Preview Party tickets and are unable to visit all of the houses Saturday night, your tickets are also valid for Sunday's Daylight tour.

Does the Tour sell out?
The tour does not limit the number of visitors for the Sunday Daylight tour. However, the Preview Party is capped between 150-200 people, depending on the size of the Party House that year.

May children attend the Preview Party?
While not prohibited, we do ask that minors are accompanied by an adult. The Preview Party is typically very busy and does not have a set tour like the other homes. It may be overwhelming for small children.

Can we visit only one house on the tour?
Yes. Admission to a single house is $5.

Are any parking lots reserved for Holiday House Tour patrons?
PHW tries to arrange for parking places in crowded areas and will have signs marking the lots you may use on the day of the tour. Please call the office if you are concerned about parking.