The South's Best Historic Christmas Home Tours

Where: Madison, Georgia

When: November 30th – December 1st

This small town gets dressed up for the season. Tour a festive array of antebellum homes in Madison’s historic district, which boasts the largest collection of 19th century architecture in Georgia.

For more information, visit exploregeorgia.org.

Where: Natchitoches, Louisiana

When: December 6th – 15th

Celebrating with over 100,000 lights and its classic Louisiana attitude, this town is definitely crazy about Christmas. Explore some of its finest historic homes smack in the middle of the festivities, which include its famous meat pies and holiday light shows on the river.

For more information, visit natchitocheshf.com.

Where: Natchez, Mississippi

When: Throughout the season

This town is stuffed to the brim with antebellum homes just beckoning holiday visitors inside. Famed spots—Rosalie, Magnolia Hall, and Stanton Hall—invite visitors to tour their rooms bedecked in holiday décor. Not tired yet? Finish with the Armstrong Public Library Tour of Homes on December 2nd.

For more information, visit christmasinnatchez.com.

Where: Charleston, South Carolina

When: November 15th – December 30th

Charleston’s storied homes go big for the holiday season, so kick off your own celebration with a walking tour of these festive beauties. Visit the historic Joseph Manigault House, which takes its holiday décor quite seriously, and later find a collection of Victorian-style Christmas trees at the Aiken-Rhett House.

For more information, visit charlestoncvb.com.

Where: Savannah, Georgia

When: December 8th

Experience Savannah’s exquisite homes totally dripping with holiday décor. Think twinkling lights, lush garland, and gracious Southern hospitality.

For more information, visit dnaholidaytour.com.

Where: Louisville, Kentucky

When: December 1st – 2nd

Reminiscent of Yuletides past, this holiday tour takes you through the historic borough of Old Louisville. In true Kentucky fashion, the tour recommends stopping for a brief bourbon tasting at the Louisville Bourbon Inn. For a more kid-friendly trip, the tour has a Victorian tea party option instead.

For more information, visit oldlouisville.org.

Where: New Orleans, Louisiana

Location: Garden District, presented by the Preservation Resource Center; French Quarter, presented by the Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré

When: December 8th – 9th; December 16th

Start the season with a tour of the picturesque Garden District, complete with performances by local musicians and a festive holiday boutique. Move onto the French Quarter for a spirited tour of its historic homes, leading up to the Caroling in Jackson Square festivities later that evening.

For more information, visit prcno.org and patioplanters.net.

Where: Fredericksburg, Texas

When: December 1st

This Texas town combines Southern hospitality with unique German Christmas traditions, making it a festive place to spend the holidays. Join the town for its 61st Annual Christmas Home Tour & Market, then embark on a holiday wine trail that follows along local wineries.

For more information, visit pioneermuseum.net.

Where: Asheville, North Carolina

When: December 8th

Asheville’s most historic neighborhood, Montford will showcase 10 homes this season. Between the eclectic architecture and festive décor, it’s bound to be a jolly good time. Nearby, the Biltmore goes over-the-top for the holidays too, so make sure to pay it a visit.

For more information, visit montfordtour.com.

Where: Charlottesville, Virginia

When: December 7th – 30th

Have you ever wondered what this historic beauty looks like at night? And decked out for Christmas? Here’s your chance. These small group tours give an intimate look into how Christmas would have been celebrated back in Jefferson’s time at his not-so-humble abode, Monticello.

For more information, visit monticello.org.

Where: Nashville, Tennessee

When: December 2nd

One of Nashville’s most historic boroughs, Germantown wants to show you how it does Christmas: charming and cozy. Take this self-guided tour, starting at the cozy Germantown Inn, then partake in the seasonal refreshments and shopping scattered throughout the hip neighborhood.

For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

Where: Columbia, South Carolina

When: November 16th – December 30th

Visit two historic heavy-hitters—the Robert Mills House and the Hampton-Preston Mansion—and see how these mansions would’ve been decorated for Christmas back in the 1800s.

For more information, historiccolumbia.org.

Where: St. Augustine, Florida

When: December 2nd

Hosted by the Garden Club of St. Augustine since 1969, this holiday home tour feels quite traditional, including its tea time at the River House and homemade holiday boutique. When you’re finished, take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of this historic town.

For more information, visit gardenclubofstaugustine.org.