Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Travel
  3. The South's Best Historic Christmas Home Tours

The South's Best Historic Christmas Home Tours

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Assistant Editor and Writer for Southern Living
By Kaitlyn Yarborough
Skip gallery slides
FB
Natchitoches Christmas Lights
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
There are two key components of being Southern that lend themselves to the tradition of putting on our Sunday Best to tour historic homes during the holidays. Firstly, we're crazy about Christmas. Bring on the Hallmark movies and cookie swaps. Second, we're nosy. We'd never skip the opportunity to mosey around a stranger's house when it's decked out for Christmas.In the South, historic homes hold a special place in our hearts. Nothing makes us swoon faster than laying eyes on a grand columned antebellum, and there's something just magical about seeing them dressed up in lush garland and winter finery. Read on for the best Christmas home tours of historic houses throughout the South this year, and mark those calendars. 
Start Slideshow

1 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Watch The Historic Roosevelt Hotel Turn Into A Christmas Wonderland

This luxurious New Orleans hotel, housed in a historic 153-year-old building, doesn't spare any glitz or glamour when it comes to celebrating the holiday season. A Christmas tradition for over 80 years, decorations along the block-long lobby include 44 birch trees and more than 22,000 lights. Watch the lobby at the Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria hotel, transform into a "Waldorf Wonderland" in just a minute's time.

1 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Madison’s Holiday Tour of Homes

Madison’s Holiday Tour of Homes
Credit: Facebook/Madison, Georgia

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.

2 of 14

3 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Natchitoches’ Christmas Tour of Homes

Natchitoches Christmas Lights
Credit: Robbie Caponetto

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.

3 of 14

Advertisement

4 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Christmas Tour of Natchez

Christmas Tour of Natchez
Credit: @jgould07

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.

4 of 14

5 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Christmas in Charleston Tours

Christmas in Charleston Tours
Credit: Photo: Chris M. Rogers

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.

5 of 14

6 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Savannah’s Holiday Tour of Homes

Savannah’s Holiday Tour of Homes
Credit: DNA Photo/Stephen B. Morton

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.

6 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Old Louisville’s 42nd Annual Holiday Home Tour

Old Louisville’s 42nd Annual Holiday Home Tour
Credit: oldlouisville.org

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.

7 of 14

8 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

New Orleans’ Holiday Home Tours

New Orleans’ Holiday Home Tours
Credit: Facebook/Preservation Resource Center

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.

8 of 14

9 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Fredericksburg’s 61st Annual Christmas Home Tour & Market

Fredericksburg’s 61st Annual Christmas Home Tour & Market
Credit: Pioneer Museum

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.

9 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

23rd Annual Montford Holiday Tour of Homes

23rd Annual Montford Holiday Tour of Homes
Credit: Facebook/Biltmore

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.

10 of 14

11 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Monticello Holiday Tours

Monticello Holiday Tours
Credit: Facebook/Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

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.

11 of 14

12 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Historic Germantown Neighborhood Holiday Tour

Historic Germantown Neighborhood Holiday Tour
Credit: Germantown Inn

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.

12 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Historic Columbia’s Holiday House Tours

Historic Columbia’s Holiday House Tours
Credit: Facebook/Historic Columbia

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.

13 of 14

14 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

St. Augustine’s Christmas Tour of Homes

St. Augustine’s Christmas Tour of Homes
Credit: The Garden Club of St. Augustine

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.

14 of 14

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Kaitlyn Yarborough

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 14 Watch The Historic Roosevelt Hotel Turn Into A Christmas Wonderland
    2 of 14 Madison’s Holiday Tour of Homes
    3 of 14 Natchitoches’ Christmas Tour of Homes
    4 of 14 Christmas Tour of Natchez
    5 of 14 Christmas in Charleston Tours
    6 of 14 Savannah’s Holiday Tour of Homes
    7 of 14 Old Louisville’s 42nd Annual Holiday Home Tour
    8 of 14 New Orleans’ Holiday Home Tours
    9 of 14 Fredericksburg’s 61st Annual Christmas Home Tour & Market
    10 of 14 23rd Annual Montford Holiday Tour of Homes
    11 of 14 Monticello Holiday Tours
    12 of 14 Historic Germantown Neighborhood Holiday Tour
    13 of 14 Historic Columbia’s Holiday House Tours
    14 of 14 St. Augustine’s Christmas Tour of Homes

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The South's Best Historic Christmas Home Tours
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.