The South's Best Historic Christmas Home Tours
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.
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Madison’s Holiday Tour of Homes
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.
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Natchitoches’ Christmas Tour of Homes
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.
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Christmas Tour of Natchez
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.
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Christmas in Charleston Tours
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.
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Savannah’s Holiday Tour of Homes
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.
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Old Louisville’s 42nd Annual Holiday Home Tour
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.
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New Orleans’ Holiday Home Tours
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.
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Fredericksburg’s 61st Annual Christmas Home Tour & Market
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.
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23rd Annual Montford Holiday Tour of Homes
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.
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Monticello Holiday Tours
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.
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Historic Germantown Neighborhood Holiday Tour
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.
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Historic Columbia’s Holiday House Tours
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.
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St. Augustine’s Christmas Tour of Homes
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.