Each December, the historic neighborhoods of Old Decatur and Albany take on a festive character as residents decorate their homes for the holidays. For one afternoon, some of those homes open their doors to visitors, offering a rare opportunity to explore the architecture, details and history of two of Decatur’s most distinctive neighborhoods.
The Historic Decatur Christmas Tour of Homes returns Saturday, Dec. 12, with a self-guided tour from 3 to 7 p.m. The annual event features six historic residences, churches, and the Girl Scout Little House in Delano Park, all decorated for the season with greenery, fruit, luminaries and thousands of lights.
This year’s participating homes include the McEntire Home, the Summers Home, the Smith-Mitchell Home, the Gibson-Henson Home, the Faulkenburg-Arnold/Bark Home, and the Springer Home. Because private residences in the Albany and Old Decatur Historic Districts are not typically open to the public, the tour offers a chance to see these historic spaces from the inside while learning more about the neighborhoods that have shaped Decatur over generations.
(Decatur Christmas Tour of Homes/Facebook)
Several stops will also feature special holiday activities. Decatur Methodist Church will host a Nativity display and children’s choir, while Vintage Faith Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church will offer sanctuary tours. Families can visit the Girl Scout Little House in Delano Park for photos with Santa, and Westminster Presbyterian will also host a holiday market.
First United Methodist Church, located at 805 Canal Street N.E., will serve as the tour headquarters. Visitors can purchase tickets there on the day of the event from noon to 6 p.m. Ticket holders can also enjoy light refreshments from 3 to 5 p.m. and a holiday floral-arranging demonstration presented by The Vintage Rose from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Complimentary carriage rides will be available, weather permitting.
The celebration extends beyond the tour stops, with merchants and restaurants in Decatur’s two downtown shopping districts open for holiday shopping and dining before and during the event. Visitors can make an afternoon of exploring the historic neighborhoods and supporting local businesses along the way.
The tour has been a December tradition for more than 40 years, with proceeds supporting efforts to preserve, protect and enhance the character and legacy of the Albany and Old Decatur Historic Districts.
Tickets are $35 and available in advance at decaturchristmastour.com, with an additional online fee. Beginning Nov. 16, tickets will also be sold at Tammy Eddy Antiques & Interiors, Bank Street Antiques and Good Fortune. Day-of-event tickets will be available at First United Methodist Church.
The Historic Decatur Christmas Tour of Homes takes place Saturday, Dec. 12, from 3 to 7 p.m. in Decatur, Alabama.
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