Many beautiful homes in the Atlanta area are decked out for the holidays and featured on candlelight tours. Many tours have become favorite holiday traditions and are fundraisers for local charities. Here are the highlights of candlelight tours scheduled in historic Grant Park and in the cities of Marietta, Roswell, and Decatur.
The 30th Annual Decatur Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes is scheduled for November 30 and December 1, from 5:30-9:30pm each evening. The 2012 tour features seven homes that are beautifully decorated for the holidays. Some homes have been carefully renovated and others are newer builds. Rosehill estate and its lovely gardens are included on this years tour. Tickets are $20 in advance when purchased online or in several locations around Decatur. Tickets are $25 the weekend of the tour. Proceeds benefit four youth and educational organizations. Parking at tour sites is limited. It is recommended that visitors use the free shuttle that can be boarded at the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Decatur. The shuttle stops at all tour sites.
The Marietta Pilgrimage holiday tour is scheduled for December 1-2. Six private homes in the Church-Cherokee Street Historic District will be featured, as well as several churches and other historic buildings. Day Tour tickets are $20. The $15 Candlelight Tour includes admission to three of the homes. There is also a $25 combination ticket. Tickets may be purchased at tour homes and at the Marietta Visitors Bureau. Shuttle service is available during the day.
Roswell, Georgias Southern Trilogy Candlelight Tour will be held on December 8 from 5-9pm. Visitors will be greeted by costumed docents at the citys three historic home museums. The Greek Revival style Barrington Hall was built in 1830 by a Rowell founder. The 1839 Bulloch Hall was the childhood home of President Theodore Roosevelts mother, Mittie Bulloch. The Archibald Smith Plantation was built in the 1830s by a well-to-do cotton farmer. Candlelight Tour tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. All three historic homes have a variety of other activities scheduled throughout the holiday season.
The Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes will take place December 8-9 from 6-10pm. The tour benefits three local non-profits in this historic neighborhood east of downtown Atlanta. Eight homes are included on the tour including the historic 1868 Burns Mansion and the 1856 L.P. Grant Mansion, now the headquarters of the Atlanta Preservation Center. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the weekend of the tour. The tour begins at St. Paul United Methodist Church, where visitors will find childrens activities and an artist market.
