HOLIDAY GUIDE
For more ideas about gifts, decorating, where to eat and what to do, check out our Atlanta Holiday Guide at AJC.com/holidayguide.
Homeowners and designers across metro Atlanta are preparing to welcome several thousand of their closest friends this holiday season, as a number of home tours approach. Here’s a selection of popular tours to get you in the Christmas spirit and provide inspiration for decking your own halls.
The Historic Norcross Holiday Tour of Homes
10 a.m.-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Dec. 5
Highlights: The tour includes three historic homes, one contemporary home built in the traditional Craftsman style and a new development, Adams Vineyard, where homes feature historic styles. Tour homes include the circa-1880 Phillips House, named for longtime Norcross resident Cammie Lee Phillips and her husband, former mayor, councilman and attorney Dossie Phillips. Current owners Stacy Williams and Terry Wilcox, along with the help of their neighbors, Bill and Jan Stair, have restored its original beauty and charm. The Garner House, dating to 1900 and owned by Pam and Eddie Pafford, was a location for the former TV show "Resurrection."
Tickets: $21 in advance or $25 the day of the tour.
Information: historicnorcrossholidaytourofhomes.com
The Marietta Pilgrimage: A Christmas Home Tour
9 a.m.-6 p.m. and 7-9:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 6. The preview gala is from 7:30-11 p.m. Dec. 4 at First Landmark Bank.
Highlights: Six historic homes in the Church Street/Cherokee Street National Historic District and a number of public buildings will be on tour. Featured homes include the Reece-Wade-Sanstead House, which was built in 1940 by Loomis Reece, the main marble carver for the McNeel Marble Company, and is now owned by Bob and Katie Sanstead. The original owner apparently wasn't one to bring his work home with him. "Interestingly, there is no marble in the home," the tour literature notes. The Hagood-McNabb House, built in 1924 and owned by Mark and Virginia McNabb, underwent an extensive renovation that lasted from 2003 to 2005. The Clay-Willingham-Cook House, circa 1912 and owned by Becky Cook, was built by Ryburn Clay, son of U.S. Sen. Alexander Stephens Clay, whose statue stands in Glover Park on the Marietta Square.
Tickets: $20 (day tour), $15 (candlelight tour) or $25 (both) in advance or $25/$20/$30 the day of the event. Gala tickets are $85.
Information: mariettapilgrimage.com
The Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 13. Closed on Thanksgiving.
Highlights: More than 20 acclaimed designers worked to transform Millwood Manor, a 15,000-square-foot estate in Buckhead, into a winter wonderland. 1150 W. Garmon Road N.W., Atlanta.
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
Information: atlantaholidayhome.com
The Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes
6-10 p.m. Dec. 12-13
Highlights: In addition to the tour homes, the event features activities, crafts and a visit from Santa from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 12, an artist market/bake sale from 4-9 p.m. Dec. 12 and 6-9 p.m. Dec. 13, and a Candlelight Christmas Concert by the St. Paul United Methodist Church Choir at 5 p.m. Dec. 13. All of these activities take place at St. Paul UMC, located at the corner of Grant and Sydney streets.
Tickets: $20 in advance and $25 after Dec. 11. "Sip-sational" VIP tickets that include admission to a wine tasting before the homes open are $30.
Information: candlelighttourofhomes.com
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