The rich architectural heritage of Chestnut Hill will be on display Dec. 13 during the 29th annual Holiday House Tour, organized by the Chestnut Hill Community Association (CHCA).
The annual fundraiser, which runs from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., features five historic homes decorated for the holiday season. At each home, volunteers will be on hand to explain the building’s history and stories. Recent homes featured on the tour include a cottage, stone colonial and Italianate Victorian residences, and a country house.
“The homes are usually picked through word of mouth,” said Anne McNiff, executive director of the CHCA. “We like to get a mix of different types of houses … different architecture, different sizes.”
The tour is self-guided. Attendees can choose to either drive their car and visit homes at their own pace or ride the event trolley from stop to stop. McNiff, however, strongly encourages using the trolley because parking near homes on the tour is limited.
In addition to the holiday houses, plenty of shops and restaurants in Chestnut Hill will be offering discounts for attendees. For the second year, the trolley will be stopping at a warming station for treats and drinks at Home Works (8129 Germantown Ave.). Holiday House Tour attendees also will receive free admission to Woodmere art museum throughout the day.
According to McNiff, the Holiday House Tour is a “really important fundraiser for the Community Association.” The tour’s main sponsor this year is Temple Health – Chestnut Hill Hospital.
“It brings together a lot of community people,” McNiff said. “We have close to 100 volunteers and these homeowners that have so graciously welcomed us and all these people into their homes. It’s really a fun event.”
The Holiday House Tour is rain or shine. Attendees should check in at St. Joseph’s Hall on the Chestnut Hill College campus (9601 Germantown Ave.) to pick up their map, wristband, and booties. Tickets are $45 for CHCA members and $50 for nonmembers.
For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, visit chestnuthill.org.
Maggie Dougherty can be reached at Margaret@chestnuthilllocal.com.
