ames holiday home tour

Bella Vista | Huxley

The Irons | Ames

31st annual altrusa international of ames holiday home tour, come and enjoy bringing in the holiday season by touring beautifully decorated homes while also supporting local non-profits of ames, which include: mid iowa community action, inc., childserve, days for girls sewing team, and the ames history museum..

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25th annual altrusa intl. of ames holiday home tour, mary lokken , neighbor.

Buy your tickets now for Altrusa's 25th Annual Holiday Home Tour.  $12 in advance $15 at the door.   Available at Mary Kay's Flowers, Coe's Flowers, Evert' Flowers, Ames/ISU Info Booth on Univ Blvd. The Tour benefits Friday Backpack Project, Emergency Resident Project, Mainstream Living and local scholarships/service awards. Use your ticket to visit all the homes on one day or to visit them over the two days. Homes are open Sat. and Sun. 1 - 5 pm.

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Country group Home Free returns to Stephens Auditorium with all-vocal holiday concert

Country musicians Home Free, with their all-vocal performance, are a favorite at Stephens Auditorium, and the group is returning in December with a holiday concert.

The "Home Free for the Holidays" tour hits the Ames stage at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, and tickets are on sale now.

A cappella entertainers, Home Free has made its mark on the music world, with more than 630 million views and 1.6 million subscribers on YouTube.

The group was named "Country music fans' favorite a cappella group" by Taste of Country.

The staff at Stephens Auditorium feels fortunate to have the popular band back in Ames.

“We kept our fingers and toes crossed while we worked on show dates through routing discussions,” Tammy Koolbeck, Stephens Auditorium executive director, said in a news release. “Their return to Stephens demonstrates that our audience and our community enjoy and support Home Free. We want to welcome them with a full house in December.”

Home Free's newest album is 'So Long Dixie'

The group's current global tour supports its most recent album, "So Long Dixie," which was released in November 2022. The week of its release, the album skyrocketed to the top of the Billboard Charts for Country album sales and independent album sales.

The release of the 2022 album extends Home Free's appearances in the Top 5 Billboard Country Chart to seven in the past six years.

Home Free will alter its setlist this winter to include holiday favorites. The festive tour will showcase songs from previous albums, such as the 2020 release "Warmest Winter," which features a dozen seasonal staples, collaborations and Home Free's original songs.

The tunes all guaranteed to get audience members in the holiday spirit, Koolbeck said.

Home Free is known for harmony-laden arrangements of hits by musicians such as John Mayer, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Maren Morris and the Oak Ridge Boys.

"Join us for a perfect evening mixed with upbeat, Nashville-dipped pop hits, country and western standards, incredible harmony, and quick-witted humor," the news release stated. "VIP packages are available and can be purchased on ticketmaster.com."

How to get tickets to Home Free's holiday show

Tickets range from $29.50 to $59.50 plus fees and can be purchased at Stephens Auditorium ticket office or online at Ticketmaster.com .

Who : Home Free         

Where : Stephens Auditorium, Ames

When : 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 17

Tickets : $29.50, $39.50, $49.50, $59.50

Ronna Faaborg is a reporter for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at [email protected].

Hudson Christmas Tour of Homes tickets are now available for purchase!

Date and Time

Friday Nov 17, 2023 Sunday Nov 19, 2023

EVENING DAZZLE TOUR Friday ONLY , November 17th, 6:00pm-9:00pm TRADITIONAL TOUR Saturday, November 18th, 10:00am-5:00pm  Sunday, November 19th, 12:00pm-4:00pm   

Fees/Admission

EVENING DAZZLE TOUR - $39  SOLD OUT TRADITIONAL TOUR- $29  

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Description

Now in its 37th year, the Hudson Christmas Tour of Homes continues to feature lavishly decorated themed trees, dining tables overflowing with exceptional and unique treasures, gorgeous wreaths, embellished windows, and decorations that will awaken holiday memories. You will be delighted and amazed visiting this year's four homes and the historic Octagon House.  Two Tour Options: Evening Dazzle Tour Friday ONLY, November 17th, 6:00pm-9:00pm SOLD OUT ​Visit four privately-owned homes during the evening hours when each home sparkles and glows!   Transportation is  NOT  included. Your ticket is also good for touring the historic Octagon House only  on Saturday or Sunday .  ​ Ticket Price: $39.00  _______________________________________________________________________________ TRADITIONAL TOUR   Saturday, November 18th, 10:00am-5:00pm  Sunday, November 19th, 12:00pm-4:00pm  This popular, daytime tour features four privately-owned homes and the historic Octagon House Museum decorated for the holiday season.  The Traditional Tour includes a FREE optional shuttle service with stops to dine and shop along the way during the hours of the traditional tour only. For convenient parking and shuttle service, start your tour at Plaza 94 by parking at the South Side of Ward Ave Parking Lot. Parking is free. (For returning tour attendees, please note that the shuttle will not stop at Hudson House Grand Hotel.) Ticket Price: $29.00  *Tickets purchased by November 8   will be entered into the Door Prize drawings at local stores and the Grand Prize drawing in each home. _______________________________________________________________________________ PRIZES FOR TICKET HOLDERS Grand Prizes Donated By: • Angel's Pet World • Rose & Lavender • SEASONS Gallery • Tattersall Distilling Plus additional door prize opportunities at participating Purple Bow businesses: • Abigail Page Antique Mall • Angel’s Pet World • BackRoom Vintage • Beloved Makers and Co • Carbone's Downtown Hudson • Chapter2Books • Cream of the Crop Artists Gallery • et cetera • Grand Fête • Hudson Flower Shop • Knoke’s Chocolates & Nuts • kudos • La Rue Marché • Rose & Lavender • SEASONS Gallery • Tattersall Distilling • The Bees Knees • The Purple Tree • The 715 PURCHASE TICKETS  In-office or online: 715.386.8411 ||  www.HudsonWI.org Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, 219 2nd Street, Hudson, WI 54016 Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM   Tour of Homes event office hours: Saturday-11/18, 9:00am-5:00pm | Sunday-11/19, 11:00am-4:00pm

• Map and details are provided with your ticket order. 
• Sorry, NO REFUNDS.  
• Children 12 years and older are welcome to attend.
• Wear socks as you will need to remove your shoes at each of the homes. Plastic bags will be available to put your shoes in.
• No pets, please!
• No large bags/backpacks will be allowed into the homes.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ TOUR LOCATIONS Octagon House Museum The Octagon House Museum , built in 1855 and furnished in mid-19th century style, will surround visitors with the warm Christmas traditions of the Moffat-Hughes Family. It is bedecked with wreathes in the windows, decorations adorning the tree, gifts ready for giving, music and games ready for playing, and the dining room table set for holiday feasting. Home #1 This modern European farmhouse built in 2007 recently received an extensive cosmetic remodel. The eclectic décor features relaxed, comfortable furnishings as well as some artsy touches. Christmas decorations showcase a tasteful blend of maximalist and modern farmhouse aesthetics. Home #2 Over 20,000 lights illuminate the outside, with 20 Christmas trees on the inside of this traditional style home built in 2016 . It features new, classic, and vintage décor, family heirlooms, and hand-painted German pieces. You’ll discover many different Christmas themes and fun twists around every corner.   Home #3 This light and bright traditional brick, three-level home built in 2005 was recently renovated to create an open floor plan. It features an eclectic mix of antiques, handmade creations, travel finds, second-hand treasures, and bright, modern furnishings. Lively, tropical colors and hand-created Christmas decorations adorn every room. Home #4 This charming Victorian home built in 1900 is decorated, furnished, and designed to make all visitors feel welcome. It features a conversation area on the front porch, Eastlake period furniture, a sauna and hot tub, and an Up North Room crafted in the Old-World style. The story of the family’s mailbox for Santa will fill you with the spirit of Christmas.  _______________________________________________________________________________ Discover Where to Stay in Hudson Hudson is home to several fantastic places to stay. Choose from locations that offer indoor pools, jacuzzi suites, and pet-friendly accommodations. Start planning and discover places to stay in Hudson, Wisconsin at https://www.hudsonwi.org/discover/stay . 

_______________________________________________________________________________  

For any additional questions please call or email: 715.386.8411 || [email protected]

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HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

Friday, december 3rd and saturday, december 4th , 2021 – 10:00am-4:00pm, mark your calendars for the 15th annual amelia island museum of history holiday home tour. kick off your holiday season on amelia island the first weekend of december.

Hundreds of people wait every year for Fernandina Beach’s most iconic Christmas Event – the Amelia Island Museum of History’s Holiday Home Tour. Selected historic family homes are decorated by local florists and interior designers and are open for visits. Docents in each house give the history of the home, highlight the period architectural elements, and guide visitors through the lavishly decorated homes.

Friday, December 1 st and Saturday, December 2 nd , 2023 – 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Mark your calendars for the 17th annual amelia island museum of history holiday home tour. kick off your holiday season on amelia island the first weekend of december.

Don’t Miss out on Fernandina Beach’s most iconic Christmas Event – the Amelia Island Museum of History’s Holiday Home Tour. Carefully curated homes are decorated by the owners with special touches added by local designers. Docents in each home give its history, highlight the period architectural elements, and guide visitors through the homes.

Tickets are $35 until November 28th at 4 p.m., $40 at 4 p.m. and after.

Tickets May be Purchased at the Museum or Online, using the Purchase Tickets button on this page. If you purchase a ticket online, please bring a copy of your PayPal confirmation to the Will Call table at the Museum the day of the event to receive your paper ticket. This ticket will also include a map of the homes for your convenience.

Exclusive Preview Tour & Catered Event at The Amelia Island Williams House!

The Tickets for the Williams house event will also go on sale October 2nd. This event is on November 30th. Tickets to this event are $100.

The Tour for this event begins at 4:00 PM, with wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks and light hors d’oeuvres beginning at 6 PM. The event takes place at 103 S 9th Street; complete details will be emailed one week before the event.

Raffle tickets & items are on display at Museum the month of November.

THIS YEAR’S HOMES

We are proud to present five amazing homes on this year’s tour…, we are proud to present five amazing homes on this year’s tour..

READ MORE ABOUT THE HOMES DOWNLOAD MAP DONATION PURCHASE TICKETS

THIS YEAR’S RAFFLE

A fun part of our holiday home tour is our amazing raffle, which will be held at 124 north 4th street. raffle tickets are:, frequently asked questions, we will not be offering trolley service this year. to see information on this and other frequently asked question, click below..

Thank you for your support!

Consider staying the weekend in one of our distinct island accommodations, enjoy unique shopping and delectable dining. For more information, visit www.AmeliaIsland.com.

Thank you for investing in our Holiday Home Tour fundraiser, all proceeds benefit the Amelia Island Museum of History. We really appreciate it! Our policy has always been that tickets are nonrefundable for fundraisers. The Holiday Home tour is one of our biggest and more important fundraisers to sustain the Museum throughout the year.

We hope that you will enjoy the homes we have on the tour this year.

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Home of the Holidays tour offers holiday boost for Habitat for Humanity

Nov. 13—A trio of Christmas-themed homes, as well as an historic schoolhouse, shone this weekend like the 'Christmas Star'. All four were featured in the Home for the Holidays House Tour to benefit Habitat for Humanity.

The event, which has been going on for around a decade now, is Habitat for Humanity's largest fundraiser of the year, according to Holly Whitaker, chairperson for the House Tour.

She noted that the non-profit organization has wonderful sponsors to support the tour each year.

"And we couldn't do the event unless people opened their homes up and spent all these hours and, really, months decorating their homes. They're so gracious to do that," she said.

"This year, the home tour is special since it comes while the organization is in the middle of building a house for a family of two — a single mother and her 8-year-old son," Whitaker said.

The two-bedroom, one-bathroom home was started on October 18, and Whitaker said the builders already have trusses up, meaning the home is being built more quickly than normal.

The reason for that, Whitaker said, "We've hired contractors for the first time ever — Brown Brothers Construction. And they're going to get it to the point where it's dry-walled. That's when our volunteers come in and board members and everything, and help finish it."

Using a construction company, rather than depending solely on volunteers to put together a house, is working great for the charity organization, Whitaker said. On previous projects, their director of construction has been Dr. Glenn Proudfoot, who coordinated all the aspects of getting construction volunteers in place.

However, Whitaker said that ever since COVID, the emergency room doctor has been incredibly busy, so hiring contractors ensures that projects continue.

"We're going to try to build a house or two every year now," Whitaker said.

Once a homeowner is approved by the organization, they have to spend at least 250 hours working on their own home, as well as going to financial counseling to ensure they are in the best position to maintain their home.

They are provided a 30-year mortgage with an extremely low interest rate — around 0% to 1%.

"Usually they're paying less for a brand new home than they were renting," she said.

Whitaker and other Habitat volunteers spent their time this weekend at the Pisgah Schoolhouse, the old, refurbished school that served for the base of operations. Along with being decorated up itself, the schoolhouse hosted this year's silent auction, had an area for visitors to take pictures with Santa (aka Bill Williams), and served as a shuttle stop for one of the private homes participating in this year's tour.

Visitors could take a short ride over to the Pisgah Church Road home of Beverly and Jerry Gleason, who welcomed groups into their farm-style home.

Beverly Gleason said on Sunday that she had a good crowd stopping by to view her home over the two-day event, and many of those visitors had compliments for her and the decorations.

"This has been phenomenal. And it's for such a good cause. Everybody has been so nice that comes through," she said.

She added that she had designed the décor herself, with a little help from her husband.

Among the highlights was a photograph of her father, dressed up as Santa, over the fireplace.

Over at the Tranquil Point home of Jonathan and Heather Speck, visitors were treated to what Heather Speck was her normal way of decorating for Christmas — not something special she did just for Habitat for Humanity.

"I've been collecting for 13 years," she said of her Christmas decorations. "There are over 3,000 ornaments, and there is 2,500 feet of ribbon and garland. There are even some vintage ornaments on the tree. That are 30-35 years old," she said.

At the Home of Jerry and Tina Clay on Enclave Drive, the family's friend Marion Price was on hand to answer any questions visitors had.

Price said that Tina Clay had started back in August putting up the lighting and decorations that were found in all corners of the home, including both the "man cave" and the "she cave" studio that Tina Clay works from.

The Clays had 10 Christmas trees throughout the home, with the one in the living area displaying ornaments that reflect the adventures the family have been on throughout the years, Price said.

Carla Slavey can be reached at [email protected]

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Elegant architecture and a ghost: 7 Peoria properties will be part of annual holiday tour

PEORIA – Seven historical properties will be open to the public for this year’s Peoria Historical Society Holiday Home Tour on Dec. 2 and 3. 

An annual celebration of Peoria’s historical architecture and a fundraiser for the Peoria Historical Society, the tour allows a glimpse inside private homes and businesses typically not open to the public. Featured this year are:  

1802 W. Moss Avenue 

A Federal-style farmhouse in the West Bluff Historic District, the home is about 150 years old and owned for the last three years by John and Gail Dickerson. It was one of the first built on Moss Avenue, and is situated on land originally awarded by President James Monroe. The original home, which is encased in the center of the current structure, has 1-foot-thick brick walls. The owners say the home is haunted by a friendly apparition a previous owner named Victor. He has been known to turn off lights and fiddle with the television.  

518 W. High Street  

The Flemish Renaissance-style, red brick mansion in the High Wine Historic District was built in 1894 and has been owned for the last 26 years by Leslie Paulson and Steve Pierz. The home has 20 rooms on three levels, not including the basement, and is finished with intricate woodwork throughout. The home has been renovated over the years to both modernize it and to restore original details. 

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401 Water Street, Unit 202 

Unit 202 is a luxury condominium in a warehouse built in 1905 by the Larkin Soap company. It was later owned by Hiram Walker and Foster & Gallagher mail order business until 1982. In 1999, Huber Brothers Construction and PSA-Dewberry Architects renovated the building into condominiums and office space. The building’s original exterior spiral package drop and the water tower on top of the building remain to honor the structure’s history. 

1805 N. Prospect Road 

The Dutch Colonial-style house built was in 1925 by Arthur and Theodora Ahrends, the parents of longtime Journal Star reporter Theo Jean Kenyon. Kenyon inherited the home after her parents died in 1975 and maintained it in its original condition until she died at the age of 99 in 2021. Today it’s owned by Jon Hopkins and Victoria Metz, who use it as an Airbnb. 

301 N.E. Madison Avenue 

Peoria Women’s Club was built in 1897 and is still used today by the club, making it the second oldest club in the U.S. With a clubhouse and recital hall, the building was a cultural center for the community – the first music program was given there on January 18, 1894. Built in the Romanesque Revival style, the building has many elegant architectural details, including wrought iron gates cast in Peoria by AJ Lucas and wood panel doors with beveled glass inlays. The interior has recently undergone extensive renovations. Original paint colors were used, and gold stenciling was added to the dining and drawing room ceilings. 

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1212 W. Moss and 942 N.E. Glen Oak Avenue

Rounding out the tour will be the Peoria Historical Society’s two house museums. The Pettengill-Morron House will be decorated in a "Holiday Travels" theme with luggage and travel memorabilia collected by its former owner, Jean Morron, and the John C. Flanagan House will have in a "Father Christmas" theme, reflecting the Christmases of Peoria's past. 

The annual holiday home tour is a popular event in Peoria  

“Last year we had more than a thousand people on the tour,” said Susie Papenhause, president of the board of trustees for the Peoria Historical Society. 

Tour hours are 5-9 p.m. Dec. 2 and 1-5 p.m. Dec. 3. Tickets are $20 in advance at 309tix.com or by calling Peoria Historical Society at (309) 674-1921. Tickets are $25 at the door. Children under 12 are free with adult admission. 

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USA TODAY 10Best

What's your holiday dream? Vote for the best places to visit and things to do this season

November 2, 2023 // By 10Best Editors

By 10Best Editors November 2, 2023

Halloween has come and gone, and that means the holiday season is just around the corner. As we prepare for "the most wonderful time of the year," we're looking for the best places to visit and things to do for the holidays — zoo lights, Christmas markets, holiday parades, festive hotels, department stores, light displays, theme park events, and holiday home tours.

We asked a panel of experts to nominate their top picks in each of nine categories, and now it's your turn to select the winners by voting for your favorites.

Voting is open until Wednesday, November 29 at noon ET, and you can vote once per day, per category. The 10 winners in each category will be announced on Friday, December 8, just in time for the holidays.

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Click on each category below to vote:

Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights

Throughout the holiday season, spectacular light shows brighten up botanical gardens across the country. Instead of spring flowers, visitors find twinkling holiday lights, often accompanied by a range of other festivities.

We asked a panel of experts to nominate their favorite light displays at botanical gardens throughout the U.S., and now we need your help naming a winner. Which botanical garden puts on the best seasonal lights show?

Vote: Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights »

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Thanks to a wide variety of products, a good department store takes some of the stress out of the holidays by offering one-stop shopping for just about everyone on your gift list.

We assembled a panel of shoppers to nominate their favorite department stores throughout the U.S., and now we need your help to crown the best of the best. Which department store is your go-to during the holiday season?

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Vote: Best Holiday Historic Home Tour »

Best Holiday Market

You don’t need a passport to enjoy a traditional Christmas market experience. This holiday tradition from Europe was brought over to North America by immigrants, and today, cities and towns across the country host holiday markets inspired by the originals, complete with traditional food, music, and holiday treats.

Our panel of experts nominated their top holiday markets throughout the U.S., and it's your turn to determine which one is the best of the best. Which of these holiday markets is your favorite?

Vote: Best Holiday Market »

Best Holiday Parade

Holiday parades across the country bring plenty of cheer in the form of creative floats, marching bands, Santa and his sleigh, and millions of twinkling lights.

10Best has teamed with a jolly panel of experts to nominate 20 of the top holiday parades throughout the U.S., and we need your help to name the very best. Which holiday parade do you look forward to the most?

Vote: Best Holiday Parade »

Best Hotel for the Holidays

If you can't go home for the holidays, the next best thing is to visit a festive hotel. Nominated by USA TODAY 10Best editors and an expert panel, these 20 hotels are renowned for decking their halls and cranking up the holiday cheer to a whole new level.

Which of these hotels is your favorite for the holidays?

Vote: Best Hotel for the Holidays »

Best Public Holiday Lights Display

For many people, the holiday season isn't complete without at least one night spent driving around and looking at the colorful lights. USA TODAY 10Best editors and experts combed the nation for the 20 brightest and most beautiful holiday light shows put on by neighborhoods, cities, and parks. Which of these public light displays are you most looking forward to this holiday season?

Vote: Best Public Holiday Lights Display »

Best Theme Park Holiday Event

These 20 theme parks across the United States don't hold back when they deck their halls — and attractions — for the holidays. Winter visitors enjoy parades, seasonal live entertainment, visits with Santa, and plenty of festive cheer.

Which of these theme park events are you most excited?

Vote: Best Theme Park Holiday Event »

Best Zoo Lights

Each winter, zoos across the country transform as they get into the holiday spirit. Once the sun sets and the animals go to bed, these 20 zoos are set aglow with incredible illuminated displays.

Which zoo's holiday lights dazzle you the most?

Vote: Best Zoo Lights »

Remember, you can vote once per day in each category. The 10 nominees with the most votes in each category will be announced on Friday, December 8.

Cherry Hill's Festival Of Lights House Tour To Return

Posted: November 14, 2023 | Last updated: November 14, 2023

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Cherry Hill's annual Festival of Lights House Tour is returning. Residents can now submit their homes, with the chance to win some post-holiday gifts.

The township will take house submissions until Dec. 17. The homes will then be added to a town-wide map that residents can view.

The event also features the Best Decorated House Competition. Whether you're going for the grand prize or just want your home to light up the tour, here's how to enter:

• Decorate your house.
• Submit your house through the online form by Dec. 17.
• Voting will run from Dec. 18 to Jan. 2, with voting conducted through Facebook and the township's website .

If you choose to compete, the township is offering the following prizes: $150 for the winner, $100 for second place and $50 for third.

Winners will be announced Jan. 3.

Visit the house tour's webpage .

The article Cherry Hill's Festival Of Lights House Tour To Return appeared first on Cherry Hill Patch .

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