Columbia Launches Holiday House Tours for a Festive Historical Experience

Columbia Gears Up for the Holiday Season with Historic House Tours

Hey, Columbia! Are you ready to get into the festive spirit? If you love all things holiday-related and have a hankering for a dose of history, you’re in for a treat! This week marked the launch of Historic Columbia’s Holiday House Tours, running from Thursday, November 14 until Sunday, January 5. Talk about getting in the holiday mood!

Step Back in Time

Imagine strolling through beautiful old mansions while learning how families in Columbia decorated and celebrated holidays during the 19th century. Doesn’t that sound delightful? The Robert Mills House and the Hampton-Preston Mansion are both decked out to reflect their historical pasts. You’ll get to see how folks back then prepared for the festive season—way before Christmas trees became all the rage!

A Glimpse of Victorian Traditions

At the Hampton-Preston Mansion, you’ll discover how Christmas celebrations in the 1850s varied quite a bit from today’s festivities. For instance, can you believe that eggnog, poinsettias, and yes, Christmas trees were already making their appearances? Every tour will take you back in time to experience how our current holiday traditions have their roots in Victorian-era festivities. How cool is that?

Evening by Candlelight

Mark your calendars because there’s a special one-night-only event you won’t want to miss! A candlelight tour of both historic homes will take place on Friday, December 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. Picture it: glowing candlelight illuminating grand architecture and antique decorations. It’s a magical way to experience the holiday season juxtaposed with a historical twist.

Fun for the Whole Family!

The Holiday House Tours aren’t just about admiring the beautiful homes. There’s plenty for the entire family. You’ll have fun crafting activities where you can get your hands festive! Enjoy live music, sing along with cheerful carolers, and visit the Historic Columbia pop-up holiday shop for some unique gifts. It’s the perfect opportunity to snag special presents for your loved ones.

Tour Details You Don’t Want to Miss

So, when can you join in on the holiday fun? Regular tours run from Wednesday to Saturday at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for youth. And guess what? If you’re a Historic Columbia member, you can enjoy free admission to these delightful house tours. What a steal!

Important Dates to Remember

Just a heads up: Historic Columbia will be closed on a few key dates—November 28, November 29, December 25, December 26, and January 1. So don’t go planning a visit on these holiday observance days!

Get Your Tickets!

If you’re itching to learn more about the Holiday House Tours, including additional membership benefits, head over to the Historic Columbia website. With so much history and holiday cheer, this is definitely an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

So grab your family and friends, make some plans, and get ready to celebrate the holiday season the historic way in Columbia. With some clouds in the morning giving way to sunny skies and a pleasant high of 67°F, it’s shaping up to be a beautiful time to explore all the festive history our city has to offer!