How to tour homes throughout Springfield decorated for the holidays

A variety of area homes decked in their own unique holiday styles will be open to visitors for the 44th annual WASSO Holiday Homes Tour on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's tour will include a unique chance to see the homes' outdoor decorations and lights as well during evening hours.

Credit: Contributed

Credit: Contributed

A variety of area homes decked in their own unique holiday styles will be open to visitors for the 44th annual WASSO Holiday Homes Tour on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's tour will include a unique chance to see the homes' outdoor decorations and lights as well during evening hours.

The Women’s Association of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Homes Tour is like a living version of a Christmas song with area residences dressed in holiday styles that could have influenced the lyrics.

The 44th annual tour will offer fresh and bright slants this weekend, including an evening tour, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, and the regular daytime tour, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. The event is a fundraiser with proceeds going toward various Symphony programs. Tickets for each tour are available.

Several years ago, an evening tour proved popular and this year WASSO was pleased to bring it back, said Nancy Eubanks, one of the organizers.

“Our tour participants have made comments in the past that their efforts decorating the exterior goes unnoticed during the daylight hours, so this year will be somewhat different as we are doing Saturday’s tour in the evening to permit participants to turn on their outdoor lights and add extra sparkle to their properties,” she said.

Featured tour homes on both days include 8620 Selma Road, Courtright residence; 3869 Old Springfield Road, Murray residence; 823 South Fountain Ave., Level residence; 2105 North Fountain Blvd., Wilson residence; and 270 Brighton Road, McFeatters residence.

Traditionally, there are five homes featured and this year has also added a bonus sixth property to the Saturday evening tour, 1617 Woodedge Road, the Arndts residence.

Attractions in the homes visitors can look forward to include an old sleigh, older Santa memorabilia and Christmas trees in each room, Nutcracker collections, themed trees, holiday villages and other individual touches that speak to each family’s traditions.

“We think this year’s tour will have something for everyone,” said Eubanks. “The home owners spend many hours decorating their beautiful homes and WASSO is very grateful to each of them for opening them to the community.”


MORE DETAILS

Tickets cost $15 each and are available online or from the Springfield Symphony office, Schneider’s Florist, The Peanut Shoppe and It’s Your Party Bakery.

WASSO also does fundraising events with its spring Kitchens Tour and summer Gardens Tour. For more information, go to www.springfieldsym.org.

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