The first weekend of December has been The Heritage Guild Holiday Tour of Homes since 1973! The tradition of opening historic homes for a public tour began in 1973 when our founders first opened their homes to raise money to purchase the Dulaney House and cottage and the grounds that eventually became Chestnut Square.
Every year five or six homes and historic structures are decorated for Christmas and opened for the tour. The proceeds from ticket sales and an annual raffle are a major component to the ongoing operation of Chestnut Square. Take a peek at the 2007 tour homes and the 2008 tour homes.
Holiday Tour of Homes Tickets:
Tickets purchased online after 5:00 p.m. November 30, 2009 may be picked up at the Dulaney House at Chestnut Square Historic Village on December 5, 2009 beginning at 10:00 a.m. Tickets purchased in advance may also be picked up in the will call line at any house on the tour on the day of the tour with your Paypal receipt. .
The 2009 Raffle Items are all about experiencing McKinney! Lucky winners will get the opportunity to experience all the great fun of the downtown McKinney square or the "spirited" history of McKinney. Buy tickets at any of the houses on the day of the tour or in advance by calling 972-562-8790.
Here are the prizes:
Experience McKinney Package (value $600+)
Night at the Grand Hotel
Carriage Ride through the Historic District
Two tickets to a show at McKinney Performing Arts Center
Dinner for Two at Rick’s Chophouse
Wine Tasting at Lone Star Winery
Breakfast at Spoons
Lunch at The Pantry
Spa Package for two at Downtown 209
Experience the Spirits of McKinney Package (value $600+)
Ghost Walk for 12
Séance for 12 at Main Street Magic
Wine Tasting for 12 at Landon’s Winery
Ghost Walk T-Shirts
Presentation from Texas Paranormal Advance Research
And Now....the 2009 Holiday Tour of Homes Sites:
We have six homes from the McKinney Historic District along with three homes at Chestnut Square. We've also created a bigger and better Holiday Bazaar at Chestnut Square with our Chestnut Square Crafters Group and Farmers Market Vendors putting together handmade and homemade solutions for your Christmas gift giving! Dixie's Store will also be open offering fun and crafty items for holiday giving!
The Dulaney House will be open for the Holiday Tour decorated by Uptown of McKinney. The Faires House will be decorated by Smitten of downtown McKinney. Once again, the Johnson House will feature our Victorian porcelain doll display in a Christmass setting.
And now....here are the six historic homes featured on the 2009 Holiday Tour of Homes:
