How it all began
In the late 1960’s, it became evident to McKinney resident Joan Palmer Hughston that the unique heritage of the city needed to be recorded and preserved for those currently living there, future generations and visitors to the region. Beautiful historic structures required atention and care, so with foresight and determination Mrs. Hughston organized a small group of local women to ensure an emblematic sample of the city’s past be maintained, studied, and shared.
Their vision was to establish a village where all who wished to experience buildings, artifacts, and grounds showcasing how people lived during a key period in Collin County history could gather and celebrate their communal past. The first project this dedicated group launched in 1973 was a Christmas tour of homes, with Joan’s Mother-in-Law, Margaret Hughston’s home on Howell Street representing A Children’s Christmas, Joan’s on Louisiana depicting A Victorian Christmas, Ethel Holt showing her farm house as A Farm Christmas, Martha Schubert offering A Family Christmas and Nanette Boyd’s home depicting A Modern Christmas.
Collin County was planning to build a courthouse at the corners of Davis, McDonald and Chestnut Streets, and the two Dulaney homes on Chestnut Street were set for demolition. This group of women argued their cause in front of county commissioners and used the profits from the first Home Tour to purchase the Dulaney House and Dulaney Cottage, and establish the Heritage Guild of Collin County.
That first Home Tour was a Great Success and continues to be so Today!
Each year several homes are selected to participate in this ongoing tradition. Honored homeowners open their doors and share their own holiday experience and unique history. Whether homeowners or guest, all who attend are filled with joyful holiday cheer!
Interested in Volunteering?
The Holiday Tour of Homes is grateful for our community and could not have this event without your support. We welcome volunteers interested in helping at selected homes and Chestnut Square on days of the event. Click below for more details
Or, become a member and save on events all year long!
Tickets are non-refundable. In case of inclement weather, the tour may be discontinued temporarily or for the remainder of the day. Smoking, food, drinks, and pets are not permitted.
Purchaser recognizes that there may be inherent dangers in touring older homes, regardless of reasonable safety measures taken. As a condition of being permitted to enter the residences on this tour, you agree to assume all risk of personal injury or accident or loss or damage to property. Please be aware of the conditions and surroundings. Certain allergens such as animal residue or food substances may be present, and that homes may or may not have handicap accessibility.
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Hours
Tues, Thurs & Friday 9am - 3pm
Village Tours: Thursday and Saturday at 11am