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