greenwich nj christmas house tour 2021

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Historic Home Tours to Take This Holiday Season Login or Register to save this to your Favorites.

Get in the holly-jolly spirit this holiday season while experiencing the beauty of New Jersey’s historic districts and storied mansions when you go on special holiday décor home tours.​

In Mullica Hill, go on the Historic Mullica Hill Christmas House Tour  to explore the original architecture of homes dating back to the 1700s. Along the way, listen to carolers and take pictures of the twinkling lights and festive decorations. Also, stop at some of the great shops as you go by.​

A long-time tradition in Summit, the Reeves-Reed Arboretum Holiday House Tour  showcases seasonally decorated homes, as well as a stop at the arboretum’s Wisner House Holiday Boutique for handmade gifts.​

Explore the rustic simplicity of the early 20th-century Arts and Crafts Movement as you tour the country home of furniture designer Gustav Stickley on The Stickley Museum Log House Tour . Situated on Craftsman Farms, a 30-acre estate in Morris Plains, this National Historical Landmark will be decked out in natural holiday décor, such as greenery and pinecones, keeping with the forested feel of the home and grounds.​

Revel in the charm of yesteryear on the Christmas Lantern Tours at the Historic Village at Allaire in Farmingdale. Come stroll through the lantern-lit village as you listen to music, take in the festive sights, hear a little bit of history and pretend it’s Christmas in 1836.  ​

During the holiday season, Cape May transforms into a charming Dickens village, complete with twinkling gaslights, lush garlands and vintage-style trolleys starting in mid-November. While you’re here, don’t miss one of the Emlen Physick Estate Christmas Tours to explore a grand Stick Style Victorian mansion beautifully adorned in Yuletide decorations of the 1890s.​

Find even more upcoming events in New Jersey this holiday season.

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Christmas in Cos Cob: A Holiday Tour of the Bush-Holley House

Event Details

On this special holiday tour of the Bush-Holley House, visitors will enjoy a festive walk through early twentieth century Christmas and holiday traditions enjoyed by adults and children of the Holley family in the era of the Cos Cob Art Colony, and learn about early American wintertime and holiday celebrations as observed in the era of the New Nation, among the Bush family and their Greenwich neighbors. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and are appropriate for adults and families with children ages 5 and older. Masks are required for staff and visitors on Bush-Holley House tours

Register for:

Saturday, December 3

Other tour dates:

Help us to fulfill our mission to preserve and interpret Greenwich history to strengthen the community’s connection to our past, to each other and to our future.

47 Strickland Road Cos Cob, CT 06807 203-869-6899

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25 Days of Holiday House Tours

Tis the season to enjoy these wondrous holiday events..

Tour the Reeves-Reed Arboretum and other Summit homes this holiday season. Courtesy of: Reeves-Reed Arboretum

December 8 Summit Holiday House Tour

This annual tour features several Summit-area homes, as well as the Reeves-Reed Arboretum—an historic 13.5 acre public garden. There are six stops on the tour, including Wisner House, the main building of the arboretum that was the home to three different families consecutively—the Wisners, the Reeveses and the Reeds—who all had green thumbs. Visitors can peruse the holiday boutique following the tour for artisanal treats such as one-of-a-kind seasonal wreaths and arrangements designed by the horticulture staff. Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit. 9:30 am- 2:30 pm. Non-members, $40; members, $35; day of tour, $50.

December 8, 11, 18 and 27 Montclair Historical Society Holiday Tours

Festive decorations from the 1700s to early 1900s set the mood for tours at the Crane House and Historic YWCA. Highlighting stories and traditions of Christmases past and the families who lived in these historic homes, the tours also include holiday food samples in the hearth kitchen and merry music. Family-friendly tours on December 11 feature story time, ornament making and vintage musical entertainment by Michael Cumella. Crane House and Historic YWCA, 110 Orange Road, Montclair. Prices and times vary by day.

December 9 and 10 Holidays in The Log House: Candlelight Tour at The Stickley Museum

Known as the leader in Craftsman-style furniture, Gustav Stickley’s work was largely influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement in Europe. In 1908—after decades of running a highly successful furniture company—Stickley began purchasing tracks of farmland in Morris Plains, known today as Craftsman Farms. This two-day event is an opportunity to explore the architecturally unique log house, decorated for the holidays. Candlelight makes these after-hours tours even more special. The Stickley Museum, Morris Plains. 5:30 pm. Non-members, $12; members, $5. Advance registration required.

December 9, 10, 16, 17 The Historic Village at Allaire Christmas Lantern Tour

Get in the holiday spirit with a stroll through Allaire’s lantern-lit village and learn about Christmas in 1836. This walking tour takes you through the historic buildings and grounds that make up Allaire , a preserved 19th Century iron producing community. Visit the bakery and shop at the general store on your way out. Extend your trip with a visit to nearby Allaire State Park with over 3,000 acres of hiking trails. The Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale. 5 pm-8 pm. $14.50.

Cape May’s Victorian homes are decked out in their holiday best during this season’s tours. Courtesy of: Cape May MAC

December 9, 16, 23, 28 and 31  Cape May Lamplighter Christmas Tour

This self-guided lantern tour allows visitors to explore five of Cape May’s majestic bed and breakfast inns and private homes. Tickets for the tour also include a stop at the late 1800s Victorian-style Emlen Physick Estate, where visitors can check out the holiday exhibit while enjoying holiday refreshments. Cape May downtown. 7-9 pm. Adults, $20; children (3-12), $15.

December 10 43rd Annual Historic Mullica Hill Christmas House Tour

Moseying through this Gloucester County town will have your eyes wide in awe as you pass historic homes, churches and other buildings—some dating back to the 1700s. Of course, the Christmas celebrations wouldn’t be complete without live music and an appearance from Kris Kringle himself. At Old Town Hall, a reading of the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol rounds out the day’s events. Downtown Mullica Hill. 2-7 pm. In advance, $8; day of tour, $10.

December 10  Historic Bordentown City Holiday House Tour

Bordentown City’s beautiful historic homes are dressed in their holiday finest for this self-guided walking tour of the downtown. Peek inside private homes, the 1740’s Old Friends Meeting House and the Clara Barton Schoolhouse (complete with Barton’s original teacher’s desk) all done up in festive frills. Stop by the Old City Hall Holiday Train Display to see model trains zip around tracks surrounding mini decorated towns. Friends Meeting House, 302 Farnsworth Ave, 4- 8pm. $20, Proceeds benefit the Bordentown Historical Society.

December 10 and 11 Ocean Grove Victorian Holiday Festival and House Tour

Wander through Ocean Grove’s wonderland of inns and homes full of Victorian charm on foot or hop on the jitney transporting tour-goers around the town. Welcome the holidays as your enjoy caroling, the Christmas tree lighting, holiday exhibits and gift boutiques throughout the weekend. Ocean Grove Chamber Office, 45 Pilgrim Pathway. Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm; Sunday 11 am- 3 pm. $30.

Downtown Princeton is full of holiday activities, shopping and tours. Courtesy of: Princeton Tour Company

December 10, 17 and 24 Princeton Holiday Trolley Tours

Take a break during your holiday shopping spree throughout Princeton’s boutiques on the toasty warm trolley tour stopping at the homes and hangouts of Albert Einstein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Aaron Burr Jr. and Nancy Drew. Meet with Santa as he strolls through the town square and at night gaze at the Christmas tree in downtown Princeton . Use your ticket from the tour that same day to enjoy discounts at the shops. Downtown Princeton. 10-5 pm. $15

December 11 48th Annual Christmas in Greenwich Holiday House Tour

Admire the cozy homes gift-wrapped in holiday decorations throughout this historic Cumberland County town, the site of a 1774 British tea burning movement. Visit with Santa in his busy workshop and delight in the smells and sights of the decorated gingerbread houses on display. Noon-5 pm. $15, children under 12 free. Free parking.

December 11 Burlington Holiday House Tour

Turn your visit to Burlington into a winter tradition with this day full of festive activities sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. Visit over 20 locations throughout this Quaker town including Revell House, the oldest building in Burlington County and the Library Company of Burlington, the first library in New Jersey. The day isn’t over yet; do some shopping in Burlington’s many boutiques or grab some grub from a local restaurant. 3 pm- 7pm. $20 until December 10; $25 day of.

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You forgot the Ocean Grove House Tour on the 12th & 13th! Information at oceangrovenj.com!

What about the Stanton Holly Trail. It is truly the best house tour I have ever been on. I think it was the first in New Jersey. It benefits a local hospital and is managed by teams of professional holiday coordinators. Really is a must.

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Enjoy Holiday Fun in South Jersey this Season!

Our friends at Visit South Jersey have created a guide to holiday fun with links and details about regional offerings in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties plus Outer Coastal Plain AVA region! Here are some ideas including holiday home tours, free events, and holiday event lists!

Holiday Home Tours in SJ:

Woodstown Candlelight Tour Friday, December 7 | 6 PM – 10 PM Historic Downtown Woodstown Plan a visit to historic Woodstown for the 42nd Annual Woodstown Candlelight Tour. This charming village predates the Revolutionary War and is home to a number of Victorian residences and other structures. Get into the holiday spirit by spending the evening touring seasonally decorated homes, businesses, and churches! Visitors are also encouraged to shop at local merchants or at the annual craft fair located in Borough Hall. There will be carolers, homemade cookies, wassail, and a variety of other musical entertainments. Proceeds benefit the Pilesgrove-Woodstown Historical Society.

Candlelight Tours Friday, December 7 | 6 PM – 9 PM Saturday, December 8 | 3 PM – 9 PM Sunday, December 9 | 12M – 4 PM Whitall House, Red Bank Battlefield Park, National Park, NJ Take a candlelit tour of the Whitall House at Red Bank Battlefield Park! Guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of the colonial period during the holiday season. For more information, call (856) 853-5120.

45th Annual Christmas House Tour Saturday, December 8 | 2PM – 7PM Downtown Mullica Hill You have driven past the beautiful historic houses of Mullica Hill many times and now you can see them from the inside during the 45th Annual Christmas House Tour! Local residents go all out to decorate their houses for the holidays and open their doors for your enjoyment, Tickets can be purchased prior to the event or the day of the tour. For more information, please contact Hazel at (856) 223-5440.

50th Annual Christmas in Greenwich Holiday House Tour Sunday, December 9 | 12 PM – 5 PM Cumberland County Historical Society, Greenwich Celebrate the holiday season in Greenwich on the Cohansey River with an afternoon of festive activities that are sure to fill your heart with Christmas warmth. As you begin your wintry afternoon at the authentically decorated 1730 Gibbon House, the wafting aroma of complete hearthside Christmas fare and gingerbread cookies will tickle your senses. Tour through the town’s well-manicured historic homes, buildings, and churches that will be decked in their Christmas finery. All the museums will be open during the afternoon as well. As you stroll along your self-guided tour, children will be able to visit Santa in his workshop and drop off their “wish list” letters. You will be able to warm your belly with delicious lunch, snacks, and baked goods available at several locations throughout the tour.

Haddonfield Holiday House Tour Thursday, December 13 | 10 AM – 4 PM & 5 PM – 9 PM Downtown Haddonfield, NJ Don’t miss Haddonfield’s Annual Holiday House Tour presented by Interfaith Caregivers! Each of the six Haddonfield homes and Christ the King Church will be festively decorated for the holidays for all to see. Guests will see a unique mix of Colonial, Victorian, Four-Square, and bungalow homes. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event.

Daily Victorian Christmas Tours Now – December 30 | 1 PM, 2 PM & 3 PM Historic Smithville Mansion, Eastampton, NJ Smithville Mansion will reopen on December 2nd for the Victorian Holiday Celebration at Smithville Park and Daily Christmas Tours of the mansion will begin on December 3rd and continue through December 30th. A donation of $8 per adults and $7 for seniors and students is requested. During the holiday season, they also offer special evening candlelight tours ( click here to see dates ) and reservations are required.

Free Fun During the Holidays in South Jersey:

Haddonfield Candlelight Shopping Now – December 24 Downtown Haddonfield, NJ On every Friday through December 24, the shops of downtown Haddonfield, NJ offer in-store holiday events as well as holiday entertainment, horse carriage rides, and special visits from Santa Claus

Boro in Lights Festival Friday, December 7 | 6 PM – 9 PM Glassboro Town Square, Glassboro, NJ Glassboro and Rowan University present Boro in Lights, an annual holiday celebration and tree lighting! Ring in the holidays with horse and carriage rides, photos with Santa, live performances, and an ice sculpture demonstration. There will also be a Toys for Tots and Canned Food Drive.

Merchantville Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Friday, December 7 | 6:45 PM Centre & Park Avenues, Merchantville, NJ The Merchantville Public Events Committee is sponsoring the Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. The parade begins at Wellwood Park and travels along West Maple Avenue to West Park Avenue and finishes on Centre Street.

Fireman’s Christmas Parade Saturday, December 8 | 7 PM Downtown Hammonton, NJ Celebrate the holiday season at Downtown Hammonton’s annual Christmas parade! The parade features decorated trucks, an appearance from Santa, and more!

Pitman Winter Village Saturday, December 8 | 5 PM – 9 PM Ballard Park, Uptown Pitman,  NJ Visit Uptown Pitman and be transported to the charm of a Victorian Christmas! Find unique and handmade gifts in local stores and from more than 30 special vendors. Toast a mashmallow at one of two bonfires, try some wassail, and stroll along the Victorian costumed actors beneath the holiday lights. This event is rain or shine. In the event of rain vendors will display their wares at Sunset Auditorium on Laurel Avenue.

Christmas in the Park – Bellmawr December  8 & 9 | 6 PM – 9 PM Bellmawr Rec Center, Bellmawr Bellmawr’s Christmas in the Park features free sleigh rides, cookies, hot chocolate, pony rides, stockings, balloons, gifts from Santa, and so much more! Pictures with Santa will be available. There will also be a collection box for Bellmawr Believes.

Menorah Lighting Sunday, December 9| 4 PM Moorestown Community House, Moorestown Chabad and the Moorestown Jewish Association invite you to celebrate the Festival of Lights at a public Menorah kindling ceremony! Public dignitaries and community leaders will attend the ceremony and assist in kindling the giant Menorah. Following the kindling, there will be a program featuring music, delicious latkes and doughnuts, chocolate Chanukah Gelt for the children, dreidels, and family fun.

Holly Jolly Trolley Monday, December 17 | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM Barrington VFW, Shreve Avenue, Barrington, NJ The Barrington Civic Association invites you to join them for free trolley rides around the town! There will be free crafts, hot chocolate, and entertainment for the kids. Water and soft pretzels will be available for purchase. They are accepting non-perishable food items for the Grace Bible food pantry. Any donations are greatly appreciated and benefit the residents of Barrington.

Third Thursday – Jingle & Mingle Thursday, December 20 | 6 PM – 9 PM Downtown Hammonton, NJ Enjoy the glitz, glimmer, and holiday shimmer of the season as Downtown Hammonton lights up with food, art, shopping, music, and more!

For additional South Jersey holiday events listed by county, click here !

For additional New Jersey Winter Events click here and here !

About Visit South Jersey Visit South Jersey (VSJ) is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties, and the Outer Coastal Plain Wine Region in South Jersey.  Working with thousands of tourism stakeholders, VSJ promotes travel to the region by marketing South Jersey as a destination.  VSJ is a non-profit organization supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.  VSJ is a member-based organization open to all businesses in its territory.  For more information about travel to South Jersey, or for a copy of the Visitor’s Guide, go to visitsouthjersey.com .  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @Visit_South_Jersey for news and events. Share this:

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• Top Ten Events for December 7th – 9th, 2018
• NJIB’s Last Minute New Jersey Holiday Gift Guide!

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BRIDGETON MAIN STREET ASSOCIATION

Bridgeton Main Street is hosting this year's Holiday House Tour on

Saturday, December 3 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m .

There will be more than 20 historical homes and buildings on the tour, many featuring their own individual entertainment, including displays, music, food and drinks.

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking the button below.  Tickets will be $20. 

AS A REMINDER, EVERYONE MUST PICK UP A WRISTBAND FROM 31 W. COMMERCE STREET IN ORDER TO ENTER THE HOMES

2022 Holiday House Tour Guide

Calypso in the Country

A Home Decor and Lifestyle Blog

A Classic and Cozy Christmas House Tour

Welcome friends!  I’m so happy you stopped by today!  If you’re looking for Christmas decorating inspiration, we have a treat for you.  Today, I’ve joined a group of talented bloggers for our 2021 Christmas home tours   hosted by Marty of A Stroll Thru Life.   There are over 30 homes on the tour with tons of holiday decorating ideas!  For my contribution, I’m sharing my classic and cozy Christmas house tour!

*For your convenience, please note that this post contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase after clicking my links below, I will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you).

Christmas Home Tours 2021:

Before we begin, I want to welcome those of you who are arriving from  A Pretty Life!   I’m sure you enjoyed Jo-Anna’s pretty and colorful holiday decor as much as I did!

When you’re finished here, please be sure to visit the links at the end of this post to see all the beautiful Christmas decorating inspiration!  

Now, let’s begin my classic and cozy Christmas house tour!

Welcome to my home!  Since we spend most of our time in the kitchen, I usually begin my Christmas decorating in there…

Classic and Cozy Christmas Kitchen Decor:

For the past few years, I’ve been hanging the mini wreaths on the upper cabinets.  Then I try to get creative with a few new ideas to keep it fresh.  This year, I mixed in some of my classic blue and white porcelain and displayed a larger wreath above the stove.

To coordinate with the blue and white porcelain, I added my wooden flower box to the center of the table and filled it with blue and white porcelain spheres and some red Christmas ornaments.  Even though I loved the look, I later decided to set the table for Christmas instead!  (You’ll see where I moved the wood box later in the post).

Since I didn’t want to buy anything new, I set the table with some of my existing Christmas linens.  To continue the blue I already started in the room, I added my blue willow salad plates.  A mixture of faux greens and clippings from my boxwoods took care of the greenery.

Actually, I did buy something…the cute silver reindeer napkin rings.  On a recent Homegoods run, I found those.  Since I have a few silver and gold reindeer around the house, they fit right in with my decor.

As I mentioned, I like to display wreaths on my cabinets.  In fact, you’ll see that I love decorating with wreaths!   They’re about as classic you can get for Christmas and I love the way they stand out against all the white.  

Basically, I like to keep my kitchen Christmas decor rather simple.

On the shelf above my refrigerator, I just added a couple nutcrackers…another classic Christmas decoration.

In my corner vignette, I added more blue and white with some wooden Christmas trees and another wrapped in burlap.  I like mixing rustic pieces with the porcelain to keep it interesting.  This year, I also added a few snowflakes around.  Recently, I discovered the best local store – Barn Picks and Stuff where I picked up some cute Christmas items like the wooden snowflake.  Wait, did I say I didn’t want to buy anything new?  Oops…I guess I forgot about that!

Well, at least I didn’t spend a ton of money…I picked up the large star in the window at Michael’s for like $4.99.  Practically free, right?   In fact, it inspired me to come up with my window decor for this year.  If you look closely in the photo above, you can see some smaller stars hung in the side windows.  I hung them with fishing wire so they’re a bit hard to see in photos.  In previous years, I’ve hung ornaments and wreaths in those windows.  

The snowflake doesn’t block a lot of light which is nice…but it does drop glitter all over…

Since our kitchen is open to our family room, we’ll head in there next…

Classic and Cozy Christmas Tour in the Family Room:

My dog, Rosie would like to welcome you to the family room!  She spends most of her time in there so she thinks she owns the place.  

As you can see, I continued the classic navy blue Christmas decor into this room.  In additional to all the cozy pillows and throw blankets, I introduced some simple holiday decor.

Here’s a bit of advice, if you’re thinking about installing a stone fireplace, add some hooks or something so you can hang artwork or decor.  Otherwise, you’ll end up agonizing over ways to lean things on your mantel!  Since my wreath kept flopping all over the place, I attached it to a fabric covered art print which made the whole thing easier to lean.  At first, I covered the piece with wrapping paper but then decided on the navy fabric to go with the room.  Eventually, I’ll hang our stockings too, but this works for now.

If you’re looking for more ways to decorate a stone fireplace, read  these fireplace decorating ideas!

By the way, the chair in the corner belongs to Rosie.  Basically, it’s the only piece of furniture she’s allowed on (besides the kids’ beds).

Of course, she has to have her own cozy Christmas pillow!

Earlier, I showed you the wooden box on my table… As you can see, I moved it to the fireplace hearth and I love the way it stands out.

metal wire round basket

With a basket of firewood and some gold bells, the cozy fireplace area is complete.

Rosie enjoys the view from her chair!

Speaking of chairs, I added a blue and white pillow to the spindle chair across the room.  Recently, I ordered the pillow from Kirkland’s but I might change out the insert to make it fluffier.  If you end up ordering it online, just know that it’s a bit flat and stiff.  

Now let’s head to the dining room…

Classic and cozy christmas in the dining room:.

With navy blue walls in here, it was easy to continue my classic blue color scheme!

Since my dark cherry furniture is very traditional, I continued that look by displaying my classic blue and white pieces.

For my centerpiece, I kept it simple with a cluster of white ceramic Christmas trees.  These were another purchase from my favorite local store… Barn Picks and Stuff. (Apparently, I’ve been doing more shopping than I thought!)  

Anyway, I love their simplicity and they remind me of a larger version of the Farmhouse Pottery trees.  A couple years ago, I shared a tour of the Farmhouse Pottery store at Christmastime which included the trees I mentioned.

Once again, I kept my table settings simple and classic with my blue willow plates.   Last year, I set my table with my off-white wedding china.

For a little cozy ambiance, I lit some festive candles.  Every year, I end up with fresh cranberries left over from Thanksgiving so I like to decorate with them for Christmas.  They’re one of my favorite items to use as vase fillers.

To go along with my classic Christmas decor, I decorated my dining room tree with blue and white decorations.  At the end of last Christmas season, I purchased the blue and white ornaments and this year, I picked up the ginger jars.  On last year’s tree, I decorated with more red and blue.

blue and white ornaments

From this angle, you can see my bar cart displayed in the opposite corner from the tree.  

Before we head over to the bar cart, can we just take a moment to enjoy these mini wreaths with velvet ribbon?  Although, this look is nothing new for many of you, this is the first year, I’ve hung wreaths on the back of my chairs – and I love them!

navy velvet ribbon /  preserved boxwood wreaths /  similar gold bells

As soon as I bought the wreaths, I planned on hanging them with velvet ribbon.  It’s great when the look you envision ends up working out!  Cheers to that!

And cheers to the bar cart all dressed up for Christmas.  Keeping with my theme, I decorated with classic blue and white pieces mixed in with traditional Christmas decor.  Once again, I made use of my left over cranberries and filled a few martini glasses with them.

For a super easy (and lazy) way of updating your artwork for Christmas, try this.  Simply, tape a copy of Christmas music to your existing artwork.  Then hang a wreath over the front with a velvet ribbon and instantly you have Christmas art.  You’re welcome.

For my shelves, I just added a few cozy Christmas accessories (and yes, another wreath and velvet ribbon)…

And my dining room is ready for holiday entertaining!

I hope you enjoyed my classic and cozy Christmas house tour!

Once again, thank you to Marty from A Stroll Thru Life for hosting!  Also, please visit the rest of the participants on the blog hop from the list below. 

If you’re following along in order,  Clean and Scentsible is next!  I know you’re going to love Jenn’s beautiful decor!

Monday Dec 6th

A Stroll Thru Life – Up To Date Interiors – Our Southern Home – Southern Hospitality

This Is Our Bliss – Southern State of Mind – Inspiration For Moms

Tuesday December 7th

Making it in the Mountains – Decor to Adore – Pink Peppermint Design – Thrifty and Chic

Cuckoo4Design – White Arrows Home – Hymns and Verses

Wednesday December 8th

StoneGable – Whispering Pines Homestead – Worthing Court – Grace In My Space

DIY Beautify – Remodelando la Casa – LeCultivateur

Thursday December 9th

Designing Vibes – The Stonybrook House – A Pretty Life – Calypso in the Country

Clean and Scentsible – 11 Magnolia Lane – Chalking Up Success

Friday December 10th

Fox Hollow Cottage – Follow The Yellow Brick Home – Casa Watkins Living – Quarters One

Noting Grace – CitrineLiving – County Road 407 

What is your favorite Christmas decorating style?

Follow along so you don’t miss a post!

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Now that November is here, I think we can start talking about Christmas decorations.  Even though I haven’t decorated my home yet, I have attempted a few Christmas crafts.  Today, I’ll show you how I made some easy DIY paper Christmas decorations…cute mini trees! *For your convenience, please note that this post contains affiliate links. …

Timeless Home Decor Favorites (Saturday Spotlight)

Happy weekend and welcome to the Saturday Spotlight!  Each week, I like to highlight a different theme or topic to inspire you.  Once again, we’re talking home decor this week…because that’s what we mostly talk about!  Do you have a favorite decorating style?  Even though I can appreciate so many different decorating styles, I prefer classic interior…

33 Comments

What a pretty home tour, Shelley! I love all the blue and red accents you’ve used throughout your home. Love Rosie’s pillow too, and Rosie of course, what a sweetie! Merry Christmas!

Thanks so much, Jayne! Rosie loves making an appearance on the blog. Wishing you a Merry Christmas as well!

Oh i love it all. I have always loved your kitchen and I love those wreaths you add to your cabinets. That’s an idea I borrowed from you a few years ago for my own cabinets. I also love how you use wreaths throughout the house in so many different ways. This year using them on the backs of your chairs is stunning. Another great addition that I love is the huge snowflake on the kitchen window. All in all I loved it all as you can tell. Thanks so much for joining the tour again this season, your home is always filled with tons of inspiration.

Awe thanks, Marty! Your comment was so sweet! I’m glad you like the wreaths on the chairs. This year, I was so excited to try that look. And yes, that snowflake was such a find – with that price, I just had to buy it! Thanks again for including me in your tour!

Christmas in the kitchen is always my favorite!

Thanks Michele! It’s usually the most festive room!

Hey, Shelley–as a fellow lover of all things blue and white, you know that I love all of it! However, Rosie is my favorite “decoration” by far. We have a golden named Harley and he wants to be in every picture, too. Merry (early) Christmas!

Thanks so much, Christy! Yes, Rosie is my favorite “decoration” as well! Your Harley is darling too – goldens are the best! Merry Christmas and thanks for stopping by!

Your home looks lovely decked out for Christmas. I so much enjoyed every single picture that you shared.

Thanks so much, Paula! Glad you enjoyed the tour!

Your home is decorated so beautifully for Christmas…so many pretty and festive details! I absolutely love the mini wreaths in your kitchen, the mini wreaths on your dining room chairs, and of course Rosie…she’s perfect! Merry Christmas Shelley!

Thanks Jo-Anna! Those mini wreaths are fun to decorate with! Rosie is loving all the attention…thank you and Merry Christmas!

I absolutely adore your classic take on Christmas, Shelley. Your home is so beautiful! So nice touring with you!

Thanks so much, Erica! Great touring with you as well! Merry Christmas!

Shelley, I love your classic decor look and red accents on your blue transfer plates. The reindeer napkin rings are very cute and adding a sprig of boxwood was perfect. Each vignette is so charming in your kitchen. I love having a tree in the dining room. Your simple elegant style is very attractive. Have a wonderful Christmas .

What a sweet comment, thank you Bonnie! Yes, it was helpful having boxwoods in my yard…I might as well save money somewhere! Thanks again and have a Merry Christmas!

Love how you incorporated the deep blue into your holiday decor, it feels so rich and classic! And Rosie is adorable 😉

Thanks so much, Cindy! It made sense for me since I already have so much blue in my home – I just have to be careful it doesn’t appear too patriotic! And Rosie says Thank you!

Hi Shelley! The wreaths on the kitchen cabinets are so adorable! My favorites are the ones on the chairs with the velvet ribbon, so beautiful! I love how you worked in the blue and white. Those willow dishes bring back so many memories for me. Happy to join the tour this year! Merry Christmas! Blessings, Lori

Thanks so much, Lori! Yes, I went a little crazy on the wreaths so I’m glad you like them! Great touring with you!

Shelley your home is breathtakingly beautiful! I adore the navy and red paired together. Rosie is such a charmer. Merry Christmas!

What a sweet thing to say – thank you Laura! And Rosie thanks you too! Merry Christmas!

I love your style, Shelley. I think my favorite would have to be the wreaths on the back of the dining chairs!

Thanks so much, Amy! Glad you like the wreaths – I was excited to try them this year!

Shelley, your home looks so beautiful and festive! Love the kitchen as always, but this time it was the dining room an of course, Rosie, the ones that stole my heart. Those boxwood wreaths with the velvet blue ribbons and cowbells are adorable!! Merry Christmas!

Thanks my dear! I was excited to try the wreaths on the chairs this year. And thanks for your kind words about Rosie…she steals my heart everyday! She’s going to be 10 next week!

Oh my soul, I love your blue and white with your reds and greens! Room to room, it all looks so perfect together. Your kitchen has to be a fave for me. The window with that beautiful view and the shelf over the stove, it’s gorgeous. Seems like the perfect place to entertain. So nice hopping with you this week. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas season.

Cindy, you are the sweetest! Thank you so much – your comment made my day! So great to hop with you!

I always love reading your tours! I love the colors in your home and your style! All so beautiful!

Such a beautiful home you’ve created, Shelley! I love seeing it all decorated for Christmas. I’m still drooling over your kitchen.

Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!

Awe thanks, Richella! You’re so sweet. Thank you for the feature!

I thoroughly enjoyed your home tour, your kitchen is especially inspiring! I had to save some of those images to my Kitchen board! Merry Christmas!

Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the tour. Have a wonderful holiday!

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Haddonfield Holiday House Tour

December 14, 2023 @ 11:00 am - 9:00 pm est.

Haddonfield House Tour – December 14, from 11 am -9 pm, Tickets are $25 until day of the tour, on the day of the tour is $30.

There will be 6 beautifully decorated homes, The Haddonfield Historical Society and the First Baptist Church of Haddonfield. To purchase tickets online visit our website is www.giftofalift.org or give us a call at 856.354.0298.

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(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) launched the Cape May Christmas Candlelight House Tour in 1973 and ever since it has been a highlight of the Christmas season in Cape May, America’s only National Historic Landmark City. On three nights in December visitors travel to homes, inns, B&Bs, churches and hotels, stepping across the thresholds to take in interiors beautifully decorated for the holidays. This self-guided tour is one of Cape May MAC’s largest fund-raisers. ​​​​​​​ The three Christmas Candlelight House Tours of the 2021 season are Saturday, December 4, 11 and 18, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, but the tour on December 4 is already sold out!

Enjoy strolling musicians along the historic streets of Cape May and beautiful holiday decorations. Maps and wristbands for ticket purchasers are provided in advance or at central locations at the start of the tour and must be presented at each participating location for entry. Tour is limited. A trolley shuttle travels on a planned route with limited stops, but walking is encouraged. Advance purchase is highly recommended.

Featured properties on Saturday, December  11 include:   Angel of the Sea, 5 Trenton Ave; Beauclaire’s B&B Inn, 23 Ocean St.; The Bedford Inn, 805 Stockton Ave.; The Colonial House Museum, 653½ Washington St.; John F. Craig House, 609 Columbia Ave.; Kiwanis Club of Cape May, 1041 Beach Ave.; The Mason Cottage, 623 Columbia Ave.; The Queen Victoria B&B, 102 Ocean St.

Featured properties on Saturday, December 18 include:  The Abbey, 34 Gurney St.; Angel of the Sea, 5 Trenton Ave; Antoinette’s Apartments & Suites, 717 Washington St.; Beauclaire’s B&B Inn, 23 Ocean St.; The Bedford Inn, 805 Stockton Ave.; Cape May Presbyterian Church, Decatur and Hughes Streets (500 Hughes St.); The Colonial House Museum, 653½ Washington St.; The Dormer House, 800 Columbia Ave.; Humphrey Hughes House, 29 Ocean St.; John F. Craig House, 609 Columbia Ave.; The Kurtz Family Residence, 910 Washington St.; The Luther Ogden Inn, 815 Kearney Ave.; Ocean Victorian, 25 Ocean St.

Christmas Candlelight House Tours include admission to Cape May’s Victorian House Museum authentically decorated for Christmas, the Physick House Museum at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., and the exhibit “An Old-Fashioned Christmas: Holiday Traditions through the Years” in the Carroll Gallery in the Carriage House located on the grounds of the Physick Estate. The exhibit’s main attraction is a display featuring a Dept. 56 Dickens Village, model trains and vintage Christmas memorabilia, all beneath the boughs of a giant Christmas tree. While there, letters to Santa can be deposited for mailing to the North Pole.

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Admission to the Christmas Candlelight House Tour is $45 for adults and $30 for children (ages 3 to 12). The tour is limited; it is strongly recommended that tickets be purchased online by visiting  www.capemaymac.org  or reserved in advance by calling 609-884-5404.

Any remaining tickets on the day of the tour may be purchased at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, Washington and Ocean Streets. Properties on the tour are subject to change.

Last season, Cape May MAC announced a new way to experience Cape May at Christmas: the Virtual Christmas Candlelight House Tour Video. This virtual video tour created in 2020 is an intimate look inside 10 Cape May homes and inns, with the stories behind each that can be enjoyed over and over. What began as a response to COVID-19 continues today as a timeless Cape May experience, for viewing anytime, anywhere. It is available for purchase for $30.  Click here for more information.

Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) is a multifaceted, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. Cape May MAC membership is open to all. Visit  capemaymac.org/support/membership  to learn more. For information about Cape May MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals and special events, visit  capemaymac.org . For information about historic accommodations, contact Cape May Historic Accommodations at  capemaylodging.com . For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508.

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Art | comedy | dance | music | theatre | community, drag brunch at the vogel: pride month cele-brunch-ion, saturday, june 08, 2024 @ 12:00pm the vogel 99 monmouth street, red bank, nj 07701 category: community click here for full description, greg gutfeld, sunday, june 09, 2024 @ 7:00pm count basie center for the arts 99 monmouth street, red bank, nj 07701 category: community click here for full description, sunday, june 09, 2024 @ 3:00pm count basie center for the arts 99 monmouth street, red bank, nj 07701 category: community click here for full description, click here for more events, listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages. click here for more info., latest news.

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49th annual christmas in greenwich historic house tour, no comments:, post a comment.

N.J. couple’s famed Griswold light display is becoming an entire Christmas village

• Updated: Aug. 02, 2021, 2:13 p.m. |
• Published: Aug. 02, 2021, 9:00 a.m.

Steve Harbaugh stands in front of his summer home in Stone Harbor during a mini toy drive complete with exterior illumination and props from his "Christmas Vacation" movie light display, Saturday, July 24, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for

• Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

It was the Festival of Lights Boat Parade in Stone Harbor last Saturday night and homeowners were encouraged to decorate their homes or docks for the festivities.

Along a mostly dark bayside road, one decorated house stood out from the rest as Christmas lights — a lot of them — covered the home, to the point where the exterior illumination lit up the quiet neighborhood.

Parked on the small front lawn was a beat up green station wagon with fake wood trim, a small tree strapped to the roof. A few unwrapped toys surrounded a red bin by the sidewalk with two signs attached that read, “Thank You,” painted in candy cane stripes.

If this sounds familiar, then you’ve visited Steve and Gina Harbaugh’s home in Gloucester County during the holidays. They are the family that for the past three years has decorated their Mickleton home to mimic the old Griswold house in the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and collected toys and monetary donations for families in need.

A Clark Griswold mannequin greets passersby at the Harbaugh's Holiday Toy Drive in Mickleton, Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. This is the third year for Gina and Steve Harbaugh's annual Christmas Vacation themed display and toy drive. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

This upcoming holiday season they are taking their decorations away from Mickleton. Creating the surprise pop-up display at their summer home in Stone Harbor not only gave them an opportunity to collect some toys, it also allowed them to announce the new location for their display this Christmas.

“We’re actually doing a mini toy drive which is doing pretty well,” Steve Harbaugh said. The toys collected will jump start their holiday toy drive for their own charity The Harbaugh House.

The summer stop was sudden and unplanned and came together in approximately four days.

“Tonight is Christmas in July and I was not going to do anything,” said Harbaugh. The event includes the boat parade and a house decorating contest, which his neighbor reminded him.

“It’s so funny, she asked me, ‘Hey, are you gonna enter the decorating contest for the house?’ and I said, ‘noooo... yes I am.’”

And in typical Griswold fashion he went overboard.

Steve Harbaugh does a Facebook video with Cousin Eddie portrayed by Tim Jennings, of Woodbury Heights, during a mini toy drive at his summer home in Stone Harbor complete with exterior illumination and props from their "Christmas Vacation" movie light display, Saturday, July 24, 2021. Looking on his Steve's wife Gina. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for

Shipped down to the Shore was the green station wagon and two mannequins — the smiling Clark Griswold and the animatronic Cousin Eddie draining his RV’s septic tank, RV not included, with a beer in hand.

“It’s a mini version of the Griswold house out front,” Harbaugh said.

Draped around the entire home were approximately 3,000 lights that cascaded over the back deck where Cousin Eddie and Clark took their position looking out over the bay for all the boats in the parade to see. A strategically placed Cousin Eddie was draining bay water back into the bay.

Tim Jennings, of Woodbury Heights, portrays Cousin Eddie during Steve and Gina Harbaugh's mini toy drive at their summer home in Stone Harbor complete with exterior illumination and props from their "Christmas Vacation" movie light display, Saturday, July 24, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for

Even a real Cousin Eddie, a.k.a. Tim Jennings, of Woodbury Heights, made an appearance to the delight of the invited guests as he walked around in a short white bathrobe with black socks and dress shoes.

Kim Stotsenburg, a fan of the Harbaugh’s efforts, made the hour and a half drive to Stone Harbor from Paulsboro with her family to drop off a toy and check out the slightly different lighting display. Steve was even gracious enough take them out back to see the rest of the set up.

As family and guests mingled about watching the boat parade, Harbaugh and Mike Lucas, co-owner of All that’s Good , a production company that Harbaugh has been working with to be more transparent to where the toys and money go, talked more about the new location he’s planning for this Christmas.

A Clark Griswold mannequin looks out over the bay at Steve and Gina Harbaugh's mini toy drive at their summer home in Stone Harbor complete with exterior illumination and props from their "Christmas Vacation" movie light display, Saturday, July 24, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for

Harbaugh said he decided to move the display away from his home because the toy drive became so busy. In January he began looking at rural areas for the new Griswold home where the land was not developed.

Even though they had a record breaking year, 12,000 toys and $50,000 in donations, he felt it wasn’t respectful to the neighbors and town so it was time to load up Santa’s sack and move on.

Woolwich Township? Nope. East Greenwich Township? Not exactly.

Only a short front-wheel drive sleigh ride away from the original location in Mickleton will be the new home of the Griswold house, which will illuminate in an undeveloped field under a water tower on Route 77 in Mullica Hill.

The house is only a small part of this year’s extravaganza.

“We’re going to build a Christmas village,” said Harbaugh. The village will include an ice skating rink, carousel and much more. As in the past three years the purpose is to collect as many toys as possible for families in need.

Steve Harbaugh, right, and Harrison Township Mayor Lou Manzo discuss plans for a Christmas Village that will built in a field off of Route 77 in Mullica Hill, Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The holiday village will include an ice skating rink, carousel, and shops. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for

Wednesday afternoon, under blazing sunshine and high humidity, Harbaugh and Harrison Township Mayor Lou Manzo stood in the middle of the township-owned field and discussed plans for the winter wonderland as the groundbreaking day fast approached.

“When Steve pitched this idea with a little hand handwritten sketch sitting at lunch one day, obviously it was very intriguing,” said Manzo about their meeting in March.

Manzo said he was a little skeptical at first, wondering if it would work at the location and if Steve could pull this off in time for the holidays.

“But where there’s a will there’s a way,” the mayor said. Harbaugh told him if he could have a shovel in the ground the first week of August he can build what he needs for this year.

When the ribbon is eventually cut and he walks through the completed first year version of the village, Manzo predicted he would become emotional.

“I’ll be crying.”

In the coming years he said the village will only get bigger, better and more complete and has no plans on letting Steve take it anywhere else.

“In my mind this is a permanent thing. It’s a forever thing.”

Steve Harbaugh's Christmas Village.

When the village opens the Friday after Thanksgiving, there will be a real ice skating rink, carousel, ferris wheel, igloos for VIP seating, merchant stalls, a cobblestone road with street lights that will light up a downtown village that will lead to a newly built Griswold house.

The house that tens of thousands of people came to see over the past three years will only take up approximately 10% of the 12 acres at his disposal. Harbaugh said people always anticipated what new elements he would add to enhance everyone’s holiday experience and this year it will be an entire village.

There will also be a tent where children can have breakfast with Santa and where families can shop for toys. According to Harbaugh, this will help more easily distribute the toys while the families can enjoy a different holiday experience.

Noreen Owens, of Camden, who was one beneficiary of last year’s drive, will be instrumental in the toy distribution process, Harbaugh said. She is helping in the design of the toy shop and will organize bus trips for children in need to visit the village.

“I feel like this program that they’re trying to start now is going to touch hearts,” said Owens, who attended the Stone Harbor get together with her seven kids.

Gina Harbaugh offers a snack to her husband Steve and Noreen Owens, of Camden, as they discuss their Christmas Village during a mini toy drive at the Harbaugh's summer home in Stone Harbor complete with exterior illumination and props from their "Christmas Vacation" movie light display, Saturday, July 24, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for

She explained that she wants to make sure the toys get in the hands of the right people and her job as the community liaison is to help make that happen.

Manzo believes the Harrison Township community will love being associated with the philanthropic aspect of the village.

“They’re going to embrace it in a big way.”

The new holiday village will run through Christmas and coincide with the Township’s Miracle on Main Weekend November 26 to 28, and its tree lighting event that Saturday. Between 8,000 and 10,000 people flood the streets of downtown Mullica Hill for those events, said Manzo.

Steve Harbaugh, left, and Harrison Township Mayor Lou Manzo discuss plans for a Christmas Village that will built in a field off of Route 77 in Mullica Hill, Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The holiday village will include an ice skating rink, carousel, and shops. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for

What both the mayor and Harbaugh envision is that the local merchants benefit from the Christmas village as visitors pass through town. They also would like the retail stalls at the village to be an extension of the downtown shops in keeping with the German Christmas market concept.

“I can’t imagine that they wouldn’t want to be here,” Manzo said of the possibility of local merchants setting up shop at the village.

There are still a few things to figure out, traffic flow and how to best connect the village to downtown Mullica Hill, explained Manzo, adding that these are good problems to tackle.

Harbaugh said he has more than enough time to build what he needs for his first year, with only four months until opening night.

“August, September, October, November gives me 120 days. Plenty of time. I could actually do more, probably plan my Easter event here, I’m gonna have so much time,” he said with a laugh.

Steve Harbaugh waves from his summer home deck at boast passing by during the Festival of Lights Boat Parade in Stone Harbor, Saturday, July 24, 2021. he held a mini toy drive complete with exterior illumination and props from their "Christmas Vacation" movie light display, Saturday, July 24, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for

Steve and Gina Harbaugh hold a mini toy drive at their summer home in Stone Harbor complete with exterior illumination and props from their "Christmas Vacation" movie light display, Saturday, July 24, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for

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Christmas Candlelight House Tour

Cape May’s 51st Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours

Cape May MAC launched its first Christmas tour in 1974 and ever since this tour has been a beloved annual tradition and a highlight of the holiday season in America’s only National Historic Landmark City. This self-guided walking tour celebrates the best of Cape May at Christmas, as you travel Cape May’s gaslit streets, hear musicians and carolers, and visit homes, inns, B&Bs, churches and hotels where you’ll step inside to see both Victorian and more modern interiors beautifully decorated for the holidays. Don’t miss Cape May’s longest running and most popular Christmas tour.

Proceeds benefit Cape May MAC, a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors since 1970.

Read our blog post with 12 tips to having a delightful Christmas Candlelight House Tour experience!

Properties on tour as of now; more to be added closer to the dates.

Saturday, december 7th, 5:30pm – 8:30pm, saturday, december 14th, saturday, december 21st.

Virtual Christmas Candlelight House Tour

(Vimeo On Demand) From the comfort of your home, experience Cape May’s Christmas Candlelight House Tour, a beloved annual tradition for nearly half a century, virtually! Watch this virtual tour with family and friends and bring a bit of Cape May at Christmas into your own home for years to come. Featured are 10 Cape May homes, B&Bs and inns decorated for the holidays including interviews with owners and innkeepers. Participating properties include: The John B. McCreary House (“The Abbey”), Angel of the Sea Bed & Breakfast, The Bedford Inn, The Cherry House, The Emlen Physick Estate, Franklin at 721, The Henry Sawyer Inn, The Mainstay Inn, The Mason Cottage and The Mission Inn. This 45-minute virtual tour is available for purchase via Vimeo On Demand for $30. Guests may purchase the virtual tour directly via the link after creating a Vimeo log in and can watch it anytime simply by logging in. This presentation was created in December 2020 and is sponsored by Sturdy Savings Bank and Brown & Brown Insurance. Proceeds benefit Cape May MAC.

Watch Trailer

This presentation is sponsored by Sturdy Savings Bank and Brown & Brown Insurance.

Christmas candlelight house tour photos.

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