Delaware’s modern-day Christmas house tours offer a delightful glimpse into the festive traditions of numerous charming towns and cities across the state. From Claymont in the north to Seaford in the south, and from Wilmington to the coastal communities, these tours have become a cherished holiday tradition. They showcase beautifully decorated historic homes both public and private, and highlight the state’s rich architectural heritage and community spirit. While not all towns host these tours annually, the enduring popularity of such events reflects a deep appreciation for Delaware’s well-preserved historic districts and their seasonal transformations into winter wonderlands.
The origins of these beloved holiday traditions trace back to the post-World War II era, a period that marked a big shift in how Delawareans celebrated the yuletide season. This local trend mirrors a broader national phenomenon, as evidenced by newspaper mentions of “Christmas house tour” across the United States. Data from newspapers.com shows a dramatic increase in such citations from just 19 in the 1940s to 655 in the 1950s, and 1,100+ in the 1960s.
Several factors likely contributed to the rise in house tours’ popularity. The post-war prosperity of the 1950s and 1960s played a crucial role. As families, particularly those of World War II veterans who benefited from the GI Bill’s education and housing provisions, found themselves with more disposable income and new homes, they were able to invest in elaborate holiday decorations, creating residences worthy of display. This economic boom coincided with evolving holiday traditions, as Christmas celebrations became increasingly commercialized and decorating trends gained momentum.
The 1960s also saw a surge in interest in historic preservation. As communities began to recognize the value of their architectural heritage, house tours emerged as a way to showcase and celebrate these treasures. This newfound appreciation for historic homes dovetailed nicely with the needs of local organizations seeking creative fundraising methods, as many historical societies, clubs, and charitable groups organized—and continue to organize— these tours.
Broader cultural shifts of the era likely played a part as well. The 1960s brought increased leisure time and a growing interest in community events, creating a receptive audience for house tours. Improved transportation and increased car ownership eased travel between towns, expanding the potential reach of these events.
Changing social norms may have also fueled the rise of Christmas house tours. Earlier generations were more private about their homes, but the 1960s saw a gradual shift toward openness, influenced by the shared experiences of the World War II generation. With many men having served in the military, a sense of camaraderie and common bonds developed. This may have led to a greater willingness to open homes to others, including strangers who could have been fellow veterans or their families. Inviting others in for a tour became more acceptable, reflecting the spirit of community and mutual understanding that many veterans brought back from their service.
It’s worth noting that at least one early house tour in Delaware was entirely composed of private homes. A news clipping from The Morning News on September 19, 1963, mentions a Christmas Holiday House Tour organized by the Wilmington City Panhellenic Association. The tour featured the private homes of several sorority members, including Mrs. J. J. Meyer of Kappa Alpha Theta and Mrs. F. S. Bloom of Phi Mu.
The experience of preparing and opening a private home for public viewing can be both challenging and rewarding. Robert and Mary Anne Grenfell, longtime participants in house tours, shared their experiences with The Morning News on December 4, 1987. The Grenfells had shown the three houses they’d lived in a total of 20 times. Robert Grenfell noted that being on such a tour “forces the homeowner to do all those little jobs that many put off.” Their then-current residence at 500 Washington St. in Wilmington, built in 1856, required extensive renovation when they purchased it in 1981. Robert recalled, “Twelve coats of paint had to be stripped from the woodwork in 14 rooms. Rotting floorboards had to be replaced. Wallpaper had to be removed. Walls had to be scraped and sanded.” The Grenfells’ story illustrates the dedication and effort that homeowners invest in preparing their houses for these tours, often resulting in beautifully restored and maintained historic properties.
The national data shows the popularity of Christmas house tours continued to grow, peaking in the 1980s with 3,300+ newspaper mentions. This corresponds with the World War II generation reaching the height of their community influence, often holding leadership positions in organizations that might sponsor such tours. Their children, the Baby Boomers, were also establishing their own homes and potentially continuing the tradition.
While newspaper citations have declined somewhat in recent decades (3,200+ in the 2000s and 1,300+ in the 2010s), possibly reflecting the passing of the World War II generation and changing interests among younger generations, the numbers remain significantly higher than in the early part of the 20th century. This suggests that the tradition of Christmas house tours has become well-established in many communities, including those in Delaware. However, the decline also highlights a challenge faced by many volunteer organizations: the need to continually reinvigorate their membership as older members “age out.”
A poignant example of this challenge can be seen in the story of the Naaman’s Kill Questers in Claymont. The News Journal reported on November 25, 1983, that this group, a local chapter of The Questers organization dedicated to preservation and restoration of historical sites, was actively involved in Christmas house tours of the Robinson House. However, by December 7, 2002, the same newspaper reported that the group had ceased to exist. The article noted that members of the “recently disbanded Naamans Kill Questers group will be honored for their decades of tending the building where George Washington stopped on trips between Virginia and Philadelphia.” This transition illustrates the ongoing need for community organizations to attract new, younger members to continue their important work in preserving local history and traditions.
Though some groups have faced difficulties, many Delaware communities have found ways to keep their Christmas house tour traditions alive, often by expanding their offerings or incorporating new elements to attract visitors.
One such example is Milford, where the Christmas house tour has evolved to showcase a variety of architectural styles and historical periods. According to Annette C. Silva in The News Journal on December 8, 1993, the Milford tour features homes ranging from the historic Parson Thorne Mansion to Victorian-era houses and more modern residences. Silva notes that “Six houses on the tour are in the Victorian South Milford National Register Historic District. The seventh — a never before shown home called Walnut Knoll — or Governor William T. Watson House — is a 1906 brick Victorian owned by Martha and Henry Scott on North Walnut Street.”
This diversity of offerings not only provides visitors with a broad view of Milford’s architectural heritage but also helps to maintain interest in the tour year after year.
Recent trends suggest a shift in the nature of Christmas house tours. Since the turn of the 21st century, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of private homes opening their doors to the public during the holiday season. Instead, tours increasingly focus on historic homes preserved specifically for public viewing, such as the John Dickinson Plantation in Dover or Auburn Hill in Wilmington.
This change may reflect evolving attitudes towards privacy, security concerns, or simply the challenges of preparing a lived-in home for public tours.
Despite evolving developments, Christmas house tours remain popular, particularly those featuring professionally maintained historic properties. They provide visitors with immersive experiences of holiday traditions from different eras and offer deeper insights into Delaware’s architectural and cultural history, while still capturing the warmth of the season.
Several Delaware tours, like the Lewes Historical Society’s annual tour (started in the 1970s) and the Odessa Women’s Club tour (begun in the 1960s), are now local institutions. These tours gained traction by showcasing the state’s unique blend of colonial, maritime, and Victorian architecture, setting them apart from other tour offers both in Delaware and in nearby states.
The long-running Odessa and Lewes tours have also succeeded by balancing historic and modern homes, appealing to a broad audience. As they celebrate milestone anniversaries—60 years for Odessa in 2024 and 50 years for Lewes—these tours continue to attract visitors with their diverse offerings.
Gary Soulsman wrote in The News Journal on December 3, 1999 that the Odessa tour showcases homes ranging from colonial elegance to Victorian splendor. For example, woodworker Ron Starnes’ home features his handcrafted furniture, blending historical craftsmanship with modern living. Meanwhile, Reed Macmillan, owner of Fairview, a 227-year-old Georgian home, enhances the experience by dressing as a former Continental Army major.
In the same article, Soulsman highlights the Lewes tour, which features homes with a coastal flavor. He writes: “The Lewes tour has a salty air because of its closeness to the sea. Many of the historic homes show this, too, with addresses such as Bay Avenue, Pilottown Road and Shipcarpenter Square.” This mix of historic and maritime-themed homes offers visitors a glimpse into the town’s history and coastal lifestyle.
These two tours’ enduring popularity stems from their ability to satisfy visitors’ curiosity about how Christmas was celebrated in the past, while also providing a glimpse into how their neighbors decorate their homes today. This combination of historical interest and modern-day voyeurism has proven to be a winning formula for many Delaware house tours. The variety of organizations benefiting from tour fundraisers is impressive. In Georgetown, as reported in The News Journal on December 1, 1993, the Georgetown Historical Society sponsors a Christmas house tour that raises funds for preservation projects. The article notes that sites on the tour, which these efforts benefit, include “the Erlyn K. Tunnell Doll House, Grace United Methodist Church,” and other historic locations. In Selbyville, a News Journal article from December 3, 1999, highlights how the Selbyville Public Library benefits from the town’s Christmas house tour. The Delaware Art Museum’s annual tour, as mentioned by Steve Bruni in Soulsman’s 1999 article, helps fund the museum’s operations and exhibitions.
The broad appeal of house tours is evident across the state, from Claymont in the far north to Seaford in the far south, with each tour offering unique attractions.
Betsy Price, writing for The News Journal on December 2, 2010, highlighted the Cool Spring Tilton Neighborhood Holiday Lights tour in Wilmington, noting its unique beginning. The tour “starts at the historic University & Whist Club,” a site once considered for the nation’s capital by George Washington. Price adds, “The core of today’s house was built beginning in 1802 by Dr. James Tilton, who crossed the Delaware with Washington.” The club’s rich history and evolving architecture make it an impressive launch point for any tour.
In the southern part of the state, Nancy E. Lynch described the Victorian Christmas at the Governor William Ross Mansion and Plantation in Seaford, showcasing the restoration efforts of the Seaford Historical Society. Lynch emphasizes the historical authenticity of this tour, noting that it offers visitors a chance to “step back in time to experience a Victorian Christmas.” The appeal here lies in the meticulous restoration and period-accurate decorations. Lynch quotes a Historical Society member explaining that the mansion is adorned with “natural greenery and decorations that would have been used in the Victorian period,” providing an immersive historical experience.
Delaware’s tours often showcase the quirky idiosyncrasies of those who love participating. Price’s article mentions Bonnie McCann of Milford, who decorated her home with 140 Christmas trees for the Milford Christmas House Tour. McCann’s passion is clear in her statement: “I’ve been wanting a sock monkey tree. I finally found sock monkeys that weren’t too big or too expensive.” A shared appreciation for history and beauty ties the First State house tours together. As Sue Denny reported in The News Journal on December 3, 1992, regarding the Odessa Christmas tour, “Coordinator Bert Parker said the favorite stop is Woodlawn Plantation, on Marl Pit Road just outside town. The Georgian-style house, now the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Cross and their family, was built in 1859 and still contains some original pieces. ‘That one is just a magnificent old house with formal rooms,’ Parker said. ‘It’s just beautiful.'”
Maureen Milford, writing for The Morning News on December 1, 1978, captured the essence of why Christmas tours remain popular: “There’s no place like home for the holidays. Perhaps that’s why three Christmas house tours will be held in the Wilmington area this weekend.” This sentiment continues to ring true decades later, as Delawareans and visitors alike flock to tours year after year.
Delaware’s Christmas house tours have evolved from simple fundraising events to beloved holiday traditions that showcase the state’s rich architectural heritage, foster community spirit, and support a variety of worthy causes. From the grand mansions of New Castle to the cozy cottages of Milton, these tours offer a unique way to experience the warmth and charm of Delaware’s diverse communities during the most wonderful time of the year. May these tours continue to adapt and thrive, bringing joy to new generations of holiday revelers and history enthusiasts alike.
