’Tis the season of decked halls and open doors at holiday homes tours, which are as much of a tradition in several Kansas communities as Santa’s visit. Whether homes are embellished by the owners or ornamented by professional designers, holiday décor abounds and highlights each home’s history and architecture.
LEAVENWORTH
The Leavenworth Vintage Homes Tour, sponsored by the Leavenworth County Historical Society, features at least five private homes dating from the late 1850s to the early 1900s. The tour also includes a historic church building and the Carroll Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and opened in 1965 as a Victorian home museum.
leavenworthhistory.org | (913) 682-7759
FORT SCOTT
The theme for the 38th annual Homes for the Holidays Tour in Fort Scott is Downtown Christmas, featuring living quarters above retail stores and traditional homes. Hosted by the Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County and always includes a family-decorated tree at each of the three to four open houses.
facebook.com/Fort-Scott-Homes-for-the-Holidays-Tour | (620) 224-1186
TOPEKA
The CASA Homes for the Holidays Tour highlights six Topeka homes, most of which are decorated by designers who collaborate with the homeowners to develop a themed room or a cohesive holiday theme for the whole house. This event typically take place in November, but visit their website for details. Proceeds benefit CASA, volunteer court-appointed special advocates who represent children in foster care.
casaofshawneecounty.com | (785) 215-8282