Twenty historic sites, museums and houses are joining together to present a splendid grand holiday house tour. For this one-day open house, each venue will be decorated in a festive flair representing 250 years of Saint Louis architecture and history. Whether austere or opulent, the settings will take you back in time to experience the joyous holidays of yesteryear.
When you visit multiple historic sites, observe how each historic site strives to preserve the past by inspiring generations to discover their heritage. During our signature winter event, many sites will also have special entertainment, whether it be a costumed skit, music, or seasonal activity. Historic Saint Louis is scattered over the St. Louis area, as far north as Daniel Boone’s Home in Defiance, MO and as far east as Willoughby Heritage Farm in Collinsville, IL and as far south as Centre for French Colonial Life in Ste. Genevieve, MO and as far west as Thornhill Estate at Faust Park in Chesterfield, MO. Dating from 1782 to 1960 and varying in architecture as well as function, sites such as the Carondelet’s Susan Blow Kindergarten, Bellefontaine Cemetery, and others will warmly welcome friends, old and new.
Guests are invited to create their own tour or utilize the themed tours provided on the Historic Saint Louis webpage http://historicsaintlouis.org/participating-sites-winter/. Themed tours cover a variety of historic topics, geographical areas and story connections. Historic resources on this special day embrace a wide range of decorations, celebrating with simple early American greenery or in ornate Victorian style and everything in between. Create your own holiday tradition; enjoy a new tour each year. No matter the road chosen, all ages are sure to enjoy the holiday spirit of days gone by.
Each site is individually priced with some having a minimal fee and others being free of charge. To learn more about the fees and activities at each venue, please visit our website www.historicsaintlouis.org. Also pick up our 2023-24 Historic Saint Louis brochure which offers a wealth of information for both tourists and St. Louis history lovers alike.