A Season of Candlelight: Holiday Tours of Texas’ Historic Homes

Preservation of the state’s architecture is a year-round endeavor, but few experiences showcase this work more beautifully than a candlelight tour (all the glow, none of the fire hazards) of historic homes during the holiday season. Across Texas, preservation groups illuminate the state’s architectural heritage with evening tours filled with sounds of caroling, the comfort of hot chocolate and wassail, and hands-on activities for families.

Pictured: The 1883 John and Lottie Moore Home in Richmond.
Credit: Ana Alicia Acosta

For history enthusiasts, candlelight tours offer the perfect opportunity to revisit beloved historic homes and appreciate architectural details or festive seasonal interpretations. For local communities, these tours become nostalgic annual outings that mark the beginning of the holiday season.

If you’re new to candlelight tours, here are 10 excellent opportunities to begin your tradition.

1. Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes® | Forest Trail Region

Dec. 4-6 and 11-13

Four historic homes are the stars of Jefferson's 43rd Candlelight Tour of Homes®, many of which were built between the 1850s-1860s. A one-time use ticket allows you to tour the homes on a day of your choice on the first or second weekends in December.

A night photo of a historic house decorated for Christmas in Jefferson.
Pictured: Candlelight Tour of Homes in Jefferson.
Credit: Jefferson Texas Candlelight Tour of Homes Facebook

2. Candlelight Christmas Tours at Fort Bend Museum | Independence Trail Region

Dec. 5 & 6

Tour the historic 1883 John and Lottie Moore Home in Richmond, an event held at the Fort Bend Museum since the 1980s. With a creative theme each year, this former Congressman’s abode will showcase a fairytale Christmas. Wassail, cookies and a shop of handcrafted gift items are sure to make your season bright!

A night photo of a Classical Revival historic house in Richmond, Texas, decorated for Christmas.
Pictured: The 1883 John and Lottie Moore Home in Richmond.
Credit: Ana Alicia Acosta

3. Victorian Christmas Open House at Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch | Plains Trail Region

Dec. 6

In Clarendon, experience Christmas at the “Castle on the Prairie” and discover how Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight shared the joy of the holidays with their community at the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site. This free evening is open to all. Join in the fun of the holiday by contributing your own creative decoration to the festive paper chains inside the house.

A night photo of the Goodnight Home with the front porch lights and interior lights on.
Pictured: The Goodnight Home at the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site.
Credit: Texas Historical Commission

4. Salado Historical Society Tour of Homes | Brazos Trail Region

Dec. 6

Salado Historical Society encourages you to start their Tour of Homes early this year as they will be featuring 8 historical homes over their usual five. Magical holiday decorations are on view for one day only and include recently restored log cabins and the 1908 church.

A two-story bed and breakfast in downtown Salado decorated in Christmas garland and wreaths.
Pictured: The Norton-Orgain House decorated for Christmas.
Credit: Walktx.org

5. Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place | Lakes Trail Region

Dec. 6 & 7

In Fort Worth, the 41st annual Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place features five historic homes and the neighborhood’s historic Daggett Elementary all dressed up for the holidays. Perfect for families, a polar express kid’s train, live performances, horse-drawn carriage rides, and Santa are sure to provide bells that jingle and plenty of joy.

A night photo of a craftsmen style house in Ryan Place, decorated with Christmas lights.
Pictured: A historic home in Ryan Place Neighborhood.
Credit: RyanPlaceFortWorth.com

6. Victorian Christmas at Fulton Mansion | Tropical Trail Region

Dec. 11

A Victorian Christmas awaits inside Fulton Mansion State Historic Site in Rockport with free self-guided tours and activities such as crafts, pictures with Santa and a special reading of The Night Before Christmas, perfect for the whole family.

A photo of a reenactor dressed in Victorian clothing decorating a tabletop Christmas tree.
Pictured: Tabletop Christmas trees are just one of many Victorian traditions one might find at Fulton Mansion this season.
Credit: Texas Historical Commission

7. Holiday Open House at Sam Rayburn House | Lakes Trail Region

Dec. 11

Stroll through the first floor of the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site in Bonham as it glistens in Christmas decorations. Enjoy refreshments in the Visitor Center and create your own paper ornaments at the craft stations. This program is free to the public!

A lighted Christmas tree in a foyer inside the Sam Rayburn House.
Pictured: Christmas at the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site.
Credit: ntxe-news.com

8. Candlelight at the Ranch at the National Ranching Heritage Center | Plains Trail Region

Dec. 12 & 13

Celebrate the holidays ranch style at the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock. Fifteen historic structures – from the 1838 El Capote Log Cabin to the 1909 Barton House – are brought to life with festive scenes. Stroll lighted pathways past cowboy camps and enjoy refreshments, as well as a live Texas swing performance in the 6666 Barn.

An aerial photo of the National Ranching Heritage Center with Christmas lights and luminaria at night.
Pictured: The National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock.
Credit: National Ranching Heritage Center

9. Candlelight Tour at The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park | Independence Trail Region

Dec. 12 & 13

The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park in Houston are bringing the holiday spirit with their 62nd annual Candlelight Tour featuring five historic houses with reenactors, docents, and light refreshments. You don’t want to miss their robust schedule of live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings. We can hear the caroling already!

A reenactor demonstrates foodways to a group of children in the kitchen of one of the historic houses at The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park.
Pictured: Reenactors provide interactive and educational experiences for families at The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park.
Credit: The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park

10. Candlelight Christmas at Varner Hogg Plantation | Independence Trail Region

Dec. 13

Discover how Christmas was celebrated by both the enslaved and free families over 134 years of history by candlelight at Varner Hogg Plantation State Historic Site in West Columbia. A perfect evening outing filled with wassail, Christmas games and hands-on crafts will be available for the whole family.

No matter which tour you choose, each one invites us to slow down, step inside, and connect with the stories written into every beam and banister. Whether you’re drawn by architecture, history, or simply the warmth of a shared holiday tradition, a candlelit evening in a historic home is a timeless way to celebrate the season and create memories that will last long after the lights are dimmed.