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It’s that time of year again to enjoy one of Washington’s most anticipated winter events. More than just an open house, the annual Holiday Homes Tour takes you inside some of Washington’s loveliest homes and, for the first time, local Washington businesses. These houses and business store fronts will be aglow in holiday splendor.

This self-guided Tour affords tour-goers an inside look at the wide range of neighborhood character found in Washington — from charming cottages to Victorian homes in the Historic Downtown, to contemporary additions to Washington’s lovely and scenic waterfront neighborhoods. The Holiday Homes Tour celebrates the diverse and stunning architecture of the many beautiful, unique Washington homes and businesses. “In 2015 I was the first house in the Moss Landing Development and was asked to be on the Holiday Homes Tour,” said Jayne Meisell, Tour Director and owner of Washington’s Cups and Cones Ice Cream Shop. Meisell added, “It was a little intimidating for me having only moved in a few months prior, but I took on the challenge.  It’s been a great experience. When asked this year to oversee the Holiday Homes Tour, I tried to branch out to include businesses, historic locations, and charities.”

Guests can visit the homes at their leisure on Friday, December 2, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Tours begin on Saturday, December 3, at 10:00 am and go until 4:00pm. Each tour features six homes, and, new this year, each night features completely different homes! Tickets are available for $20 each night or $30 for both nights at the Arts of the Pamlico’s Historic Turnage Theatre, Little Shoppes & South Market Antiques at 223 W. Main St., and The Rich Company at 1468 Carolina Ave.

Visitors will be able to show their ticket to take advantage of a variety of lunch specials and discounts at participating local restaurants and shops. Don’t forget to check out the Nutcracker display at The Rich Company.

Arts of the Pamlico (AOP) is the presenter and beneficiary of the tour. AOP is the region’s arts council, providing a vibrant selection of arts and cultural events in the Historic Turnage Theatre and across Beaufort and Washington counties. AOP welcomes the public to usher in its holiday season with this unique opportunity for a firsthand look into Washington’s homes, decked out and sparkling with holiday warmth and charm, while also supporting the arts council.

For more information, contact AOP at 252.946.5001 or email info@artsofthepamlico.org. AOP administrative offices are located in the Historic Turnage Theatre at 150 West Main Street in downtown Washington.

Arts of the Pamlico is a non-profit organization that provides and supports performing and visual arts in Beaufort County, NC, and the greater surrounding region. AOP is committed to championing entertainment, education, and cultural programs that advance and support artists and arts organizations, and establish the historic Turnage Theatre as a premiere arts center.