Illustration of a light display scene (Sugar Plum Tour of Holiday Homes)
Christmas Lights

Sugar Plum Tour of Holiday Homes

Guests explore a curated selection of historic and contemporary private residences decorated for the holiday season throughout Greater Akron. The tour showcases distinctive properties such as a 1929 French Eclectic home with custom murals, a 1953 home featuring an imported fireplace from Normandy, an arched-entry European-inspired residence, an early 1900s Highland Square brick home, and a remodeled colonial. Proceeds support grants and scholarships through the Gay Community Endowment Fund.

What to Expect

Self-guided tour of festively decorated residences throughout Greater Akron.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Greater Akron

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Gay Community Endowment Fund

Food & Drink

Catered food and beverages are served at the private Patron Party for sponsors and Patron Party Bundle ticket holders.

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Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ (2/5)

Best For

Holiday home and interior design enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive and refined

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Live and virtual tour tickets: $45 each or $75 for both. Patron Party Bundle: $250. Plus online processing fees. – Get tickets

Tips & Advice

  • Buy individual live or virtual tour tickets by Oct. 14 to get the early bird discount, because it does not apply to the Patron Party Bundle.
  • Get to the live tour within its set hours, because early and late arrivals are not allowed on Sunday, Dec. 6.
  • Test your internet connection before you start the virtual tour, because the organizers can't help with guests' technology problems.
  • Look for the Eventbrite email with your virtual tour link on Dec. 12, and check your spam folder if it hasn't arrived.
  • Think about giving tour tickets as a holiday gift, because gift recipients get the virtual tour link sent straight to the email you enter for them.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Early bird discount on individual live or virtual tour tickets bought by Oct. 14.
  • Private Patron Party on Saturday, Dec. 5, at a decorated home with catered food and drinks, for sponsors and Patron Party Bundle ticket holders.
  • Virtual tour of eight homes from Dec. 12 through Jan. 3, sold on its own or bundled with the live tour.
  • Higher-level sponsors are invited to a special brunch and preview tour with this year's homeowners.
  • This year is the 25th annual Sugar Plum Tour.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many homes are on the tour?

The live tour has five decorated homes around Greater Akron. The virtual tour has professionally filmed tours of eight homes. Sponsors and Patron Party ticketholders also see one more home at the private Patron Party.

Can I take photos inside the homes?

Yes, for personal use only. You're encouraged to share them on social media and tag @GayCommunityEndowmentFund. Stay on the marked tour path, because some areas are closed off for the homeowners' privacy.

How does the virtual tour work?

On Saturday, Dec. 12, Eventbrite emails you a link to one web page with all the videos. Watch them in any order, as many times as you like, on a phone, tablet or computer. You can also hook your computer up to a TV. The videos expire after Sunday, Jan. 3.

What if I can't make it after buying a ticket?

Tickets can't be refunded, but you can transfer them to someone else through Deb Hoffman at dhoffman@akroncf.org. Live tour transfers close on Wednesday, Dec. 2, and virtual tour transfers close on Wednesday, Dec. 9.

Where does the money go?

The tour is the Gay Community Endowment Fund's signature fundraiser. All proceeds stay in Greater Akron and fund grants and scholarships for the local LGBTQ+ community.

Tags

holiday light displaysfamily friendlycommunity celebrationholiday traditionseasonal activitiescharity eventholiday entertainmentfestive decorationsholiday seasonwinter activities

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team