Christmas in Odessa
Visitors embark on a self-guided walking tour through 18th- and 19th-century private homes and public buildings adorned with holiday decorations. The festivities feature tea and cookies served at the Visitor Center, live choir and bell ringer concerts, and a tracker organ performance. Guests can also visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, vote on entries in the gingerbread house decorating contest, browse fresh greens, and attend the evening tree lighting.
What to Expect
Self-guided walking tour of decorated historic homes and public buildings
Event Details
Duration
7 hours.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Historic Odessa
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
The Women's Club of Odessa
Food & Drink
Tea and cookies are served at the Historic Odessa Foundation’s Visitors Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of historic homes and holiday traditions
Vibe
Historic and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Advance tickets are $25.00; tickets purchased on the day of the tour are $30.00. Children ages 6 to 12 are $5.00, and children under 6 years old are free. – Get tickets
- Hours: Tour: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Same-day tickets are on sale at 9:30 a.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus and the Gingerbread House display: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Tea & Cookies: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Christmas Concerts: 11:00 a.m., 12:00, 12:15 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.; Tracker Organ Concert: 2:00–4:00 p.m.; Tree Lighting Ceremony: 4:30 p.m.; Tree Lighting Countdown: 5:30 p.m.
- Parking: Free parking.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tour tickets in advance online or at the Historic Odessa Foundation Visitors Center, because tickets cost more on the day of the tour.
- If you order by mail, send a stamped self-addressed envelope with a personal check or money order, and make sure it arrives by November 15.
- The tour runs rain or shine and ticket sales are final, so dress for the weather while you walk between the houses.
- Bring your own camera or phone for Santa and Mrs. Claus, since you take your own photos with them.
- Stay until the end of the tour for the Odessa Tree Lighting Ceremony and countdown on the Old Academy lawn.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: a People's Choice Award at the Gingerbread House display at 506 High Street, where visitors vote for their favorite.
- The Odessa Tree Lighting Ceremony on the lawn of the Old Academy, followed by the Tree Lighting Countdown.
- Free Christmas concerts at St. Paul's Church with the MOT Male Choir, the Bell Ringers, the Chancel Choir and a St. Paul's Choir Christmas Sing Along.
- A free tracker organ concert by Ken Warner at Old St. Paul's Church.
- A Fresh Greens Sale open to everyone, with wreaths, ornaments, white pine, magnolia, boxwood and holly at the Fieldstone Stable.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a tour ticket include?
A ticket covers the self-guided walking tour of decorated private homes and public buildings, many from the 18th and 19th centuries. It also covers the day's special events, like Santa and Mrs. Claus, the gingerbread house display, and tea and cookies.
Do I need a ticket for everything?
No. The Fresh Greens Sale, the Christmas concerts at St. Paul's Church and the tracker organ concert at Old St. Paul's Church are all open to the public.
Can we get photos with Santa?
Yes. Santa and Mrs. Claus are at 506 High Street, and you can take your own photos.
Is there food?
The Women's Club of Odessa serves tea and cookies at the Historic Odessa Foundation's Visitor Center.
How can I enter the gingerbread house contest?
Register for the 3rd Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest. It has adult and child categories, with ribbons for first, second and third place and a People's Choice Award. Entries must be dropped off on December 4, and judging happens during Christmas in Odessa.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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