Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour
Visitors tour the interiors of ten properties in Historic Oakwood showcasing Victorian, Queen Anne, and Craftsman architecture. Guests explore at their own pace in any order, with porch hosts greeting arrivals and docents sharing the history of each home. Complimentary cider and cookies are served by volunteers at the Tucker House check-in location.
What to Expect
Tour the interiors of ten historic properties in downtown Raleigh.
Event Details
Duration
The page suggests allowing 3 or more hours; completion time varies depending on the distance between houses, home layouts, time of day, weather, and walking speed.
Ages
Children under 6 admitted free with a paying adult (max two children per adult). Children 6 and older require a ticket.
Neighborhood
Historic Oakwood
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood (SPHO)
Food & Drink
Complimentary cookies and cider are served by volunteers at The Tucker House.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
History and architecture enthusiasts
Vibe
Historic and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
Low
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Regular: $43 per person. Groups of 10 or more: $40 per person. Prices include all fees. Children under 6 are admitted without a ticket when accompanied by a paying adult, maximum two children per adult; children 6 and older require a ticket. – Get tickets
- Hours: Both days: 1:00–7:00 PM. Check-in opens at 12:30 PM; The Tucker House closes at 6:30 PM.
- Parking: Parking is available at State Government parking lots #14 and #35, bounded by Blount, Polk, and North Streets. Overflow parking may be available at the North Carolina Medical Society lot behind Side Street Restaurant on Bloodworth Street. On-street parking is also available along most Historic Oakwood streets, but is limited and occupied by residents. Walking between houses is encouraged.
- Accessibility: Many of the historic properties have very limited access for disabled persons.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed in tour properties.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets well ahead and choose your day when you buy, because there's no waitlist, no day-of sales, and recent years have sold out.
- Wear comfortable soft-soled shoes for walking between homes, since hard soles are discouraged and high heels aren't allowed inside the properties.
- Walk from house to house instead of driving, because on-street parking in Oakwood is very limited and mostly taken by residents.
- Keep your printed tour ticket safe after check-in, since it's your admission to every home and lost tickets won't be replaced.
- If you're in a group, have one person bring all the QR code vouchers so the whole party can check in together at The Tucker House.
Special Events & Promotions
- Groups of 10 or more pay $40 per person.
- Children under 6 may attend without a ticket with a paying adult, up to two children per adult.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should we allow?
Plan on three hours or more. It depends on the distance between houses, the home layouts, the time of day, the weather and how fast you walk.
Can we bring children?
Yes. Children under 6 get in free with a paying adult, up to two per adult. Strollers aren't allowed in the homes, and children must be closely supervised inside.
Where do we check in?
At The Tucker House, 418 N. Person Street, on your tour day. Bring your QR code vouchers, and you'll get a printed tour ticket with a map of every home on the tour.
What should I wear?
Shoes without hard soles; high heels aren't allowed inside. The tour runs rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Umbrellas can't go into the homes.
Are there restrooms?
Yes. There are portable toilets and a restroom trailer at The Tucker House, plus a portable toilet along the route. You can't use the restrooms in the tour homes.
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