Old Southwest Holiday Parlor Tour of Historic Homes
Visitors embark on a self-guided walking tour through an array of private historic residences across the Old Southwest neighborhood. Guests explore century-old parlors featuring festive holiday decorations, music, and merriment. The event also offers refreshments hosted at the historic Alexander-Gish House.
What to Expect
Tour century-old private homes adorned with festive holiday decorations.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (children must be supervised)
Neighborhood
Old Southwest
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Old Southwest, Inc.
Food & Drink
Refreshments are offered at the Alexander-Gish House.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
History and architecture enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive and historic
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Advance-sale online tickets: $20. Day-of-event tickets: $25. Children under 2 do not require tickets. Additional donations may be made through the Give Butter ticket purchase page. – Get tickets
- Hours: Tour starts at 2:00 PM and ends at 8:30 PM. Guests may start at any home beginning at 2:00 PM. Cash ticket purchases at the Alexander-Gish House are available from 2:00–7:00 PM.
- Parking: Parking is available at the Alexander-Gish House or on-street; visitors should not block driveways.
- Accessibility: Strollers aren't allowed inside the homes, and the only public restrooms are at the Alexander-Gish House and other designated neighborhood spots.
Tips & Advice
- Buy your tickets online in advance, because advance-sale tickets cost less than tickets bought with cash at the Alexander-Gish House on the day.
- Watch your email on tour day for the digital brochure with the home addresses, or pick up a printed copy at any tour home.
- Wear flat shoes instead of high heels, because heels can damage the wood floors inside these century-old homes.
- Leave the stroller behind, since strollers aren't allowed inside the homes, and keep young children closely supervised the whole time.
- Plan restroom stops at the Alexander-Gish House or other designated neighborhood spots, because the private homes on the tour have no public restrooms.
Special Events & Promotions
- This is the 45th Old Southwest Parlor Tour of Historic Homes.
- Advance tickets bought online cost less than day-of tickets at the Alexander-Gish House.
- New since 2025: there's no ticket or brochure pickup at Highland Park. The brochure with home addresses arrives by email on tour day.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pick up tickets or a brochure before the tour?
No. You no longer pick anything up at the Highland Park entrance. On tour day you'll get an email with a link to the digital brochure, which lists the home addresses. Printed copies are also available at each tour home and at the Alexander-Gish House.
Where do I start the tour?
You can start at any home on the tour once it opens. The organizers ask that nobody arrive early.
Can I bring young children or a stroller?
Children under 2 don't need a ticket, but all children must be closely supervised at all times. Strollers aren't allowed in the homes.
Where are the restrooms?
Public restrooms are at the Alexander-Gish House and at other designated spots in the neighborhood. The private homes on the tour don't have public restrooms.
Where are the refreshments, and can I buy a ticket on the day?
Refreshments are served at the Alexander-Gish House at 641 Walnut Avenue SW. You can also buy day-of tickets there with cash during the tour.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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