The 25th annual Holiday House Tour, hosted by the Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club, raised over $200,000 to support local and international charitable initiatives.
The sold-out self-guided tour, held Dec. 6 and 7, featured six homes decorated for the holidays and allowed attendees the chance to explore festive sites across town.
This year’s tour offered two options: The general tour, running from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days, and the Merry & Bright Christmas Tour at the McArthur Estate, which ran from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The tour, now an annual tradition that draws people from far and wide, continues to be the club’s major fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting community projects (45 per cent), international efforts (45 per cent), and youth programs (10 per cent).
In addition to the six homes — the Cedar House, BlueGate, Lakeview, Somerset, Royal Manor Inn, and Riverview — attendees also visited annual sites including St. Vincent de Paul Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, McFarland House, RiverBrink Art Museum and Willowbank.
Special offerings in town included complimentary tastings at local wineries and distilleries, as well as lunch specials at select venues.
GENERAL HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR
Royal Manor Inn (242 Ricardo St., NOTL)
The Royal Manor Inn, a 200-year-old restored tavern, blends heritage with modern luxury. Decorated by the Garden Club of Niagara, the home features festive florals and eclectic décor to complement the preserved hardwood floors, unique artwork, and custom Turkish furniture.
Cindy Grant, Rotarian and one of two house captains, said she was excited to see the turnout.
“There were around 2,300 visitors yesterday, and we’re expecting 2,600 today. It’s a constant steady stream of people,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of keeping the flow moving to ensure everyone gets the chance to enjoy the homes without waiting too long outside in the cold.
Heidi Brown volunteers at the tour to give back to the community while enjoying the chance to explore beautiful homes and support a great cause.
“When I first moved here, it was one of the first things I did with my friends,” said Brown.
Carol Lipsett, the other house captain and past rotary president, highlighted the importance of volunteers.
“It takes 350 to 400 volunteers to run this event, and we couldn’t do it without them,” she said. “That’s really the important part.”
Parents organized a bake and warm drink sale to raise funds for their kids’ graduation at St. David’s Public School outside of the property, with baked goods priced from $1 to $4, said Adriana Miele, one of the baking moms.
Riverview (293 Ricardo St., NOTL)
Riverview, decorated with silver and blue accents by Brenda McArthur, blends classic charm with modern design, featuring a marble foyer, a great room with a limestone fireplace, a walk-in wine cellar and a glass elevator.
The outdoor patio offers views of Lake Ontario, complete with an infinity pool.
House captain and Rotarian Patrick McNeill, marking his 25th year on the tour, said he admires the beauty of the home.
McNeill’s wife and the home’s co-captain, Creena, managed the home’s indoor team.
“It’s a beautiful view in the back. It’s got a lot of wonderful artifacts, a wonderful big wine cellar, and a glass elevator too,” he said.
Visitors from all over, including Buffalo and Peterborough, joined the local turnout.
McNeill was ecstatic about the amount being raised for local and international causes.
“It’s amazing,” he said. “The people who put their houses up are very generous. They allow us to make this money, and make a better word.”
Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre (247 Ricardo St., NOTL)
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, decorated for the holidays, is a key stop on the Holiday House Tour.
The centre has hosted a festive market alongside the tour for over a decade, offering a diverse range of locally made, handcrafted items for the holiday season.
Rotary volunteers were also available at an education desk to answer questions about the tour.
Events chair Joanne Morandin said the Pumphouse adds a refreshing variety to the tour.
“It’s different for people. Generally, when they go and tour the houses, they line up, and it’s a short visit. But here, they can spend as much time as they want, they can warm up, meet friends,” she said. “So, I think people have a good time when they come here.”
Proceeds supported the Pumphouse’s year-round programs. Shoppers could enjoy festive treats and complimentary hot cocoa as well.
Director Rima Boles said it’s a great opportunity to see the Pumphouse dressed up for the holidays and learn about their year-round work.
“We love having both visitors from in and outside the Niagara region learning about the Pumphouse and what we do,” she said.
McFarland House (15927 Niagara Pkwy., NOTL)
McFarland House, one of the oldest properties in Niagara-on-the-Lake, was decorated by the Garden Club of Niagara with the theme “Holiday Stories.” The club uses authentic natural materials to design unique decorations.
Built in 1800 by John McFarland and his sons, the house has significant historical ties, including serving as a hospital during the War of 1812 and being one of the few structures to survive the town’s burning during the war.
Today, as a museum, McFarland House offers a glimpse into early 19th-century life in Upper Canada, said assistant manager Danielle Lamoureux.
“It’s very special in that it is largely still intact from its time period. Many historic homes had to be heavily restored. This one really didn’t because it didn’t have a lot of change,” she said.
She also highlighted the long-standing partnership with the Garden Club, which has decorated the house for decades.
“Every year they come up with a completely unique theme,” said Lamoureux. “I heard someone comment that this was the house that really felt like Christmas.”
The house also attracted visitors like Mark Weatherley from Stratford, who stumbled upon it while visiting the nearby Christmas market at Reif.
“I popped in, because I’ve been meaning to come to this house for years,” he said. “I’m thrilled. It’s absolutely wonderful.”
Weatherley was particularly amazed by the old yarn-spinning machine. “I believe you’re from 1800,” he said, to the young demonstrator of the machine.
If looking to pay a visit, McFarland House is hosting a Yuletide Afternoon Tea, featuring seasonal teas, treats, and holiday melodies, from Dec. 11-13 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. ($39.95 adults, $29.95 children).
A MERRY & BRIGHT CHRISTMAS TOUR
McArthur Estate (210 John St. E, NOTL)
Decorated by La Belle Flowers & Gifts and the McArthur Family & Friends, this 1829 Georgian-style brick home is surrounded by Victorian gardens and snow-covered sculptures.
Visitors enjoyed an immersive tour of the festively decorated exterior of McArthur Estate, guided to the front door by Rick Meloen — who was dressed for the part, and Laura Fakla.
Inside, visitors could enjoy a photo opportunity with Santa and the Grinch, a towering 12-foot Christmas tree, complimentary festive treats, Peller Estates sparkling wine, and live music performances by the Soenen Sisters, Eddie Pizzo, and the Mistle Tones.
The McArthur Estate, once the principal residence of renowned painter Trisha Romance and her family, features many elements captured in her artwork.
The third story, above the entrance, served as her studio where she painted, and visitors may recognize familiar details from her paintings throughout the home, said Meloen while guiding visitors.
Andrew and Bobbi Pick, two locals who attended the Holiday House Tour commended the tour’s structure and stunning displays.
“It’s so well organized,” said Bobbi Pick.
Rotary president Jamie Knight said this house tour is their major fundraiser for the year.
“And this year’s been another huge success.”
