December 1, 2018—This year, the Excelsior Springs Christmas Committee continues the tradition of their Annual Holiday Homes Tour Saturday, Dec. 1.
The Holiday Homes Tour scheduled for Dec. 1, 2018 will feature five local homes, decorated for the holidays and sponsored by local businesses. Submitted photo
Visitors can spot a snowman theme in the Littrell home. Submitted photo
The tour highlights five homes within Excelsior Springs and surrounding communities decorated for Christmas, featuring treats and goodies from local small businesses.
Melissa Bartlett and Amber Borchert manage the tour. The duo worked together for the past three years to organize the function.
Stockings are hung by the chimney with care at the Bullimore home. Submitted photo
“Last year, we had right at 300 people come through the homes,” Bartlett said. “Each year the number has grown.”
The cottage behind the Jarman home houses two Nutcrackers at the top of the ladder for the loft. Submitted photo
This writing desk and other holiday decor in the Nave home were supplied by the homeowner, Savannah Nave. Submitted photo
Finding homes for the tour proves to be difficult, Bartlett said, but the common thread that ties them together is Christmas spirit.
“We look for homes that go overboard decorating,” she said.
Residents Bill and Lorraine Hightower, Joey and Jessica Littrell, Mark and Melea Bullimore, Tim and Deb Jarman and Taylor and Savannah Nave have opened up their homes for the afternoon of tours. A variety of businesses have worked with the homeowners to decorate or sponsor snacks and treats for each home.
The Hightower home sits on 30 acres features two living rooms, five bedrooms and four bathrooms. Freshly remodeled, the home will offer treats from Willow Spring Mercantile.
The Littrell home’s open floor plan highlights holiday cheer. Visitors may spot a snowman theme when they warm up with a cup of coffee from The Mug.
The Bullimore home, a new construction by Syler Custom Homes, sports decorations by Jenny’s Farmhouse.
Be sure to check out the playhouse at the Jarman home. Built by the Amish of Jamesport, the quaint cabin and main house sit on 5-acres, overlooking a pond and woods. The Farm House decorated the home.
Last but not least remains the oldest home in the tour. The Nave farmhouse, built in the 1930s, will show off decorations created by homeowner Savannah Nave.
Tickets can be purchased for $10 for the drive-yourself tour, or for $15 for a Trolley guided tour. While the Noon and 2 p.m. trolley tours have sold out, a few tickets remain for the 3 p.m. tour. Changes this year will affect ticket pickup and day-of ticket purchases. Advance tickets must be picked up at the Hall of Waters, and last-minute tickets the day of the tour must be purchased at the Hall of Waters.
Trolley guided tours will depart from the Hall of Waters and those driving themselves can tour the homes in any order they wish once they receive their tickets from the Hall of Waters. The Hall is located in downtown Excelsior Springs at 201 E. Broadway Street.