The Jefferson County Family YMCA is gearing up for the return of its popular Christmas House Tour following a four-year absence.
The tour, which is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, includes eight stops. Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased at the YMCA, 1303 YMCA Drive, in Festus or online.
There are some new twists in store for tour visitors this year. In addition to beautiful homes, the old Caveland facility, a bed and breakfast and a business will be featured on the tour.
“It’s not just strictly homes this time. That makes it a little more interesting,” said YMCA executive director Rebecca Bishop. “Also, the homes are different sizes; it’s not like all just big, expensive places.
“That’s something we’ve heard from people over the years. They say, ‘I don’t have a big, fancy house like that; I don’t know if I can relate.’ But it’s all different sizes, all different decorating styles, so hopefully you can be inspired by one of them.”
Bishop said the tour was a popular holiday tradition for 15 years.
“We weren’t able to have it during COVID, of course,” she said. “Then, last year we brought back the auction, but weren’t ready to do both.
“A lot of people called and were not really happy with us. We hear from people for whom it’s become an annual tradition – a bunch of friends or family get together and make a day of it.”
A physical ticket is required for the tour. YMCA staffers will be on hand at each location to greet visitors, check tickets and answer questions.
“You can start anywhere,” Bishop said. “We will have disposable booties to put on over shoes. It’s a respect thing – these people are volunteering their homes or businesses, and they’ve worked hard to decorate them.”
Each ticket includes coupons for local businesses.
“Some are just for that day, like Corner Cup Bakery, Pedal ’n Pi, Pogolino’s, the Flower Patch,” Bishop said. “The rest, like Express Mart and Pasta House, are good until the end of the year.”
A raffle for a fully decorated Christmas tree also will be held, with raffle tickets available for purchase at each location on the tour.
“It’s not open to anyone but ticket holders,” Bishop said. “So you’ve got a decent shot at winning a really nice tree.”
House tour tickets are available to purchase at the front desk of the YMCA or online at gwrymca.org. Choose “Jefferson County” on the home page, then click on “Events.”
“Make sure, if you do purchase online, that you stop by and get an actual ticket brochure,” Bishop said. “That is required.”
Tour locations
■ 323 Bailey Road, Crystal City – An historic frame home in Crystal City, sheltered by a huge oak tree.
■ 10320 Buckeye Road, Festus – a brick ranch home in a park-like setting off Buckeye Road west of the city.
■ 215 Cave Drive, Festus – a unique cave facility, once a popular roller-skating rink and now an event venue hosted by owner Jason LiCavoli.
“I think a lot of people would love to see inside the old Caveland, get a look at what he’s done to it,” Bishop said.
■ 290 Clermont Drive, Festus – a sprawling, hilltop home near the Harlow Island National Wildlife Refuge in southern Jefferson County.
■ 4433 Dubois Creek Road, Bloomsdale – Funks Inn, a renovated historic home that now serves as a bed-and-breakfast.
“It’s decorated in period decor,” Bishop said. “It has a pretty impressive wine cellar, and they do tastings. I’d recommend people start there and work their way back into town, or else make it their last stop.”
■ 1134 Highgate Drive, Festus – a cul-de-sac home in the upscale Southfield development south of Festus.
■ 16 Howe Crossing, Festus – A secluded, rambling brick ranch home in the heavily wooded Howe Crossing subdivision south of Festus.
■ 12125 Hwy. CC, Festus – The Oh Factor, a thrift and consignment shop featuring antiques and vintage items, upcycled furniture and other gifts.
“It’s a little shop, but she goes all-out for Christmas,” Bishop said.
Auction set for Nov. 23
The Jefferson County Family YMCA will host its annual fundraising dinner and auction on Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Corpus Christi Event Center at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 6020 Old Antonia Road, in Imperial.
The event, once again called “Light up the Night,” will feature a live auction, buffet dinner and live music and dancing.
“Doors open at 5 p.m.,” Bishop said. “There’s dinner and drinks, a live auction, a silent auction. Live music will be provided by a trio of musicians from Jefferson College.”
Tickets are $125 per person and may be purchased at the YMCA in person or online at gwrymca.org. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for businesses and organizations.
“We’ve had a few businesses that used this as their company holiday party,” Bishop said. “It’s a really fun evening.”
For more information about either of the YMCA holiday events, call 636-931-9622 or email rebecca.bishop@gwrymca.org.