Hudson Christmas Tour of Homes November 23 and 24

Seeing homes decorated for the holidays instantly puts me in a more festive mood. I actually don’t mind it when people put lights on their homes or wreaths on their doors in November, before Thanksgiving (it’s the stores that put out Christmas trees before Halloween that annoy me). Let it sparkle! Let it glow!

I also love touring historic homes built in the 19th century. It seems like such a simple yet romantic time in history, doesn’t it? The trains, steamboats, and horse-drawn carriages, the elegant gowns, suits and cravats, the composers, poets, and authors. I’m so intrigued. I’ve considered volunteering for the Minnesota Historical Society just to have regular access to these beautiful sprawling mansions and estates. If only the walls could talk. (I imagine they’d have a lot to say.)

This weekend I can combine two of my loves in one event—the Christmas Tour of Homes in Hudson, Wis. For a $20 ticket fee, I can tour five privately owned homes and the historic Octagon House museum, all decorated for Christmas. (An octagon-shaped house?!) It’s a self-guided tour, and you’re required to remove your shoes (and wear socks!), much like our very own Midwest Home Luxury Home Tour, held in June.

On Saturday, there will be a craft fair running in conjunction with the Tour. The craft fair, held at the Hudson Grand House Hotel, 1616 Crest View Drive, is free. Hours of the craft fair are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

You can purchase tickets to the Christmas Tour at the Hudson Chamber office, 502 2nd St.; Lavender Thymes, 512 2nd St.; SEASONS on St. Croix Gallery, 401 2nd St.; and the Hudson House Grand Hotel. Tickets aren’t sold at the individual homes, and children 12 and under are not permitted. Parking and shuttle pick up is at the Grand House Hotel every 15 minutes. The Tour is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.