Courtesy of Marnie Marie Photography
Imagine your delight as you drive up to a home all aglow with twinkling lights. Inside, a crackling fire warms the room. Stockings hang from the mantle. Tinsel, ornaments, and lights adorn the Christmas tree. Then, you smell it. The scent of fresh spruce. Your excitement for the coming holiday season builds. Wait, is that a craft sale? You can’t imagine a better way to express your love for family and friends than giving them something handmade. This is what you can experience at the Christmas Tour of Homes & Craft Sale on Nov. 22-24, in Hudson, Wisconsin.
For 34 years, Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce has provided this holiday kick-off event for anyone 12 years or older. Not only do participants get to tour four privately-owned homes lavished in Christmas finery and DIY creations—designed in collaboration with local boutiques, but they can shop certain creations found in the homes at local shops. And they walk away with countless new decorating ideas.
Courtesy of Marnie Marie Photography
“This event is a great time to gather your friends and spend the weekend in Hudson touring the homes, shopping, and exploring all that Hudson has to offer,” says Mary Claire Olson Potter, president of Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau.
There are two tour options to choose from:
Evening Dazzle Tour
The Evening Dazzle Tour is 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22. This tour allows you to see the four homes sparkle and glow. Socks are required to be worn inside the homes. Transportation is not included. Please refer to the tour map provided with your ticket. Friday’s ticket also includes a tour of the historic Octagon House on Saturday or Sunday. Tickets are $35.
Traditional Tour
The Traditional Tour is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, or noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24. This daytime tour allows visitors to tour the four privately-owned homes and the historic Octagon House. Socks are required to be worn inside the homes. The Traditional Tour includes a free shuttle service. The shuttle stops at dining and shopping hotspots along the way. You can also opt to drive yourself using the map provided with your ticket. Tickets are $25.
Courtesy of Marnie Marie Photography
Craft Sale & Marketplace
In between touring the stately homes, find holiday gifts, decor, and other treasures at the Craft Sale & Marketplace from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Hudson House Grand Hotel. All are welcome to browse jewelry, apparel, ornaments, household goods, gourmet foods, and more at the free admission event.
This year’s Christmas tour, sponsored by Spectrum Insurance Group—Sandeen Insurance and West Bend, features two homes in the historic residential district, a newly-built 6,800 square-foot home overlooking the St. Croix River, and a home tucked away on 12 acres in Hudson’s woodlands. You can purchase tickets at the Hudson Chamber office on 502 Second Street, or online.
Homes, decor, food, and crafts make for a festive way to start the holiday season. Want to see what else is going on in Hudson, Wisconsin? Click here.
