Holiday Home Tour goes virtual at Pickering College

November 25, 2021 · 0 Comments

Homes across York Region and beyond are getting ready to put their best festive foot forward next Saturday, December 4, as Pickering College hosts its 16^th Holiday Tour of Homes.

The new online iteration of the popular in-person homes tour features homes professionally “decorated in holiday splendour each to an inspiring theme, chosen in collaboration by an exceptional team of designers, decorators and florists.”

“This year, look forward to revelling in the magic of the tour without the drive or heavy coat and boots,” say organizers. “Get festive, enjoy a delicious meal, a flavourful cocktail and look forward to a holiday experience designed to dazzle.”

In addition to providing some festive cheer to start the holiday season off right, the Holiday Home Tour is also a fundraiser designed to support program enhancement at Pickering College while directing 10 per cent of proceeds to the Food Bank of York Region.

Two of the five participating homes are in Aurora.

“While we really enjoy seeing guests as they come through the home and really get into the festive spirit with them, we are really excited about the event the volunteers have put together in that unlike walking through the homes and searching through sometimes unpleasant weather to find the homes, this year guests can enjoy the tour from the comfort of their own living rooms,” says Pickering College’s Shelley Frank. “COVID precautions in mind, they can also gather with some friends to celebrate the holidays together.”

Each designer will tour guests through their assigned homes. While some years homes have been “a little congested with guests” and sometimes people aren’t able to speak with the designers, the new format will allow ticket-holders to get first-hand insights and, afterwards, submit their questions for the professionals to answer.

“Throughout the homes, there is a hidden Frosty the Snowman hat, so registrants can find the hats and then submit their response for a chance to win a weekend getaway, which will be fun,” says Ms. Frank. “At the end of the event, guests will register to attend on a Zoom webinar for a live chat with the designers so they can ask them about any feature or décor they saw on the tour. We also have CDA dancers who will be opening the show on a festive note, and the Rise Choir will be closing the show with two really lovely holiday songs.”

Tickets for the Pickering College Holiday Home Tour are on sale now for $40 per person at pickeringcollege.on.ca/hht.

By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter