holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Dear Seasonal Voyeurs Around Kansas City And Lawrence: Holiday Homes Tours Are Here

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Every November and December, Kansas Citians join the nation in a scramble to decorate for the holidays. When those same old decorations start feeling, well, old, locals know to hit the holiday homes tour circuit for fresh ideas.

Liberty Holiday Homes tours Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10 and 11 Tour of four homes from 1-5 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and can be purchased online or at the Liberty Women’s Clinic, 1532 NE 96th Street, Suite B in Liberty, Missouri, or on the website. The home-decor store Red Apron will be open from noon to 5 during the tours. All funds raised benefit the Liberty Women’s Clinic.

Topeka CASA 31th Anniversary tour Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17 and 18 Tour of six homes from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Parton Party Experience VIP tour on Friday, Nov. 16 for $75. All tickets available online. Benefits CASA, which trains volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court and foster systems.

Westport Historical Society-Christmas Candlelight tour Friday and Saturday, Nov. 23 and 24 Tour of the Harris-Kearney House and Christmas Eve 1865 celebration from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Features festive decorations, post-Civil War Christmas Eve dancing, and refreshments. Tours every 15 minutes starting at 6:30. Adults: $10; active military: free; retired military: $8; students: $6; children 6 and under are free. Reservations are not required, but can be made by calling 816-561-1821 or 913-231-6749.

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Vaile Mansion-Victorian Christmas Romance Friday, Nov. 23-Sunday, Dec. 30 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $6 adults; $3 children. Champagne & Chandelier Tour from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 1. Tickets $15 single and $25 for couples. Champagne and hors d’oeuvres served after tour. 1500 N. Liberty St., Independence. For reservations call: 816-796-6322.

Bingham-Waggoner Estate — “Tis the Reason for the Season” Friday, Nov. 23-Sunday, Dec. 30 Tour of the house’s 26 rooms decorated for the holidays. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; 1-4 p.m. Sundays Nov. 23 through Dec. 30 (with the exception of Dec. 23-25). Twilight tour 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Admission $6 adults, $3 for kids 16 and younger. Tea room and gift shop open during business hours. Funds raised help preserve the estate. Guests are invited to reserve a time to play the Steinway piano or an instrument of their own by calling 816-461-3491.

Pendleton Heights Home Tour and Artist Market Saturday, Dec. 1. Tour includes five historic homes, noon-5 p.m. Local artists will sell their work and a variety of food trucks will be parked at Community Orchard at the intersection of Lexington and Montgall. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Proceeds benefit Pendleton Heights Neighborhood Association projects.

Gardner Historical Museum 4th Annual Holiday Homes tour Saturday, Dec. 1. Tour of five properties from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., ending at the Turner barn project where there will be refreshments, an auction and a gift bazaar. Tickets $10 at any of the homes on the tour: 206 N. Pine; 249 W. Park; 214 W. Warren; 29085 W. 199th; and 19805 S. Moonlight. Call 913- 205-6154 with questions.

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

37th Annual Weston Candlelight tour Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1 and 2 This is a tour of three historic homes from 2-7 p.m. Tickets $15 in advance $20 at the door, $5 for children under 12. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the website or call 816-640-2909.

14th Annual Heartland Health Holiday Home tour of Lawrence Sunday, Dec. 2 Seven homes are included in a tour from noon-5 p.m. Tickets are $20 at both Lawrence Hy-Vee grocery stores and can be picked up at Smith Center at Brandon Woods, 4730 Brandon Woods Terrace, Lawrence, Kansas 66047. Holiday bake sale and raffle also at the Smith Center. Contact [email protected] .

67th Annual Kappa Kappa Gamma tour Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 5-6 Four homes are included on tours from 1-8 p.m. on Wednesday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Thursday; tickets are $25 in advance at Hen House stores or on the tour’s website; $30 at the door. Benefits Sheffield Place and Healing House. Boutique is at Indian Hills Country Club, 6847 Tomahawk Road, Mission Hills, Kansas.

John Wornall House Candlelight tour Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7-8 Tours last one hour and leave every 15 minutes from 6-7:30 p.m. This year’s tour explores Christmas during the Victorian era with music, food, games and storytelling. Tickets $15 or $10 for museum members. 6115 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri.

27th Annual Leavenworth Candlelight Vintage Home tour : Sunday, Dec. 9 Six vintage Leavenworth homes are included on the tour, which goes from 1-6 p.m. Tickets $15 in advance (see website for outlets) or $20 at the door. Benefits Leavenworth County Historical Society.

Follow KCUR contributor Anne Kniggendorf on Twitter, @annekniggendorf .

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Kappa Kappa Gamma Holiday Homes Tour

Thank you from the 72nd annual kappa kappa gamma holiday homes tour.

The Kappa Homes Tour has been a holiday tradition for more than 70 years! Started in 1951, the Tour has raised more than $2 million for local charitable organizations and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. We’ve survived changing times, economic crises, and a global pandemic. Thank you for your continued support.

Stay connected with this website and our Facebook and Instagram for updates and information on the Tour and our fantastic Kansas City beneficiaries, Sheffield Place and Hope House .

We work diligently to manage costs and streamline expenses while delivering an exceptional Tour experience each year. It is an expensive and time intensive endeavor, requiring hundreds of hours of volunteer time by Kappa alumnae and friends. Donations raised ahead of the Tour offset operating costs, allowing more revenue to go directly to our beneficiaries.

If this is your first time on the Tour, pick a home as your starting place or the Holiday Boutique. Once you arrive, you will get a Tour Guide with a map and other helpful information about the homes and the beneficiaries. Enjoy your Tour!

With Gratitude | Katherine Fowler, Kristen Brought, and Angela Kreps | 2023 Kappa Holiday Homes Tour Board Co-Chairs

2023 Kappa Homes Tour-6638 Wenonga Ter-1-KRISTI MILLER.jpeg

2023 Tour Dates and Schedule

Kappa Homes Tour and Holiday Boutique hours

Tuesday, December 5th | Cocktails & Candlelight | 5pm-9pm

Wednesday, December 6th | Tour 12pm-8pm | Boutique 11am-8pm

Thursday, December 7th | Tour 10am-6pm | Boutique 10am-3pm

Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. See the Tickets page for more information.

We adheres to CDC and local government guidelines at the time of the event, including masking or other safety protocols. By attending the 2023 Kappa Holiday Homes Tour, you:

Acknowledge the contagious nature of viruses, including Covid-19 and variants.

Voluntarily assume all risk that you may be exposed to or infected with any virus or viruses.

Agree to release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless the Kappa Holiday Homes Tour and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Kansas City Alumnae Association and its officers, agents, and representatives, as well as the homeowners with homes on the Tour, from any and all claims arising out of or related to exposure to any virus or viruses, including but not limited to claims for personal injury, illness, disability, death, economic loss, and expenses of any kind.

2023 Beneficiaries

Our beneficiaries, Hope House , Sheffield Place , and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation , rely on funds from organizations like the Kappa Holiday Homes Tour to maintain day-to-day operations and fund special programs. Through ticket sales, Holiday Boutique purchases, and Owl Friend donations, we aid their missions to support our local communities.

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

In 2023, Hope House celebrates its 40th anniversary since opening in 1983.

Hope House's mission is to break the cycle of domestic violence by providing safe refuge and supportive services that educate and empower those impacted by domestic violence.

Hope House will advocate social change that protects and engenders a person's right to live a life free of abuse.

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Sheffield Place opened its doors in February 1991 as a community response to the growing population of homeless mothers and their children in the Kansas City area.

What makes Sheffield Place unique among homeless serving organizations is the commitment to serving families with multiple barriers to success.

Sheffield Place has assisted more than 1600 families in making the difficult journey from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation provides educational scholarships for undergraduate and graduate women and focuses on preserving Kappa history. The Foundation in 2012 and 2014 recognized the Kansas City Kappa Alumnae Association for the highest lev…

The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation provides educational scholarships for undergraduate and graduate women, equipping women with resources to spark change and uphold shared values.

Truth | Connection | Respect | Optimism | Knowledge | Trailblazing

Twice in the last decade the Foundation recognized the Kansas City Kappa Alumnae Association for the highest level of giving to the Foundation.

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

The Fleur - Napa Valley

Official Wine Partner of the Kappa Holiday Homes Tour 2023

2023 sponsors

Thank you to Capital Federal, a 20-year Gold Key Sponsor of the Kappa Holiday Homes Tour, providing ongoing support of charitable causes in Kansas City. We deeply appreciate our sponsors and donors who enable us to commit to financial obligations. Without them, and our volunteers, the Tour would not be possible.

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Sapphire Sponsor - Hartline Construction

owl friends

Kristen and andrew brought | katherine and ryan fowler, $500 -$1000, mary atterbury | valerie chaloud | ellen merriman | kristi miller, amelia mcintyre | angela galamba | barbara k. nelson | barclay ross | carol k. clark | carolyn langdon | christine fisher | corliss chandler miller | cynthia andrews | debra parmet | dianne hogerty | ellen harker | erik bergrud & kimberlee ried | erin toughey | gina thornton | ginny shakelford | harriet brazil | helen hamshaw hatridge | jean d wagner | jennifer fales | jennifer hart | jennifer whiteside | julie larsen | kay lutjen patterson | libby gessley | lisa wetzler | mary cordill | nan vail | patricia meads | ris ë strasser | roxann r. holland | roxie jerde | sandy johnson | susan sight, becky butcher bublitz | beth bahner | carole vaughn | cela sullivan | cheryl wetzler | cornelia walkins fuson long | courtney howell vialle | eleanor brown | holly pauling smith | jennifer j. crow | jill perfect | karen williams | kay johnson | kim shaw | margaret bruce | mary kay zawatzki | nancy l. jackson | pat colloton | robbi h. grogan | susan archer, tour recipient selection.

The purpose of the Kappa Holiday Homes Tour is to provide support to charitable organizations. Each year organizations who provide aid for the betterment of the overall welfare of the Kansas City community are nominated by Kappa Kappa Gamma alumnae for evaluation. One or more are chosen as recipients of Kappa Holiday Homes Tour proceeds. The 2023 beneficiaries chosen from the Kansas City community are Hope House and Sheffield Place .

Applications are now open for 2024 Tour Recipients . The deadline for 2024 applications is February 29, 2024 . Contact our Tour Proceeds Committee Chair, for more information about Tour proceeds.

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Art Tougeau Parade in Downtown Lawrence Kansas

A Festive Guide to the Holiday Season in Lawrence, Kansas

You know we love to be the bearer of good news....

So we'll go ahead and announce that it's finally the most wonderful time of the year!

The next few weeks in Lawrence, KS are Festive with a capital F. We've got numerous holiday markets with locally made art, crafts, and artisanal goods. We have one of the most unique parades in the country. We've got a beautiful downtown district warmly lit up with bright lights to keep folks from feeling the chilly weather too acutely. We've got incredible local businesses that happily give back to this community even when times get tough. And we have an amazing fire department that continues to joyfully rescue Santa from the top of a building he crashes into with relentless precision year after year. 

To celebrate, we've put together this ultimate guide to all the festivities in Lawrence. We hope you find it helpful and inspiring. The holiday season this year is sure to be one for the record books, and we can't wait to see you around town.

Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade

Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade

As one of the most unique parades in the nation, the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade kicks off the holiday season with exclusively authentic horse-drawn carriages parading down Massachusetts Street. 

 Shop Small 

Did you know that for every $100 spent at a local business, approximately $68 is returned to the community? That seems like a pretty big deal to us. Or should I say, a good deal? It's been a challenging time for many of us in the last few years, and 2022 was no exception. For all of our triumphs this year, it's as important as ever to support our community where we can. 

Mark your calendars for November 26 -

Small business saturday.

Small Business Saturday

But with that being said, don't feel the need to limit your local shopping to only one day - below are some seriously cool holiday markets that are happening this season.

Holiday Markets

Shop small businesses.

1313 Mockingbird Lane Holiday

1313 Mockingbird Lane

Waxman Holiday Display 2

Waxman Candles

Wonderfair Holiday Display

Wonder Fair

Raven Holiday Display

Raven Book Store

Striped Cow Holiday Display

Striped Cow

Ruff House Holiday Window

Ruff House Paperie

Winfield House Holiday Display

Winfield House

Eccentricity Holiday Display

Eccentricity: A Unique Boutique

Delaney and Loew Kitchenalia Holiday Display

Delaney & Loew Kitchenalia

The Toy Store Holiday Display

The Toy Store

Love of Character Holiday

Love of Character

Lucky Dog Holiday

Lucky Dog Pet Grocery & Bakery

Au Marche Holiday

Au Marché

Brits Holiday

Sarah's Fabrics

Shop Small

Sunfire Ceramics

Third Eye Sadie's Holiday

Third Eye Sadie's

River Rat Holiday

River Rat Print & Skate Shop

Footprints

Jungle House

Pet World Holiday

Ad Astra Running

Brown's Shoe Fit Holiday

Brown's Shoe Fit Co.

Mass Street Music Holiday

Mass Street Music

Mass Street Soda Holiday

Mass Street Soda

Phoenix Gallery Holiday

Phoenix Gallery

Nestings Holiday

Nestings Home Decor & Gifts

Signs of Life

Signs of Life

Sunflower Holiday

Sunflower Outdoor & Bike

Third Planet

Third Planet

 festive family fun .

If there's one category of people that's sure to delight in the holiday season, it's children! Good thing there are ample opportunities in Lawrence to see the holiday lights reflected in those little wide, curious eyes. Embrace the wonder of the season with the following family-friendly events, and be sure not to miss Winter Wonder Weekend !

 Music, Art, & Performances 

Ready to get dressed up and go out on the town for a special evening? Check out all the holiday-themed performances coming to town this year!

 Festive Photo Ops 

Love to take photos? Here's a little list of some of the best places and events to snap a picture this holiday season! 

P.S. - we love to see Lawrence through your eyes. Tag us @explorelawrence on Instagram, and use the hashtag #lawrencefortheholidays to be shared on our Insta story!

Holiday lights in Downtown Lawrence

Holiday Lighting Ceremony & Santa Rescue

Snowglobe Express

The Snowglobe Express - Illuminated Christmas Train

Love of Character Balloon Wall

Balloon Wall at Love of Character

Lawrence Christmas Parade in Downtown Lawrence Kansas

Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade

Festival of Trees

Festival of Trees

dempsey's snowglobe pop up bar

Dempsey's Snowglobe Pop-Up Bar

Lawrence Lights - Making Spirits Bright!

Lawrence Lights - Making Spirits Bright!

Get your Photo with Krampus!

Get your photo with Krampus!

Holiday Homes Tour

Holiday Homes Tour

Wedding in Downtown Lawrence Kansas

Downtown Lawrence Holiday Lights

Annual Christmas Tree Exhibit

Historic Lecompton Annual Christmas Tree Exhibit

Horse Carriage Rides

Pulling for a Change - Horse Carriage Rides

Lawrence Christmas Tree

The Lawrence Christmas Tree

Santa Visits the Eldridge

Santa Visits the Eldridge

Happy Holidays banner

Don't see your event? Go to our Submit Your Event page and make sure to check the "Holiday" category! I'll be sure to get it added to this guide. All holidays are welcome and appreciated!

Laurel Nagengast

Laurel Nagengast

The Digital Marketing Manager at eXplore Lawrence, Laurel Nagengast is an avid fantasy reader, a chronic dabbler in new hobbies, and a big fan of her dog and two cats.

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Holiday Happenings: Holiday Homes Tour

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

photo by: John Young

Spectators taking part in the 2011 Holiday Homes Tour crowd into Steve and Lori Myrick’s home, located 3207 Nottingham Ct., to see the holiday decorations on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011.

Those looking for the holiday spirit will find it in high supply at the annual Holiday Homes Tour, which showcases homes decorated for the season.

Holiday Homes Tour Committee Chair Kris Marsh said many have made a tradition of the annual tour, and that she thinks people enjoy it because it allows them to share in the excitement of the homeowners hosting the tour.

“They are people who just really love to celebrate the season and love to decorate, and so they enjoy having people come through the home so they can share their excitement,” Marsh said.

The tour includes a visit to seven homes decorated for the holidays. Tickets for the tour are $20 and all the proceeds from the event benefit Heartland Community Health Center, a nonprofit health clinic that serves the low-income and uninsured of Douglas County.

Marsh said the tour typically includes a mix of decorating styles, from those who decorate every nook and cranny to more minimalist decorations. The homes themselves on this year’s tour will also offer a variety. Marsh said they range from a historic home built in the 1860s to a newly built modern home.

The 2018 featured homes are:

• 4719 Balmoral Drive — home of Barbara and Richard Meidinger

• 133 Running Ridge Road — home of Angie and Troy Bird

• 728 Blazing Star Drive — home of Debbie and Gene Quirarte

• 2003 Palmer Court — home of Connie and Ryan Grimes

• 1728 Lake Alvamar Drive — home of Kelly and Richard Valbuena

• 1501 Inverness Drive, Apartment 230 — Brandon Woods featured property

• 1320 Haskell Avenue –home of Ashley and Aaron Weigel

The event also includes a holiday shop, which is open to the public and will offer holiday decorations and baked goods for sale. The holiday shop will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 2 at the Smith Center at Brandon Woods, 4730 Brandon Woods Terrace. Attendees can also take part in a raffle for themed holiday baskets donated by local companies.

The 2018 Holiday Homes Tour is presented by McDaniel Knutson Financial Partners. The homes tour will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 2. Tickets for the tour can be purchased online at heartlandhealth.org/holiday-homes-tour/.

Holiday Happenings 2018

• Read more about the holiday events and other festivities taking place in the Lawrence area, in our annual Holiday Happenings guide.

  • Arts and Entertainment

Upcoming events include ballet, riverbank cleanup, Earth Day fair, birding, music and more

FRIDAY • “Jennie Brooks: A Nature Lover in Lawrence,” 7-8 p.m., Watkins Museum of History, 1047 ...

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

The roguish ghost of John Barrymore takes the stage in Theatre Lawrence’s ‘I Hate Hamlet’

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Lawrence musicians to be inducted into Kansas Music Hall of Fame on Saturday

Farmers’ market opening day, quilt show, book sale, powwow and more events.

FRIDAY Spring Book Sale, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St. Enter on Kentucky Street side. ...

Upcoming events include art shows, music, dance, outdoor activities and more

FRIDAY • BLACK Lawrence Open Mic, 7-9 p.m., 10th & Mass Studios, 1000 Massachusetts St., Studio A. Free ...

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Upcoming events include Easter activities, Final Friday art, music, film and more

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holiday homes tour lawrence ks

A tour of holiday lights in Lawrence

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Lawrence Times TV took a drive to give you a glimpse at some of the most festive holiday homes — and neighborhoods — in town.

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Get a sneak peek in this video, and see this year’s full map of homes (and find out how to submit a location for our list) at this link .

If our local journalism matters to you, please help us keep doing this work.

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Email address:

What kind of emails do you want from us? Daily news updates Weekly recaps of highlights Occasional updates on the Times

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Jordan Winter (she/her), a contributor to The Lawrence Times, is a 2019 KU grad with degrees in journalism and political science.

Check out her work at  jrdnwntr.com . See more of her work for the Times  here .

Latest Lawrence news:

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Justice Matters invites community to annual Action Assembly

Justice Matters will host its annual Action Assembly on Sunday, calling for a boost to the elder care workforce and an end to chronic homelessness in Douglas County.

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Round up your unneeded and expired meds; Drug Take Back Day is coming up

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be collecting expired and unused prescription and over-the-counter medications from the public outside the Douglas County Courthouse this Saturday.

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Lawrence College and Career Center principal accepts position in Eudora

Bill DeWitt, principal of the Lawrence College and Career Center, is resigning to accept the position of principal at Eudora High School, according to a news release from the school district.

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Expert testifies that Lawrence man died from blunt force trauma; police detail ‘civil’ interactions with defendant

A man whose body was found downtown last summer died from multiple blunt force injuries, an expert testified Tuesday. Police officers also shared details of ”very civil” interactions they’d had with the defendant.

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Sound off on the budget: City of Lawrence to launch A Balancing Act

Lawrence residents can soon give their input on how the city should spend money next year through an interactive online platform.

MORE …

Kids help rabbi press oil, make wicks for menorah candles at Lawrence library

A Kansas clinic is offering abortion pills prescribed by out-of-state doctors after court ruling

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Hearing panel recommends Douglas County DA receive censure in disciplinary complaint case

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Building Hope in Douglas & Jefferson Counties

Since 1989 we have built more than 100 homes in Douglas County and repaired dozens of homes through our Home Preservation Services in Douglas and Jefferson counties.  We are proud to build strong and stable neighborhoods by building strong and stable homes.  We believe that to break the cycle of poverty, low and medium-income families need their income spent on housing to serve two purposes: provide a decent, affordable place to raise a family and build wealth through home ownership. 

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Lawrence Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. 

Lawrence Habitat for Humanity seeks to be a partner and catalyst in building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Lawrence Habitat brings people together not only as a way to deliver a product -- improved housing -- but as an essential process for building hope and belief that healthier communities are achievable and beneficial for all.

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Meet the Team

"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results." – Andrew Carnegie 

What We Do & How We Do It

How Does Habitat Operate?

Lawrence Habitat for Humanity provides simple, decent, affordable housing for low-to-moderate income famili es in Douglas and Jefferson Counties. We offer a hand up, not a hand out.  Our homeownership journey is a long process that begins with 200 hours of sweat equity and continues throughout a no-interest 25-30 year mortgage.

How are partner families selected?

Qualified applicants must have lived and/or worked in Douglas or Jefferson Counties for at least one year and must meet three criteria: need, ability to pay, and a willingness to partner.   You can find out more about becoming a homeowner  here .

Why Housing Matters 

The need for affordable housing is immense, and the lasting impact it can have on families is undeniable. A safe, decent, and affordable home offers families and individuals the opportunity to take care of themselves and build their own futures.

An estimated 42% of children live in households that struggle to meet routine expenses like food, rent or mortgage, car payments, and medical bills. Paired with an unprecedented pandemic, many families right here in our community are struggling with tough situations. More than ever, in this time of uncertainty, our work at Lawrence Habitat is desperately needed because every child deserves the security that comes from living in a stable, safe home.

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Fiscal Responsibility 

Every January, the Lawrence Habitat Board of Directors and staff participate in a strategic planning session to identify areas of focus for the upcoming calendar year.  These organizational strategies and priorities guide our team to best utilize our resources, time, and talent to serve the community.   ​

Along with our strategies and priorities for the upcoming year, we are proud to provide a quick look at our 2020 funding and expenditures.  This review is a simple opportunity for us to share how your investment has made an impact in the community. 

holiday homes tour lawrence ks

Six Stop Tour: Christmas Towns

by Kristina Light

November 29, 2023

Christmas movies often feature quaint towns with beautiful holiday decorations, strolling carolers and the magic of Christmas on every corner. We’re fortunate to have several towns with that Hallmark Christmas movie feeling less than a tank of gas away from Kansas City.

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Weston is so iconically quaint, Lifetime filmed Rebuilding a Dream Christmas in the Missouri town. On the first weekend of December, the town hosts its Holiday Homes Tour, and all season long, the shops are decorated for the holidays with Father Christmas strolling Main Street and greeting shoppers. Plus, Snow Creek is Kansas City’s close local skiing destination, open seasonally. WestonMo.com

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Lawrence, KS

On the first Saturday in December, Lawrence hosts an old-fashioned Christmas parade complete with horse-drawn carriages. Theatre Lawrence is performing A Christmas Story: The Musical on select dates Dec. 1 -17. The shops on “Mass Street” will be decked out in holiday splendor with great deals for shoppers. Adults enjoy holiday spirit at Snowglobe, a holiday pop-up bar at Dempsey’s Pub with live reindeer! ExploreLawrence.com Pro Tip: Get a FREE Winter Wonder Pass for discounts and an iitinerary to enjoy this holiday season in Lawrence!

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Top of the Rock Nature at Night Tour photos by Kristina Light for KCParent.com

Branson, MO

Branson is famously decorated with millions of lights every holiday season. Silver Dollar City, the top attraction in Branson, hosts an Ozark Christmas with millions of lights including the Top of the Rock Golf Cart Tour, holiday shows, delicious Christmas delicacies, rides and more. In addition to Silver Dollar City, you’ll find holiday entertainment at Sight & Sound Theatre’s  Esther , Dolly Parton’s Stampede and the Haygoods.  ExploreBranson.com   Pro Tip: For more inspiration on your Branson getaway, read our story One-of-a-Kind Adventure in Branson !

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Pella, Iowa

Christmas is also magical in this quaint Dutch town. The town landmark, Vermeer Mill, is a working 124-foot windmill from the Netherlands used to grind wheat. The historical museum features a Dutch village. The first weekend in December, Pella hosts  Kerstmarkt , an outdoor Christmas market featuring artisan vendors. Throughout the season, enjoy carriage rides, boutique shopping and visits with  Sinterklaas .  VisitPella.com

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St. Charles, Missouri

St. Charles is famous for its cobblestone streets, historical architecture near the Mississippi River and the yuletide nostalgia residents share during their annual Christmas Traditions celebration. Visitors enjoy Victorian carolers, beautiful greenery decorating the historic district, delicious holiday foods, shopping and more all month long. Enjoy quaint shops and delicious restaurants throughout the town.  DiscoverStCharles.com

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Lindsborg, Kansas

Lindsborg celebrates its Swedish heritage year-round, but it is especially unique at Christmas during the Festival of St. Lucia. On the second weekend of December, the town celebrates with holiday music, a St. Lucia parade, the crowning of St. Lucia, and cookies and coffee. You may also visit the Old Mill Museum, many local shops and eateries and historic sites.  VisitLindsborg.com

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IMAGES

  1. Lawrence Holiday Homes Tour to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity

    holiday homes tour lawrence ks

  2. Holiday Homes Tour Lawrence Kansas 2015

    holiday homes tour lawrence ks

  3. Holiday Homes Tour returns with festive homes throughout Lawrence

    holiday homes tour lawrence ks

  4. Newer home in West Lawrence on Holiday Homes Tour 2016! Step inside

    holiday homes tour lawrence ks

  5. holiday homes

    holiday homes tour lawrence ks

  6. The Kappa Holiday Homes Tour: A Kansas City Tradition Continues

    holiday homes tour lawrence ks

VIDEO

  1. Welcome home, welcome to AMH

  2. 2022 CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR!

  3. Holiday Homes Tour #hardwaresupplier #RFOunits

  4. WEB EXTRA: Holiday Home In Plantation

  5. Holiday Homes Tour 2023 on Chincoteague Island, VA

  6. Holiday Homes: The Sablich Family

COMMENTS

  1. Holiday Homes Tour

    The annual Holiday Homes Tour features up to eight homes in Lawrence beautifully decorated for the holiday season and put on display for your viewing delight! ... Save the Date / Details. Sunday, December 8, 2024. 12:00 - 5:00 pm Get inspired for the holiday season! The Holiday Homes Tour includes . up to eight homes in the Lawrence . and ...

  2. Lawrence Holiday Homes Tour to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity

    The annual Holiday Homes Tour, a fundraiser for Lawrence Habitat for Humanity, is returning this Sunday. The tour features homes that are "beautifully decorated for the holiday season and put on display for your viewing delight," according to Habitat's website. In addition, there will be a Holiday Home Shop and a cookie sale stationed at ...

  3. Holiday Homes Tour

    Home event in Lawrence, KS by Lawrence Habitat for Humanity - Serving Douglas & Jefferson Counties and Summer Wedermyer on Sunday, December 3 2023 with 135 people interested.

  4. Holiday Homes Tour

    Holiday Homes Tour. 379 likes. The Holiday Homes Tour, one of the city's signature community events, will partner this year with Lawrence Habitat for Humanity for the first time. The tour is...

  5. Holiday Homes Tour returns with festive homes throughout Lawrence

    The annual Holiday Homes Tour will once again give attendees the chance to tour festive homes decorated for the season and to support a local nonprofit. ... Third Street, Lawrence, KS 66044 | 785 ...

  6. Holiday Homes Tour Lawrence Kansas Preview

    Healthcare Access program director Jennifer Stucker and interior designer Christine Julian preview the Lawrence, Kansas Holiday Homes Tour. Visit www.healthc...

  7. Health Care Access Holiday Homes Tour Preview

    The Holiday Homes Tour is a staple of the holiday season celebration in Lawrence, Kansas. The events raises funds for Health Care Access. Video produced by...

  8. Holiday Homes Tour

    Home event by Holiday Homes Tour and Summer Wedermyer on Sunday, December 4 2022

  9. Holiday Homes Tour in Lawrence Kansas

    The Holiday Homes Tour in Lawrence, Kansas is celebrated on the first Sunday of December and benefits Health Care Access (www.healthcareaccess.org). This ho...

  10. Dear Seasonal Voyeurs Around Kansas City And Lawrence: Holiday Homes

    37th Annual Weston Candlelight tour Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1 and 2 This is a tour of three historic homes from 2-7 p.m. Tickets $15 in advance $20 at the door, $5 for children under 12.

  11. Kappa Kappa Gamma Holiday Homes Tour

    2023 Tour Dates and Schedule. Kappa Homes Tour and Holiday Boutique hours. Tuesday, December 5th | Cocktails & Candlelight | 5pm-9pm. Wednesday, December 6th | Tour 12pm-8pm | Boutique 11am-8pm. Thursday, December 7th | Tour 10am-6pm | Boutique 10am-3pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. See the Tickets page for more information.

  12. A Festive Guide to the Holiday Season in Lawrence, Kansas

    The next few weeks in Lawrence, KS are Festive with a capital F. Use this guide to make the most of the holiday season. Featuring art markets, performances, special events, photo ops, and more! ... A Festive Guide to the Holiday Season in Lawrence, Kansas. By Laurel Nagengast on Nov. 17, 2022 ... Holiday Homes Tour. Downtown Lawrence Holiday ...

  13. HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS: A quick look at top events for the holiday season

    Holiday Homes Tour. Time: Noon to 5 p.m. ... Lawrence's Habitat for Humanity has again found a crop of great Lawrence homes to show off this holiday season. ... Third Street, Lawrence, KS 66044 ...

  14. Learn about the homes that are...

    Learn about the homes that are featured in this year's Holiday Homes Tour. Each home has its own unique story!...

  15. Holiday Homes Tour Lawrence Kansas 2015

    The Lawrence, Kansas Holiday Homes Tour was held December 6, 2015. Step inside two of the 6 homes for a taste of what decorations were on display. Join us ...

  16. Where to see holiday lights in Lawrence

    John Brown marks the spot! Many Lawrence and Douglas County families, groups and neighborhoods create extraordinary displays of holiday lights and decorations outside each year for all to enjoy. Here's where you can find them. We started this map with help from community members in 2021. We're adding new locations as we learn about them ...

  17. Holiday Happenings: Holiday Homes Tour

    Spectators taking part in the 2011 Holiday Homes Tour crowd into Steve and Lori Myrick's home, located 3207 Nottingham Ct., to see the holiday decorations on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011.

  18. A tour of holiday lights in Lawrence

    Lawrence Times TV took a drive to give you a glimpse at some of the most festive holiday homes — and neighborhoods — in town. ... A tour of holiday lights in Lawrence. ... The Lawrence Times is a Lawrence, Kansas owned and operated publication covering key news and providing important information for the Lawrence and Douglas County, Kansas ...

  19. About

    Lawrence Habitat for Humanity provides simple, decent, affordable housing for low-to-moderate income families in Douglas and Jefferson Counties. We offer a hand up, not a hand out. Our homeownership journey is a long process that begins with 200 hours of sweat equity and continues throughout a no-interest 25-30 year mortgage.

  20. A tour of holiday lights in Lawrence

    We took a drive to see some of the most festive holiday homes — and neighborhoods — in Lawrence. Get a sneak peek in this video, and see our 2022 map of more...

  21. Tickets for 2021 'Home for the Holidays Tour' now on sale

    This year's tour features three Topeka homes that are decorated for the holidays by area designers. The tour is from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sat. and Sun., Nov. 20-21

  22. Six Stop Tour: Christmas Towns

    1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expy, Branson, Missouri. 800.377.1277. Branson is famously decorated with millions of lights every holiday season. Silver Dollar City, the top attraction in Branson, hosts an Ozark Christmas with millions of lights including the Top of the Rock Golf Cart Tour, holiday shows, delicious Christmas delicacies, rides and ...