Go inside Philly’s historic homes dressed up for the holidays

We come bearing good tidings: This month historic homes throughout Philly are opening their doors for holiday house tours.

Yes, that means you’ll finally be able to go inside the homes that line the iconic Elfreth’s Alley, or the mansions scattered throughout Fairmount Park.

Here are three house tours in Old City, Chestnut Hill, and Fairmount Park that you’ll want to sign up for, listed in order of date.

• Chestnut Hill Holiday House Tour: On Saturday, December 3 from 10 to 4 p.m., five Chestnut Hill homes will be open for holiday house tours. Tour-goers get a taste of different homes all dolled up, from cottages to stone colonials. Don’t want to walk? There’s a trolley available during the tours. Tickets required.

• Deck the Alley: This annual event returns to Elfreth’s Alley on Saturday, December 3 from 3 to 7 p.m. More than a dozen homeowners open their doors along the oldest residential street in America, allowing folks to peek inside their homes dressed up for the holidays. Tickets are required, ranging from $10 for children to $25 for adults.
• The Historic Houses of Fairmount Park: It’s the 45th year of Christmas in Fairmount Park, and this year’s theme is “A Very Philly Christmas.” The good news is that there are multiple events throughout the month, all taking place at the six historic mansions. Tickets are required, so check out the list of events here.