Would you like to learn more about the Christmas Candlelight Tour experience? Check out the answers below to our most frequently asked questions!
What is the Christmas Candlelight Tour?
The Christmas Candlelight Tour is a self-guided walking tour of privately-owned homes in Edenton’s Historic District that have been decorated for Christmas. A docent is stationed at each location to provide information about the house and any special features on display. Admittance into the houses lasts from 4:00-8:00 PM on both designated Tour evenings. Proceeds from the Christmas Candlelight Tour support the mission and operations of the Edenton Historical Commission, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that promotes historic preservation, restoration, and education in Edenton and Chowan County.
Do I need a ticket to participate in the Christmas Candlelight Tour?
Yes, each participant must purchase a ticket and display it in a visible location on their person for admittance into the homes. Tickets are available for purchase online and in person at the Barker House prior to the Tour, and for pick-up at Will Call at the Barker House during the week of the Tour.
Do I need a separate ticket for each day?
No, each ticket is valid for both days.
How much are the tickets?
Advance tickets for the Christmas Candlelight Tour cost $35.00 apiece plus tax. Advance pricing ends at 5:00 PM on the night before the Tour. Day-Of tickets cost $40.00 apiece plus tax. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Do you offer special pricing for groups?
Tickets for groups of 10 people or more cost $30.00 apiece plus tax. Group tickets must be purchased in a single transaction.
If I purchase tickets in advance, will they be mailed to me?
No, tickets purchased in advance are available at Will Call at the Barker House during the week of the Tour. Please present your receipt with the QR code or your email address as provided during your order and you will receive your ticket(s) and Tour map(s).
Where is Will Call located?
Will Call is located at the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center, which is the headquarters for the Tour. The Barker House is open from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM on Tour days, and is located at 505 South Broad Street Edenton, NC 27932.
What should I do with my ticket?
Please attach your ticket with the provided string to a visible location such as a jacket button, handbag strap, etc.
How will I know where the Tour houses are located?
You will receive a Tour map along with your ticket. The map will also contain the schedule for the public buildings, event information, the musical performance schedule, etc.
Do I have to walk to all of the locations?
The Christmas Candlelight Tour is a self-guided walking tour, with transport only required for Hayes. Please be prepared to navigate up and down porch stairs and across uneven pavement and gravel. Shuttles will transport ticket holders back and forth from Hayes. A shuttle will also travel along the rest of the route to pick up and drop off at designated locations.
How does the shuttle service work?
Shuttles may consist of the Trolley, a town van, golf carts, and, weather permitting, horse-drawn carriages. The shuttle route and pick-up/drop-off locations are designated by signs and are marked on the Tour map.
What should I wear?
Please dress appropriately for the weather with comfortable footwear. Festive attire is always encouraged! Please also consider bringing a flashlight.
Where are the restrooms?
Public restrooms are available in the Barker House and at other locations designated on the Tour map.
Where should I park?
Parking for Will Call is available in front of the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center. Other parking areas are designated on the Tour map.
We’re coming on a bus/oversized vehicle-where should we park?
Parking for buses and other oversized vehicles is available behind the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse.
Will food and beverages be served at the houses?
No-food and beverages are not allowed inside the private homes. Special treats are offered in some of the public buildings throughout the Tour days-please refer to the brochure and Tour map for the schedule. Hot beverages may also be available for purchase at outdoor locations during the Tour-please refer to the Tour map for availability and locations. For a full meal, please refer to our local dining options at https://www.visitedenton.com/where-to-eat.php.
Can I take pictures inside the houses?
Photography without a flash is allowed inside the houses based on the preference of the homeowner. Please be respectful of the homeowners’ privacy and property.
How do I tell if a house is on the Tour?
Tour houses are designated by signs and lanterns.
Do I have to follow the Tour route on the map?
The Tour is self-guided, so you do not have to follow the suggested route on the map.
Can I bring my dog or other kind of pet on Tour?
Only service animals can be admitted inside Tour houses and the public buildings.
Will regular Trolley Tours be available?
Trolley Tours are available in the mornings and early afternoons of the Tour days according to the standard schedule.
If the weather is bad, can I get a refund for my ticket?
Christmas Candlelight Tour tickets are non-refundable. The Tour is offered rain or shine.