Old Southwest Holiday Parlor Tour of Historic Homes
Visitors embark on a self-guided walking tour through an array of private historic residences across the Old Southwest neighborhood. Guests explore century-old parlors featuring festive holiday decorations, music, and merriment. The event also offers refreshments hosted at the historic Alexander-Gish House.
Sat, Dec 5, 2026
See more other Christmas activities near Roanoke
Plan Your Visit
Tickets
Advance-sale online tickets: $20. Day-of-event tickets: $25. Children under 2 do not require tickets. Additional donations may be made through the Give Butter ticket purchase page.
Hours
Tour starts at 2:00 PM and ends at 8:30 PM. Guests may start at any home beginning at 2:00 PM. Cash ticket purchases at the Alexander-Gish House are available from 2:00–7:00 PM.
Ages
All ages (children must be supervised)
Neighborhood
Old Southwest
Food & Drink
Refreshments are offered at the Alexander-Gish House.
Parking
Parking is available at the Alexander-Gish House or on-street; visitors should not block driveways.
Accessibility
Strollers aren't allowed inside the homes, and the only public restrooms are at the Alexander-Gish House and other designated neighborhood spots.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy your tickets online in advance, because advance-sale tickets cost less than tickets bought with cash at the Alexander-Gish House on the day.
- Watch your email on tour day for the digital brochure with the home addresses, or pick up a printed copy at any tour home.
- Wear flat shoes instead of high heels, because heels can damage the wood floors inside these century-old homes.
- Leave the stroller behind, since strollers aren't allowed inside the homes, and keep young children closely supervised the whole time.
- Plan restroom stops at the Alexander-Gish House or other designated neighborhood spots, because the private homes on the tour have no public restrooms.
Special Events & Promotions
- This is the 45th Old Southwest Parlor Tour of Historic Homes.
- Advance tickets bought online cost less than day-of tickets at the Alexander-Gish House.
- New since 2025: there's no ticket or brochure pickup at Highland Park. The brochure with home addresses arrives by email on tour day.
Links & Contact
Run by Old Southwest, Inc.
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pick up tickets or a brochure before the tour?
No. You no longer pick anything up at the Highland Park entrance. On tour day you'll get an email with a link to the digital brochure, which lists the home addresses. Printed copies are also available at each tour home and at the Alexander-Gish House.
Where do I start the tour?
You can start at any home on the tour once it opens. The organizers ask that nobody arrive early.
Can I bring young children or a stroller?
Children under 2 don't need a ticket, but all children must be closely supervised at all times. Strollers aren't allowed in the homes.
Where are the restrooms?
Public restrooms are at the Alexander-Gish House and at other designated spots in the neighborhood. The private homes on the tour don't have public restrooms.
Where are the refreshments, and can I buy a ticket on the day?
Refreshments are served at the Alexander-Gish House at 641 Walnut Avenue SW. You can also buy day-of tickets there with cash during the tour.
Browse Christmas in Roanoke
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.