Illustration of a guide leading visitors through a candlelit historic house decorated for a Victorian Christmas (The Colonel's Christmas Tour)
Other Christmas Activities

The Colonel's Christmas Tour

Guests explore the beautifully decorated rooms of the Colonel’s former home before it opens to the public for the evening. Led by the McCormick House Director and Horticulture Director, the intimate experience blends history, design, and holiday traditions. The visit begins with a festive beverage in the hidden Freedom Hall bar and extends into the Christmas at Cantigny Light Show.

Thu, Dec 3, 2026

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

$75, including Christmas at Cantigny Light Show admission.

Hours

3:30 pm - 04:45 pm.

Food & Drink

A festive beverage is served in the hidden Freedom Hall bar; no other food or drink is specified for this tour.

Location

Robert R. McCormick House · 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL 60189 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ ⚪ (3/5)

Best For

History and holiday décor enthusiasts

Vibe

Intimate and festive

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Purchase a ticket in advance, since the tour has a limited, intimate format and tickets are offered for this experience.
  • Leave time to enjoy both parts of the experience: the McCormick House tour and the included Christmas at Cantigny Light Show.
  • Look for the hidden Freedom Hall bar at the start of the tour, where the festive beverage is served.
  • Follow the tour leaders through the decorated rooms to hear about the home’s history, design, and holiday traditions.

Links & Contact

Run by Cantigny Park

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

What happens during The Colonel’s Christmas Tour?

The McCormick House Director and Horticulture Director lead a tour of the decorated rooms, followed by the Christmas at Cantigny Light Show.

Is anything included with the tour?

The experience includes a festive beverage in the hidden Freedom Hall bar and admission to the Christmas at Cantigny Light Show.

Who leads the tour?

McCormick House Director Will Buhlig and Horticulture Director Jamie Burghardt lead the tour.

Where is the festive beverage served?

It is served in the hidden Freedom Hall bar at the McCormick House.

Can I visit the house before it opens to the public?

Yes. The tour explores the decorated rooms before the McCormick House opens to the public.

Browse Christmas in Wheaton

Always check the official website for the most current information.

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Contributors & Updates

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