The 57th Annual Marietta Candlelight Tour of Homes

The historic riverside town of Marietta in western Lancaster County comes alive each year with the warm glow of flickering candles, welcoming visitors to embark on a journey through time during the Marietta Candlelight Tour of Homes. This enchanting event is one of the oldest, continuously operating holiday tours in Pennsylvania and has become a cherished holiday tradition. The tour is always held the first Sunday in December, so be sure to add it to your itinerary when you plan your holiday getaway to B.F. Hiestand House.

Now in its 57th year, the Marietta Candlelight Tour of Homes allows guests to step inside some of Marietta's most iconic and beautifully preserved homes and historic buildings. Each home and building tells a unique story, showcasing the architectural styles and cultural influences that have shaped the town over the centuries. Visitors are treated to a rare glimpse into the lives of Marietta's early inhabitants, with historical insights and anecdotes that bring the past to life.

The Marietta Candlelight Tour of Homes is organized by the Marietta Restoration Associates, an organization committed to preserving the cultural and architectural heritage of the community. Each year the organization works to maintain the quality of the tour and provide a pleasant experience for all who attend. Tickets are available online or at several sites throughout Marietta on the day of the tour, and proceeds benefit the preservation and maintenance of the Old Town Hall and the Union Meeting House.

As you walk through Marietta's downtown streets, you'll see homes and businesses beautifully adorned in festive decorations — fresh garlands and wreaths, red bows, twinkling lights — and illuminated by the soft glow of candles in each window. At the intersection of Waterford Avenue and Walnut Street, gaze at Marietta's spectacular community Christmas tree. There also will be a local artists showcase, and the Old Town Hall Museum will be open to visitors.

One of the homes you'll see on the tour is Westerly on the Square. Built in 1808, it's one of the most outstanding examples of Federal architecture in Lancaster County. Westerly has had a colorful and rich history including, for a period of time, as a neighborhood liquor store! Only four families have inhabited this grand home in all of its years. Authentically preserved, it features a center hall design with the stairway extending to three floors. There are nine fireplaces and a separate open-hearth summer kitchen. The tour will include the first floor of the original 1808 home and the kitchen and Florida room that were added in 2000. After you exit the Florida room in the back of the home, be sure to stop by the original summer kitchen, which also has been decorated for the Christmas season.

The Marietta Candlelight Tour of Homes is a celebration of history, community and the holiday spirit. Combined with a stay at our historic Marietta bed-and-breakfast, it's the perfect opportunity to step back in time, experience the architectural wonders of early Lancaster County, and create lasting holiday memories.