A holiday kick-off event featuring a home tour in Garland’s historic Travis College Hill Addition and Embree plus live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and a photo-op booth with Santa and Mrs. Claus is set for Thursday, Dec. 7, during “Magical Candlelight Christmas-town 2023” from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Seven dwellings will be outfitted in Christmas finery and open to the public. Costumed interpreters will be stationed on 11th Street in the heart of the Travis College Hill National Register Historic District to tell the history of the neighborhood, founded in 1913. Travis College Hill lies between Avenues B and D along 10th and 11th Streets.
North Star Carriages will provide horse-drawn carriage rides throughout Travis College Hill for this one evening.
A vintage-dressed Santa will be on hand to pose for photos. He will be joined by Mrs. Claus in a photo-op booth.
A live nativity scene and a crafts booth will be stationed along Avenue C, both furnished by neighboring First Presbyterian Church.
Choirs and instrumental groups from area churches, schools and organizations will perform holiday music on an outdoor stage throughout the evening as people stroll outdoors.
Complimentary hot cocoa and hot dogs will be served in the outdoor area near the dwellings.
Homes to be open to the public include Travis College Hill properties at 313 South 11th (1913 vintage), Garland’s Historic Pace House at 317 South 11th (turn of the last century), 401 South 11th (1913 vintage) and 412 South 11th (1960 vintage). In Embree visitors may tour the dwellings at 900 West Avenue D, 920 West Avenue D and 301 South Ninth. A complimentary shuttle from Travis College Hill to Embree and back is provided.
Tickets are $20 per person or $10 for students if purchased in advance ($25 on night of tour). Tickets are available in advance on eventbrite.com and will also be available the evening of the tour.
The event is sponsored by the nonprofit Friends of Garland’s Historic Magic 11th Street. This is the seventh tour of homes sponsored by the organization. This event is funded in part by the Garland Cultural Arts Commission.
For more information email friendsofgarlandsmagic11thstreet@yahoo.com