Kick off the holiday season Friday, Dec. 2, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. at “Magical Candlelight Christmas-town 2022.” Enjoy a home tour in Garland’s historic Travis College Hill Addition and Embree, along with live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and photo-op booth with Santa.
Five homes will be outfitted in Christmas finery and open to the public. The neighborhoods that surround the tour homes will also be illuminated. 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 is located between Avenues B and D along 10th and 11th Streets.
Majestic Carriage Rides, an experienced firm that has been in business for 30 years and is best known for its Christmas carriage-ride tours of Highland Park, will provide horse-drawn carriage rides throughout Travis College Hill for this one evening.
A vintage-dressed Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to pose for photos.
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 and schools will perform holiday music on two stages throughout the evening as people stroll outdoors. Hot cocoa will be served in the outdoor area of one of 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), 311 South 11th (mid-century cottage) and 411 South 11th (1913 vintage). In Embree, visitors will tour the new Victorian-inspired dwelling at 901 Avenue E. A complimentary shuttle from Travis College Hill to Embree and back is provided.
Tickets are $20 per person or $10 for students. (Carriage rides involve a separate fee.) 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. The eventbrite.com link is Magical Candlelight Christmas-town 2022. For more information email friendsofgarlandsmagic11thstreet@yahoo.com