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Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour

Every year, people flock to Lafayette Square, St. Louis, for its semi-annual house tour. Lafayette Square features some of the finest architecture and culture from the Victorian era. This begs the question, what is the Lafayette Square House Tour, what does it offer, and how do I sign up?

The Lafayette Square house tour is a semi-annual event featuring restored victorian houses near downtown St. Louis. One of which is Lehmann House Bed and breakfast, the Homes are maintained with their original architecture and presented for public viewing. Each tour offers additional public events in Lafayette Square, including markets and auctions.

Each year, the Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour offers a glimpse into the majestic victorian houses of St Louis’ oldest historic district.

Once the home of St. Louis’s politicians and upper class, Lafayette Square fell into disrepair following a tornado that hit the neighborhood in 1896, the decline during the Great Depression and the subsequent depopulation after World War II. Efforts by the Lafayette Square Restoration Committee (LSRC) in the 1970s began returning these homes to their former glory.

When Is the Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour?

The Holiday Parlor Tour, held Sunday, December 4, from 10:00a-5:00p. It is the best time to explore the inner beauty of Lafayette Square homes, all dressed up for the holodays. Visitors are always awed by the ultra-high ceilings, ornate woodwork, and historical presentation of these once-forgotten homes.

The best part is the festive decorations throughout the neighborhood. Locals bring their competitive spirit to the decorating game. They each try to outdo their eighbors, playing to win the hearts and adoration of pedestrians and the public.

Consider a walk around the park at dusk to see the neighborhood in its full glory, bedecked in holiday lights. Or, bring a blanket and sip a mug of hot chocolate, while viewing Lafayette Square from the back of a horse-drawn carriage.

Holiday Parlor Tour Events

While the weather outside is frosty, you can stay cozy in Lafayette Square with the many events of the Holiday Parlor Tour. Tour the homes to see the lush and intricate inner workings of Victorian architecture or visit many of the attractions in the square. Tickets can be purchased in advance, online at lafayettesquare.org, or on the day of the tour.

Jim King Memorial Pet Parade

The annual holiday pet parade begins at 3:00p, Saturday, December 3rd. This is a family friendly pedestrain parade from Lafayette Square Park House to the Holiday Market on Park Avenue. You're welcome to bring your leashed fur baby, to loin the fun and show off their holiday costumes.

Holiday Market

The winter companion to the summer antique show is the Holiday Market. Step into a winter wonderland of lights, smells, and sounds as you venture through the commercial district of Lafayette Square.

The holiday market features over 50 vendors, including the following:

  • Fine dining
  • Microbreweries
  • Jewelry makers
  • Glassblowers
  • Metal workers
  • Handmade Crafts

The holiday market has a gift for everyone on your Christmas list. Get ahead of holiday shopping or take a sightseeing tour of local vendors at the holiday market.

If you bring your kids, don’t forget to tell them that Santa pays a special visit to the market. From 4:00p-6:00p on Saturday, get your must have photo taken with Santa.

Light Up the Square

In addition to the Holiday market, there’s the annual “Light up the Square” featuring tree lighting at 5:00p on Saturday, December 3rd. Participate in one of Lafayette Square’s most joyous occasions and view the magnificent lights on display.

Once it gets dark, be sure to take a trolley or carriage ride around the park. Get your private tour of the holiday lights around Lafayette Square.

Check your calendars and be sure to make time to pop down and take in the Holiday Parlor Tour. Make an event of it, pick your FAVORITE ROOM and plan to spend the weekend or even just Saturday night with us, to get an early start on your tour going. Happy Holidays!

Written by Copywriter Michael C. Davies

 

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