East Row Victorian Christmas Tour & Tea

The Annual East Row Victorian Christmas Tour & Tea is returning on the first full weekend in December in the East Row Historic District of Newport, Kentucky, this time for our 32nd year!  Once again, residents will be opening their spectacular historic homes to the public, just in time for the Christmas season.

Victorian Christmas Tour

The Victorian Christmas Tour is a self-guided walking tour through a selection of homes in the East Row Historic District. As in years past, we will have a lineup of homes scattered around the District, each with a unique character sure to delight visitors.

After picking up your tickets and map, visitors can walk through the neighborhood and experience a thoughtfully curated collection of these private historic homes. These residences reflect the Queen Anne, Italianate, and other architectural styles that shaped the East Row neighborhood during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Inside, visitors will discover original staircases, fireplace mantels, stained glass, intricate woodwork, thoughtfully renovated spaces, and interiors filled with history and character. Each residence will be decorated in its holiday best, offering a rare opportunity to experience the architecture and stories inside some of East Row’s most distinctive homes.

Tour hours both days will be from 12pm to 6pm this year.

Victorian Christmas Tea

The popular Victorian Christmas Tea Service will return this year as well. Enjoy a traditional English high tea service with some special holiday styled treats, soup, pastries, and more. We will be holding three seatings for the Tea Service, at 11:00am, 1:30pm, and 4:00pm on both Saturday and Sunday. The location for the Tea Service will be sent to those guests that have reservations. This event always sells out, so make sure to get your reservation made quickly once tickets go on sale!

Note: Tickets for the Victorian Christmas Tea Service and tickets for the Christmas Tour are separate and will need to be purchased individually. Your Tour tickets can be provided at your Tea seating, so you are able to get started right away.

Stained Glass Window and Christmas Lighting Displays

The homes in the East Row Historic District will be also be lit up in a spectacular display of lights, decorations, and Christmas spirit. Come experience the lights either by walking or driving through the neighborhood after sunset. Every type of decoration can be found, including massive light installations, projections and lasers, inflatable figures, and more. Luminaries will be lit, lining the sidewalks all through the neighborhood, adding a special charm to the evenings.

Those evenings can also be spent finding each of the Stained Glass Windows throughout the District. Many homes will have interior lights on as well to show off the beautiful stained glass windows that make these homes unique and special. We’ll have many of these highlighted on the Tour map, so take some time to find your favorite window as you explore the neighborhood!

Explore the Historic District

The East Row Historic District will also offer plenty for patrons to explore beyond just the Home Tour, the Tea Service, and the Christmas Light Displays! There are a number of restaurants and bars within the neighborhood that will be joining in on the fun, with specials and drinks to support the East Row Historic Foundation, including our Holiday Block Party in the evening on Saturday, Dec 6th, with live music and maybe even a visit from Santa!

Other Details

All Tour tickets, either purchased online or at the door, must be picked up between 12:00pm and 5pm on either Saturday or Sunday at the ticket office.

Tickets are good for either day or both days of the Tour. Tea Service tickets must be used at the reserved seating time.

Restrooms and refreshments will be available at areas designated on the map that will be provided at the start of the Tour. While the East Row Historic District may be easily maneuvered by wheelchairs, the homes on the Tour are unfortunately not handicapped accessible. We will have a limited shuttle service that will be lopping around the neighborhood and is able to ferry visitors to each of the Tour homes.

Booties will also be required (and provided) to protect the floors and furnishings of these historic homes.

Free parking is available at the Watertower Square lot between 5th and 6th Streets on Washington Avenue or at Trinity Masonic Lodge at 6th Street and Park Avenue. Visitors may also park at Newport on the Levee or the pay lot across from The Carnegie Event Center.  There is also limited on-street parking.

If you would like to be added to our East Row Historic District Tour anouncement mailing list, please click here.

Volunteer

The Christmas Tour is planned and brought to life by neighbors who generously contribute their time, talents and ideas.

With 12 committees and volunteer opportunities available both before and during Tour weekend, there is a place for everyone. Whether you have lived in East Row for decades, recently joined the neighborhood or simply want to become more involved in the community, we would love to have your help.

Thank You for Supporting the East Row Historic Foundation

The East Row Victorian Christmas Tour & Tea would not be possible without the generosity of our homeowners, volunteers, patrons, donors and sponsors.

Thank you for helping us celebrate East Row’s architecture, preserve the history of our neighborhood and continue this cherished holiday tradition.

A Special Thank-you to our Sponsors!

The Victorian Christmas Tour would not be possible without the generous support of all of our sponsors! Thank-you!!

Please contact sponshorship@eastrow.org if you would like to add your support the Christmas Tour!
Sponsorship provides an opportunity to support one of Northern Kentucky’s most beloved holiday traditions while helping preserve and celebrate the East Row Historic District. Opportunities are available at a variety of levels.

Gold

Silver

Bronze