The Candlelight Christmas Tour 

Bringing Light to the Holiday Season

The Candlelight Christmas Tour in downtown Henderson is back again this year and guarantees a dazzling start to the holiday season for all of its 350 participants. 

The idea for the Candlelight Christmas Tour was brought up in 2023 when the Garden Club of Henderson began talking about possible projects that could be brought to Henderson. Last year when they initiated the project, the Garden Club decided they wanted to give back to Henderson by highlighting some of the stunning historical homes downtown. They wanted to bring a mystical element to the event, which they decided to do through the candlelight. This year, there is the addition of live music by carolers, refreshments, and the Holiday Market. Guests can also enjoy the beautiful urns painted by Garden Club member, Iris Gentry, that are scattered around the downtown area. The primary organizers of this event are Garden Club members Marcia Baker, Barbara Ray, and Marietta Peckinpaugh. Henderson Family Magazine thanks them and the Garden Club for this holiday project that brings joyous fun to the community. 

The glowing candles that each participant will hold will allow them to see the homes in a new light that is perfect for the holiday season. Eight homes have been graciously offered by their owners for this event. Marcia Baker conveyed gratitude for these homeowners: “We are so grateful to these homeowners for opening their homes as a gift to Henderson.” These homes will be adorned with Christmas décor that is guaranteed to bring wonder to all ages. “It will be such a fun, Hallmark-like event just like it was last year,” Marcia stated. “The area will have decorated porches and lights and trees… it will be an amazing stroll.”

This event also includes the Holiday Market. The Holiday Market is going to be available to all ticket holders for the Candlelight Christmas Tour. Many Christmas and holiday themed items will be sold, including ornaments portraying the “Timeless Traditions” artwork by Iris Gentry that celebrates the Garden Club of Henderson’s 100th anniversary. Several local artists and artisans will have their products up for sale during the tour. The Holiday Market will be featured at Gallery 101.

The Garden Club, formed in 1925, is approaching their centennial anniversary in 2025. Through these almost 100 years, the Garden Club has put on numerous events, including educational programs, plant sales, and beautification projects. The funds raised from the Candlelight Christmas Tour and other events are put right back into the Henderson community to continue these projects and to make Henderson more beautiful. 

Tickets have been on sale since November 1st, and Marcia emphasized that they sell out quickly. If any tickets are still available, they will be for sale at the Henderson Tourist Commission downtown. Out of consideration to the home owners, tickets are limited to 350 people. This event takes place on December 13th from 4-8PM. Ticket holders are allowed to tour the homes during this time frame. The live caroling will start at 6PM on the steps of the Henderson County Public Library. 

“Enjoy the beautiful homes, have fun, and kick off the holiday season,” Barbara Ray expressed.