The 25th annual Marietta Christmas Pilgrimage Tour this weekend, December 3rd and 4th
Who would have ever thought the Marietta Christmas Pilgrimage would blossom into one of the South’s greatest attractions? I can recall going to historic home tours in Charleston, SC and Madison, GA over twenty five years ago and returning home, wondering why Marietta was not showcasing its historic homes. I posed the question to Theresa Jenkins, the director of the Marietta Welcome Center, where I was the charter president, and she said she had been thinking the same thing. We knew we needed help so we partnered with the Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society to form The Marietta Pilgrimage, a Christmas Home Tour. Owners of historic properties were solicited, docents were obtained and we were well on our way to our first home tour. I was the first chairperson for the tour and what thought to be a very daunting task, turned into the most fun I have ever had in my hometown. The Marietta Welcome Center highly promoted the tour and people came from all over, making it quite a festive occasion. To this day, I do not feel like Christmas is near until the Pilgrimage. Twenty-five years later, the majority of our historic homes have been featured and the gracious homeowners have spread their cheer to hundreds of tour goers. We even have people from overseas come for the tour.
Now, twenty five years later, the Marietta Pilgrimage, A Christmas Home Tour has become a well oiled wheel. Hard working committees and the community in general make it a huge success. This year the Friday night preview party is hosted by former Gov. Roy Barnes and his wife, Marie, at their home and three homes will be open for candlelight tour. Delicious catered food and festive holiday attire make this an event that you do not want to miss.
Here is a sample of the homes on tour this year:
For Ticket Information click here or call 770-429-1115
What types of tours are offered?
The Marietta Pilgrimage offers either a Day Tour or an evening Candlelight Tour. The Day Tour will showcase all 6 homes and public buildings and the Candlelight Tour features 3 of the 6 homes. You may also purchase a combination ticket which allows you to see the public buildings and 3 of the homes during the Day Tour and the remaining 3 homes during the Candlelight Tour.
What times are the tours?
The Day Tour runs Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday from 10am-6pm. The Candlelight Tour is Saturday from 7pm-9:30pm. Check the Schedule page for details.
How much are tickets?
- The Day Tour tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the tour.
- The Candlelight Tour tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the tour.
- The combination ticket is $25 in advance and $30 the day of the tour.
What other holiday activities are going on in Marietta?
On December 2 Santa will arrive in the Square and will help host the Holiday Tree Lighting. The giant Christmas tree will light up the night at 6pm and local choruses will provide entertainment. Santa will visit in the Square until 8pm. For more information call (770) 794-5601.
The Pilgrimage weekend, December 3-4 also marks the opening of Santa’s Workshop on the Marietta Square. Experience the season in Olde Merry-etta & visit with St. Nick in his brightly decorated workshop. Photos with Santa are available. For more information call (770) 794-5601.
For more holiday activities in Marietta visit www.mariettaga.gov or www.mariettasquare.com