Seasonal décor and Christmas spirit was in abundance around the Kingsville area Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16, for the Erie Shores Christmas House Tour. The two-day event brought in more than 1,000 people to view the beautifully decorated homes. It included both newer and older homes, and two homes and a cottage that were recently restored after a fire nearly destroyed them in 2021.
The much-loved traditional Kingsville Christmas House Tour is officially back under a new name and with a new fundraising goal.
The house tour initially started over 20 years ago as a fundraiser to help with costs associated with Migration Hall and high school, according to committee member Sandy Smith.
“It started with teachers getting together and putting up their houses,” she said. Although things have changed with the school board and new school, she said there was still a high demand for a house tour so they have now partnered with Erie Shores Health Foundation and proceeds will support the Erie Shores Hospice and Erie Shores HealthCare.
“We are so happy to partner together on this,” said Gloria Cavenago, Development Officer, Events, for Erie Shores Health Foundation. “The house tour has been around for so long and we had always enjoyed it with our families.”
Cavenago said it had been an amazing weekend for weather and turnout of people. “We have heard so many people come through and say this was the best tour yet.”
She said they are now looking forward to an even bigger and better event next year.
Mastronardi Estate Winery served as both a starting point for tickets, as well as a finishing point with a reception and refreshments, tasty treats, a Christmas market of local vendors and silent auction items. Numerous area businesses sponsored and donated items to the event.
Erie Shores House Tour Committee member Sandy Smith, left, with Mastronardi Estate Winery’s Father Christmas and house tour decorating coordinator Joan Balsam-Clark.
SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand
Carrie Grossi, owner of The Manor on Main in Kingsville, relaxes on the very large double swing on the closed-in, seasonally decorated front porch. The stately two-and-a-half-story home featured décor by New Designs Flowers and Gifts.
SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand
This Beech Street home was styled and decorated for the holidays by owner Courtney Clark, pictured in the open concept dining area with Nolan Stoer.
SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand
Another favourite on the home tour included a 900-square-foot home built in 1951 on Beech Street that underwent a major renovation in 2022 with a spacious two-story rear addition. Highlights included a decorated child’s room.
SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand
