If you love peeking behind beautiful front doors, soaking up local history, and adding a little old-school charm to your holiday season, this is one event you’ll want on your calendar.
A Harrisburg Holiday Tradition Returns
Historic Harrisburg Association’s 52nd Annual Candlelight House Tour takes place on Sunday, December 14. The walkable, DIY tour takes you inside some of the city’s most fascinating and beautifully decorated spaces. It is one of the oldest and largest house tours in the eastern U.S.
This year’s tour showcases more than 15 properties across Harrisburg, including homes and buildings in neighborhoods like Academy Manor near Italian Lake and Old Uptown. From private residences to architectural landmarks and even striking contemporary spaces, the tour highlights the wide range of urban living options that make Harrisburg such a compelling place to call home.
A Can’t-Miss Highlight: The Zembo Shrine Center
One of the major standouts this year is the Zembo Shrine Center, a true architectural gem overlooking Italian Lake. Recently added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2024, the Zembo Shrine Center is often considered second only to the Pennsylvania State Capitol in architectural significance within Central Pennsylvania. Expect grand rooms, beautifully adorned public spaces, and a setting that feels especially magical during the holiday season.
How the Tour Works
Your ticket doubles as a full-color guidebook, complete with a centerfold map that makes planning your route easy. While properties are numbered, visitors are encouraged to explore in whatever order they like.
Make a day of it, and stop for lunch, coffee, or a cozy afternoon break at one of Harrisburg’s many restaurants and cafés open during the tour.
The guidebook also includes a handy directory of local businesses that serve historic homeowners, making it both a keepsake and a resource.
Ticket Information (Read This Part!)
- Advance tickets: $20 (available through Dec. 13, early bird discounts may apply)
- Day-of tickets: $30, available starting at 12 p.m. on Dec. 14
How to get your guidebook/ticket:
- Tickets purchased online must be picked up in person at: Historic Harrisburg Resource Center, 1230 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg (Bring your Eventbrite voucher)
- Guidebooks will also be available for purchase in December at the Resource Center
- Day-of tickets are sold at the same location beginning at noon
Plan Ahead
The Candlelight House Tour consistently draws visitors from across Pennsylvania and beyond. Last year’s event welcomed guests from 11 states and Washington, D.C. If you’ve never gone, this is a perfect year to start. If you’re a regular, you already know: comfortable shoes, a flexible plan, and a little curiosity go a long way.
For tickets and full details, visit historicharrisburg.org or reach out at info@historicharrisburg.org or 717-233-4646.
Festive homes, rich history, and a great excuse to spend a December Sunday exploring the city — sounds like a holiday win to me!
