Christmas Tour of Homes
The Christmas Tour of Homes was conceived by the Dennison Depot Women's Committee in 1993 and originally sponsored by the Dennison Depot. It is a welcome tradition in the Tuscarawas Valley area, kicking off the Christmas holiday season.
The Heritage Home Association of Tuscarawas County has been hosting the event since 2009.
The 2025 Christmas Tour of Homes will be
Sunday, December 14, from 12 noon to 5 pm.
Paypal tickets will be picked up on Sunday, December 14 at Sacred Heart Church, 139 3rd Street NE; New Philadelphia from 11:45 am to 2 pm.
The Heritage Home Association of Tuscarawas County has been hosting the event since 2009.
The 2025 Christmas Tour of Homes will be
Sunday, December 14, from 12 noon to 5 pm.
Paypal tickets will be picked up on Sunday, December 14 at Sacred Heart Church, 139 3rd Street NE; New Philadelphia from 11:45 am to 2 pm.
31st Annual Christmas Tour of Homes 2025
The 31st Annual Christmas Tour of Homes will be on Sunday, December 14, 2025 starting at 12 noon until 5 pm. Tickets are $15 presale and $20 at the door on the day of the tour.
Ticket sales are limited so get your tickets early before they run out! Ticket sales start on November 24 at the Geib Funeral Homes of Dover and New Philadelphia, First National Bank--Dennison location only, Pam's Posies at 732 Boulevard St. Dover, and on-line until Friday, December 12 until midnight. There are NO REFUNDS. Paypal tickets will be picked up on Sunday, December 14 at Sacred Heart Church, 139 3rd Street NE; New Philadelphia from 11:45 am to 2 pm.
This year our tourists will find all nine beautiful sites in one historic town--New Philadelphia! All the sites are within a very short distance, to the tourists will not have to drive all across Tuscarawas County to find the homes! There will be some walking because four of the sites are on East High Avenue.
This year will definitely be a stellar year, so make sure you get to see all of the sites--start early!! And don't forget, the J. E. Reeves Victorian Home & Museum, decked out in all it's Holiday splendor, has a special rate for our Sunday tour day. You can also grab a bite at one of our wonderful local restaurants and then head on over to Tuscora Park for the Christmas in the Park that evening! Take in a whole day of that wonderful Christmas Season!!
*'s indicate plaqued homes
#1 Sacred Heart Church
139 Third Street NE; New Philadelphia, OH 44663
The present-day Sacred Heart Church was built in 1928 and was designed in the Romanesque style with rounded arches and a stately bell tower with steeple. Prior to 1895, the 27 Catholic families of New Philadelphia would travel to St. Joseph Church in Canal Dover for church services--and often times this was on foot! In 1894 when the German Reformed church outgrew its building at the corner of Fair Avenue NE and 2nd Street (now 3rd St. NE), the Catholic congregation purchased the building and on June 9, 1895 it was dedicated as the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In September 1908 a parochial school opened. Early in 1927 construction on a new church began. The contract for the new church was awarded to Frank L. Ritter of New Philadelphia. Work progressed rapidly, and on July 15, 1928, the new church was solemnly dedicated by the Bishop. Between 1941-1945 stained-glass windows were installed in the church, an addition to the school was built, and a new rectory was added. In May of 1962 a new larger parish hall was begun, and four years later the erection of a large mosaic of the Sacred Heart of Jesus filled the center rear wall of the sanctuary. In 2012 the Kegg Pipe Organ was installed in the choir loft. Please notice the fourteen beautiful lower stained-glass windows inside and the outstanding Rose Window above the church entrance. The Rose Window is a replica of the one in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Tuscanella, Italy.
The church is handicapped accessible from the Parish Center Lobby from Fair Avenue; Refreshments and Restrooms in the Parish Center area.
Note: THIS SITE IS ONLY OPEN UNTIL 4:00PM. We decorate for Christmas starting December 23rd--Please come back then!
#1 Sacred Heart Church
139 Third Street NE; New Philadelphia, OH 44663
The present-day Sacred Heart Church was built in 1928 and was designed in the Romanesque style with rounded arches and a stately bell tower with steeple. Prior to 1895, the 27 Catholic families of New Philadelphia would travel to St. Joseph Church in Canal Dover for church services--and often times this was on foot! In 1894 when the German Reformed church outgrew its building at the corner of Fair Avenue NE and 2nd Street (now 3rd St. NE), the Catholic congregation purchased the building and on June 9, 1895 it was dedicated as the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In September 1908 a parochial school opened. Early in 1927 construction on a new church began. The contract for the new church was awarded to Frank L. Ritter of New Philadelphia. Work progressed rapidly, and on July 15, 1928, the new church was solemnly dedicated by the Bishop. Between 1941-1945 stained-glass windows were installed in the church, an addition to the school was built, and a new rectory was added. In May of 1962 a new larger parish hall was begun, and four years later the erection of a large mosaic of the Sacred Heart of Jesus filled the center rear wall of the sanctuary. In 2012 the Kegg Pipe Organ was installed in the choir loft. Please notice the fourteen beautiful lower stained-glass windows inside and the outstanding Rose Window above the church entrance. The Rose Window is a replica of the one in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Tuscanella, Italy.
The church is handicapped accessible from the Parish Center Lobby from Fair Avenue; Refreshments and Restrooms in the Parish Center area.
Note: THIS SITE IS ONLY OPEN UNTIL 4:00PM. We decorate for Christmas starting December 23rd--Please come back then!
Site #2 The Chris and Marsha Smith Home
Welcome to our spacious brick ranch home built in 2003. You will find warm birch woodwork throughout the main level and beautiful oak on the lower level. We enjoy three fireplaces--one of which is two-sided, a peaceful master suite with a large walk-in closet, and a private balcony overlooking the golf course. A special feature in our home is the stained-glass windows. They are over 100 years old and were rescued from the New Philadelphia Emmanuel Lutheran Church after the 1970 fire. These historic art-glass pieces bring beauty, pleasure, and meaning to our space. Out back, the fenced yard includes sandstone walls and steps, and a tranquil stream which flows in warm months. From the front entry, guests are welcomed into the living room, the master suite, and the lower-level family room. Our Christmas decor is a collected mix of old and new--some pieces have been passed down from our grandparents, others are from early in our marriage, and a few recent favorites have been added along the way. Each special Christmas item helps make the season fell extra special! P.S. The 25 solar panels keep Chris' electric bill to almost -0- every month! Merry Christmas and thank you for visiting!
Welcome to our spacious brick ranch home built in 2003. You will find warm birch woodwork throughout the main level and beautiful oak on the lower level. We enjoy three fireplaces--one of which is two-sided, a peaceful master suite with a large walk-in closet, and a private balcony overlooking the golf course. A special feature in our home is the stained-glass windows. They are over 100 years old and were rescued from the New Philadelphia Emmanuel Lutheran Church after the 1970 fire. These historic art-glass pieces bring beauty, pleasure, and meaning to our space. Out back, the fenced yard includes sandstone walls and steps, and a tranquil stream which flows in warm months. From the front entry, guests are welcomed into the living room, the master suite, and the lower-level family room. Our Christmas decor is a collected mix of old and new--some pieces have been passed down from our grandparents, others are from early in our marriage, and a few recent favorites have been added along the way. Each special Christmas item helps make the season fell extra special! P.S. The 25 solar panels keep Chris' electric bill to almost -0- every month! Merry Christmas and thank you for visiting!
Site #3 Michael and Anita Exley Home
Welcome to the home of the Singing Snowman and his Friends. For years, people have enjoyed our outdoor Christmas display and perhaps have wondered how our home is decorated inside. Come on in! Get a glimpse of the "behind the scenes." Built in the 1970s, our home itself may be modest compared to the historic homes you may see on the tour; but it is decorated with a nostalgic leaning. The decorations span several generations. We feature the following: a pre-World War II Lionel train; a five-foot Tower with airplanes built by Anita's gandfather during the Great Depression--made out of scrap material; and ornaments belonging to our parents and grandparents. We will also showcase a collection of 50-plus Santas that belonged to Mike's parents, Jim and the late Barbara Exley. A selection of ornaments includes those we gifted them on their Anniversary which was Christmas Day--and they would have celebrated their 70th Anniversary this year! Our rotating Christmas tree is adorned with ornaments from trips and those that mark the stages of our son Adam's life. Our family room is decorated in a rustic theme. We are excited to share the Holiday Season with you!
Welcome to the home of the Singing Snowman and his Friends. For years, people have enjoyed our outdoor Christmas display and perhaps have wondered how our home is decorated inside. Come on in! Get a glimpse of the "behind the scenes." Built in the 1970s, our home itself may be modest compared to the historic homes you may see on the tour; but it is decorated with a nostalgic leaning. The decorations span several generations. We feature the following: a pre-World War II Lionel train; a five-foot Tower with airplanes built by Anita's gandfather during the Great Depression--made out of scrap material; and ornaments belonging to our parents and grandparents. We will also showcase a collection of 50-plus Santas that belonged to Mike's parents, Jim and the late Barbara Exley. A selection of ornaments includes those we gifted them on their Anniversary which was Christmas Day--and they would have celebrated their 70th Anniversary this year! Our rotating Christmas tree is adorned with ornaments from trips and those that mark the stages of our son Adam's life. Our family room is decorated in a rustic theme. We are excited to share the Holiday Season with you!
Site #4 Randy and Sharon Feemster Home "My Fair Lady" *
"My Fair Lady" wishes to extend Seasons Greeting to visitors and the community through the Holidays.
Known to many as the Halloween House, owners Randy and Sharon Feemster welcome visitors to their Plaqued Heritage Home and particularly to lovers of Victorian antiques and collectibles. Although the "Lady" has stood over a century and a half, she has undergone almost three decades of remodeling and updates. She now sports a new look and fresh make-up for Christmas 2025. We hope your visit to our Queen Anne style home built in 1890 is a memorable and joyous one!
"My Fair Lady" wishes to extend Seasons Greeting to visitors and the community through the Holidays.
Known to many as the Halloween House, owners Randy and Sharon Feemster welcome visitors to their Plaqued Heritage Home and particularly to lovers of Victorian antiques and collectibles. Although the "Lady" has stood over a century and a half, she has undergone almost three decades of remodeling and updates. She now sports a new look and fresh make-up for Christmas 2025. We hope your visit to our Queen Anne style home built in 1890 is a memorable and joyous one!
Site #5 Todd and Peggy Bonvechio Home
Welcome to our single-story brick home, built by our whole family, including children, grandchildren, and our parents. We built our home in 2017, with the idea of incorporating the antiques we have collected over the decades. Our previous home was over 100 years old and it was also on the Christmas Tour of Homes many years ago. That home was filled with our antiques and collectibles and we were not going to leave any of them behind when we moved. We designed this 2.500 square-foot home ourselves with entertaining in mind. The open-concept plan was perfect for the many gatherings we enjoy. Our spacious home includes beautiful hardwood flooring throughout. The wood for the living and dining area floors came from barns within a 50 mile radius of here and you can see the charming aged patina showing on the boards. The bedrooms and sunroom floors are hickory. The warm looking custom cabinets and woodwork are birch with coffee satin. The highly efficient fireplace is a Rumford design. In keeping with our antique theme, our pantry door is the original front door from our historic home in Gnadenhutten.
Welcome to our single-story brick home, built by our whole family, including children, grandchildren, and our parents. We built our home in 2017, with the idea of incorporating the antiques we have collected over the decades. Our previous home was over 100 years old and it was also on the Christmas Tour of Homes many years ago. That home was filled with our antiques and collectibles and we were not going to leave any of them behind when we moved. We designed this 2.500 square-foot home ourselves with entertaining in mind. The open-concept plan was perfect for the many gatherings we enjoy. Our spacious home includes beautiful hardwood flooring throughout. The wood for the living and dining area floors came from barns within a 50 mile radius of here and you can see the charming aged patina showing on the boards. The bedrooms and sunroom floors are hickory. The warm looking custom cabinets and woodwork are birch with coffee satin. The highly efficient fireplace is a Rumford design. In keeping with our antique theme, our pantry door is the original front door from our historic home in Gnadenhutten.
Site #6 The Lawrence Home
Welcome to the Lawrence home! Built in 1900, this American Foursquare features its classic hipped roof, centered dormer, and full-width front porch and reflects the clean, practical lines that defined early 20th-century architecture. Inside, visitors will find much of the original character still beautifully intact. Quarter-sawn oak woodwork and hardwood floors run throughout, complemented by several iron-cast windows and the original front door. These details showcase the craftsmanship of the era and bring warmth and authenticity to every room. Since acquiring the home in 2018, my husband, David, and I have lovingly restored and updated it, completing nearly all the work ourselves with the help of my father, Ed Heck. Every room has been refreshed, both bathrooms and the kitchen were completely rebuilt, and the basement was finished for modern living. The kitchen cabinets were a special labor of love, hand-built by my father and me in my grandfather's workshop. In 2024, we were honored to receive the Hero of Preservation Award from the Tuscarawas County Heritage Home Association for our careful exterior restoration--a project that balanced thoughtful renewal with respect for the home's historic integrity. Today, David and I share the home with our daughter, Leighton. We have sought to remodel in a way that honors its early 20th-century roots while ensuring it will be cherished for generations to come. Dressed for the Holidays, the Lawrence home offers a warm and welcoming glimpse into the enduring beauty of New Philadelphia's architecture.
Welcome to the Lawrence home! Built in 1900, this American Foursquare features its classic hipped roof, centered dormer, and full-width front porch and reflects the clean, practical lines that defined early 20th-century architecture. Inside, visitors will find much of the original character still beautifully intact. Quarter-sawn oak woodwork and hardwood floors run throughout, complemented by several iron-cast windows and the original front door. These details showcase the craftsmanship of the era and bring warmth and authenticity to every room. Since acquiring the home in 2018, my husband, David, and I have lovingly restored and updated it, completing nearly all the work ourselves with the help of my father, Ed Heck. Every room has been refreshed, both bathrooms and the kitchen were completely rebuilt, and the basement was finished for modern living. The kitchen cabinets were a special labor of love, hand-built by my father and me in my grandfather's workshop. In 2024, we were honored to receive the Hero of Preservation Award from the Tuscarawas County Heritage Home Association for our careful exterior restoration--a project that balanced thoughtful renewal with respect for the home's historic integrity. Today, David and I share the home with our daughter, Leighton. We have sought to remodel in a way that honors its early 20th-century roots while ensuring it will be cherished for generations to come. Dressed for the Holidays, the Lawrence home offers a warm and welcoming glimpse into the enduring beauty of New Philadelphia's architecture.
Site #7 Edward and Stacie Heck Home
Welcome to our Georgian Revival style home built in 1900 by William T. Alberson. Mr. Alberson was the founder of The Daily Times which was the first permanent daily newspaper of New Philadelphia. Our home has a dozen unique leaded and stained-glass windows and is easily identified by its hipped roof, dormers, dentil molding in the cornice, corner pilasters, and fluted columns. The wide double front doors invite you to an extraordinary entryway and foyer which features pillars. These, along with the floors, picture rail, plate shelf and built-in window seats are all original oak and in many areas quarter-sawn. The historical charm continues with the home's Georgian paneled wainscoting, six panel pocket doors, and grand baluster staircase. Three chimneys allow ventilation for the four gas fireplaces and the one wood burning fireplace, all of which have very different and unique mantels. On the second floor, you will still find the glass handles on the doors and the gas/electric light sconces on the walls, as well as the servants rooms and back staircase. The third floor of the home was built as a ballroom for entertaining and also offers built-in benches. Each of the levels feature high ceilings and beautiful woodwork throughout. In August of 2001, my husband, Ed, and I, along with our children, Gabrielle and Jacob, purchased the home from the Dr. Belknap family. We embarked on a journey to renovate and restore it to its original glory. My husband built the kitchen cupboards in his father's woodshop and continued the raised panel look on the back of the eat-at bar and the cupboard doors. He completed the kitchen by replicating the large woodwork. Our home continues to be a showcase we are proud to call our own and we hope that you love its unique historical qualities as much as we do!
Welcome to our Georgian Revival style home built in 1900 by William T. Alberson. Mr. Alberson was the founder of The Daily Times which was the first permanent daily newspaper of New Philadelphia. Our home has a dozen unique leaded and stained-glass windows and is easily identified by its hipped roof, dormers, dentil molding in the cornice, corner pilasters, and fluted columns. The wide double front doors invite you to an extraordinary entryway and foyer which features pillars. These, along with the floors, picture rail, plate shelf and built-in window seats are all original oak and in many areas quarter-sawn. The historical charm continues with the home's Georgian paneled wainscoting, six panel pocket doors, and grand baluster staircase. Three chimneys allow ventilation for the four gas fireplaces and the one wood burning fireplace, all of which have very different and unique mantels. On the second floor, you will still find the glass handles on the doors and the gas/electric light sconces on the walls, as well as the servants rooms and back staircase. The third floor of the home was built as a ballroom for entertaining and also offers built-in benches. Each of the levels feature high ceilings and beautiful woodwork throughout. In August of 2001, my husband, Ed, and I, along with our children, Gabrielle and Jacob, purchased the home from the Dr. Belknap family. We embarked on a journey to renovate and restore it to its original glory. My husband built the kitchen cupboards in his father's woodshop and continued the raised panel look on the back of the eat-at bar and the cupboard doors. He completed the kitchen by replicating the large woodwork. Our home continues to be a showcase we are proud to call our own and we hope that you love its unique historical qualities as much as we do!
Site #8 Mike and Jill Wasson Home
We are very excited to open our doors and share our love for Christmas and the Holiday Season with you. Our home was originally built in 1901 and it was completely renovated in 2024. Our family relocated to New Philadelphia in January 2025 and we are very eager to spend our first Yuletide Season in such a charming town as New Philadelphia! We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
We are very excited to open our doors and share our love for Christmas and the Holiday Season with you. Our home was originally built in 1901 and it was completely renovated in 2024. Our family relocated to New Philadelphia in January 2025 and we are very eager to spend our first Yuletide Season in such a charming town as New Philadelphia! We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Site #9 The Buss Home *
This beautiful example of and Italianate style brick home was built in 1868, and we bought this historic home in 2014. A handsome porch sweeps the front of the home, and surrounding the eight-foot front door is an elaborate transom and side-lights with leaded beveled glass windows. You will enter a very large hallway with a graceful winding staircase which will welcome you to this warm and inviting place. Our home boasts eleven rooms with ceilings that are eleven feet tall, oak floors, and wide decorative wood moldings around the doors and windows. Five lovely and ornate fireplace mantels grace this home with two of them being over eight feet tall. In 2021 there was a terrible fire which started in the dining room and we were out of the home for eleven months during the reconstruction. We invite you to enjoy our Christmas decorations and our beautiful historic home. Season's Blessings to all!
This beautiful example of and Italianate style brick home was built in 1868, and we bought this historic home in 2014. A handsome porch sweeps the front of the home, and surrounding the eight-foot front door is an elaborate transom and side-lights with leaded beveled glass windows. You will enter a very large hallway with a graceful winding staircase which will welcome you to this warm and inviting place. Our home boasts eleven rooms with ceilings that are eleven feet tall, oak floors, and wide decorative wood moldings around the doors and windows. Five lovely and ornate fireplace mantels grace this home with two of them being over eight feet tall. In 2021 there was a terrible fire which started in the dining room and we were out of the home for eleven months during the reconstruction. We invite you to enjoy our Christmas decorations and our beautiful historic home. Season's Blessings to all!
NOTES FOR A PLEASANT TOUR
1. Purchase tickets early--A limited number of tickets are available and sell out quickly.
2. Start early so that you can visit all of the sites and plan to spend the afternoon.
3. Safe and comfortable shoes that can easily be removed and put back on are recommended for touring homes. Hospital-style "shoe covers" (aka booties) can also be worn while inside the tour homes, some people even bring their own house slippers to wear inside the homes. High heels are not recommended. Please note there may be a lot of walking from the sites to your vehicle.
4. Tickets that were purchased online will be picked up at the Sacred Heart Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia on the Sunday of the tour from 11:45 AM to 2 PM. If tickets are purchased at a retail location or at one of the sites on the day of the tour, you may tour the sites in any order you choose.
5. Keep your ticket/booklet with you at all times and have it ready to present upon entry to each tour site.
6. Large pocketbooks or bags are not permitted in the homes.
7. Stick around and enjoy a nice meal or snack in our many local eateries and visit Christmas in the Park at Tuscora Park and please visit our advertisers.
8. Remember that the J. E. Reeves Home at 325 East Iron Avenue, Dover is open for your touring pleasure from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a discounted price of $3.00 on the day of the tour.
1. Purchase tickets early--A limited number of tickets are available and sell out quickly.
2. Start early so that you can visit all of the sites and plan to spend the afternoon.
3. Safe and comfortable shoes that can easily be removed and put back on are recommended for touring homes. Hospital-style "shoe covers" (aka booties) can also be worn while inside the tour homes, some people even bring their own house slippers to wear inside the homes. High heels are not recommended. Please note there may be a lot of walking from the sites to your vehicle.
4. Tickets that were purchased online will be picked up at the Sacred Heart Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia on the Sunday of the tour from 11:45 AM to 2 PM. If tickets are purchased at a retail location or at one of the sites on the day of the tour, you may tour the sites in any order you choose.
5. Keep your ticket/booklet with you at all times and have it ready to present upon entry to each tour site.
6. Large pocketbooks or bags are not permitted in the homes.
7. Stick around and enjoy a nice meal or snack in our many local eateries and visit Christmas in the Park at Tuscora Park and please visit our advertisers.
8. Remember that the J. E. Reeves Home at 325 East Iron Avenue, Dover is open for your touring pleasure from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a discounted price of $3.00 on the day of the tour.
DISCLAIMER: The Heritage Home Association of Tuscarawas County, Inc., its volunteers, or agents, and the homeowners and/or their volunteers or agents shall not be responsible for accidents, theft, personal injury, nor liable for any other direct or indirect damages resulting to or from participation in the Annual Christmas Tour of Homes.