Over 50 years ago, a small group of McKinney women came together with a mission to save two historic homes from demolition. Their idea sparked something much larger: the very first Holiday Tour of Homes, a fundraiser that would preserve the Dulaney House and the Dulaney Cottage, and ultimately lead to the creation of Chestnut Square.
The Holiday Tour of Homes has continued ever since, and now it’s approaching its 52nd year as one of McKinney’s most beloved and meaningful traditions.
What is the Holiday Tour of Homes?
The Holiday Tour of Homes offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship, architecture and creativity that define McKinney’s heritage.
This year’s tour includes six historic McKinney homes, the yellow Heard-Craig House and the newly restored Dulaney Cottage at Chestnut Square.
Over the years, the tour has grown into a cherished local tradition, welcoming between 1,800 and 2,200 guests annually.
Each home represents a blend of past and present, preserved with care, yet shaped by the families who live there today.
“When someone buys a historic home, they have something unique that they want to bring to the home for the period of time in which it stands,” Development Director DeAnna Stone said.
Stone said that’s part of the tour’s enduring appeal: seeing how families adapt their historic spaces to modern life while maintaining authenticity.
“They make changes to them; they make them unique to themselves,” Stone said. “There’s really nothing more intimate than someone inviting you into their home to see and showcase the history, but then also the uniqueness that they bring to the table.”
Each stop along the tour showcases how McKinney’s residents continue to live within history, from Victorian-era architecture to handcrafted woodwork.
What does this event mean for McKinney’s future?
While many come for the holiday cheer, the tour’s deeper purpose is preservation.
Proceeds from ticket sales support Chestnut Square year-round. They fund the care of its historic buildings and sustain its educational programs, farmers market and museum.
“I want [the community] to know that there’s an entire organization that their funds go towards to help preserve McKinney,” Stone said. “The Holiday Tour of Homes is our signature. That is what put us on the map. That is what created us, ... and that is what sustains us.”
How can residents take part?
In addition to attending the tour, community members can contribute by volunteering, sponsoring or joining Chestnut Square’s new Inspirational Directory. The directory connects visitors with local businesses and craftspeople who help preserve and beautify McKinney’s homes, from flooring and paint to landscaping and decor.
“If you have a business that does anything related to a home, this is something you would want to showcase your business in,” Stone said. “People are being inspired as they look at roof design, or structure, or ... flooring, or paint, or landscape. ... They’re going to be wanting to know who these [homeowners] go to.”
Stone said to email [email protected] to inquire about joining the directory.
Why does this tradition still matter today?
Beyond the festive decorations and historic architecture, the Holiday Tour of Homes is a reflection of McKinney’s spirit, where community and history intertwine. For many, the experience evokes powerful memories.
“You’ll hear someone say, ‘Oh, my gosh, this [looks] like my grandmother’s sink. My grandmother had this,’” Stone said. “It brings a very emotional connection to the past and what you experience.”
Stone added that connection is what keeps preservation meaningful.
“It is the community that continues to preserve what we have and showcase that for schools and for educational purposes,” Stone said. “By preserving history we showcase a respect for the past, an appreciation for today and inspiration for tomorrow.”
How can I purchase tickets?
The 52nd Annual Holiday Tour of Homes takes place December 6-7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door, and valid for both days. Ticket options include:
- Tour tickets
- Breakfast and tour tickets
- Dinner and tour tickets
The event is rain or shine.
Click here to dive deeper, or purchase tickets today.
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
