Christmas Walk and House Tour is just the ticket to get in the holiday spirit

Nov, 24-2009 10:34 am

By CHRISTIAN MANAHAN
Staff Writer

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP – Need some help getting in the holiday spirit?

It would be hard to name a better way to get in a jolly mood than taking part in the annual Christmas Walk and House Tour here 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.

Sponsored by the Hamilton Township Historical Society, the annual event allows patrons to venture into business and private homes throughout the municipality that are decorated top to bottom for the holiday season.

Maps are provided, and tours are self-guided. No tours will begin after 8 p.m.  

Cheryl Fetty, a Historical Society member and the chairperson for the Christmas Walk and House Tour, said that the organization is looking for more homeowners to open up their houses for people to visit.

Traditionally, Fetty said, it has been homes and businesses in Mays Landing's historic district that have opened up their doors for people. However, there has been interest expressed by patrons of the event who said they would be willing to travel all around Mays Landing and further in the township to see how property owners dress up their homes for the holiday season.

“The more homes, the better,” Fetty said. “Even if it is a modern or contemporary home, it is fine. They don't have to be historic homes.”

In particular, members of the organization are looking for homes in the Clarkstown Road and Gravelly Run areas to participate, she said.  

Home and business owners wishing to open up their homes to the tour may call (609) 625-1598 to get applications.

“People who love to decorate their homes or businesses are a natural fit for the walk. It does mean getting ready for Christmas a few days earlier, but it is well worth it,” she said.

She said each visitor who comes to their door for a tour would be identified by a ticket for the walk.

As far as the creativity expressed by those who have decorated their property for the Christmas Walk, Fetty said that one homeowner went as far as having a Christmas tree in every room of the residence. Another had a wonderful gingerbread house display, she said.

The Davenport family of Pennington Avenue is known for its gingerbread house displays. The family has been involved in the Christmas Walk for more than a decade.

“Sometimes people even get ideas on how they can decorate their home,” Fetty said.

Businesses that have previously participated in the event include La Fondue, County Seat Florists, and Abbott House Bed and Breakfast Inn.

Fetty said that the walk and house tour was first organized about a decade ago to get people to venture into the township’s historic downtown. The downtown shops will be open for business during the walk.

For ticket information call Fetty at (609) 625-1598.