This Christmas season, December 8-12, Opelika’s Northside Historic District is celebrating like it’s 1899! For five days in early December 60 Victorian and historic homes near downtown Opelika are transformed into colorful, nostalgic reminders of Christmas from a simpler, slower-paced era.

The tour began in 1993 with just a few homes participating but has grown to include 60 homes on North 8th and 9th street. The homes are decorated with life-size Santas, angels, toys, carousel horses, and Christmas-themed figures. The Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour has been voted one of the southeast's top-rated tourism events and featured in Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Living.

The event is a self-directed driving tour. However, on Saturday night North 8th and 9th streets will be closed to traffic to encourage visitors, neighbors, and friends to stroll through the neighborhood. This enables everyone to leisurely enjoy the homes up close, listen to the carolers, and talk with residents dressed in Victorian costumes. This tour begins on North 8th street and 2nd Avenue and includes over ten city blocks. Admission to this spectacular production is free.

On the Friday night of the tour, the City of Opelika sponsors Christmas in a Railroad town which includes wagon rides through the Victorian Front Porch Christmas tour which includes tour guides who take you back in time while enjoying the festively decorated homes.

SCHEDULE:

December 8: Driving tour 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

December 9: Bike tour at 10 AM 

December 9: Walking tour 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Streets are closed to non-foot traffic. Entertainment from Opelika City Schools, Opelika First Baptist Handbells, and more! To inquire      about performance opportunities for your group, please email victorianfrontporchtour@opelika-al.gov.

December 10: Driving tour 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

December 11: Driving tour 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

December 12: Driving tour 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

To learn more about other local holiday happenings, click here.