Annual Sites on Tour
Friday, December 6 & Saturday, December 7, 2024
9:30 am - 4:30 pm
​
Enjoy free admission to exhibits and special offerings at local historic and cultural sites as part of your Holiday House Tour ticket.
7: Annual Site
St. Vincent de Paul Church
Decorated by dedicated volunteers
​
The Parish was established in 1827. In 1834, the Roman Catholic community built a clapboard church on land granted by the Crown. The present day church is on the original site. All future renovations remained consistent with the original Gothic Revival style. The large addition, constructed in 1964, preserved most of the older section of the church with the choir loft serving as a bridge between the old and new. St. Vincent de Paul is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the Province of Ontario.
​
St. Vincent de Paul Church invites you to enjoy a delicious homemade lunch at the Church Hall
(222 Davy St.) from 11 am -2 pm.
Treats and Treasures will also be on sale.
8: Annual Site
Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Decorated by dedicated volunteers
​
Welcome to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, where the holiday spirit comes alive with history and charm. Memorial Hall (1907), Ontario’s first purpose-built Museum, is decorated for your enjoyment. Explore the rich history of Niagara-on-the-Lake, from its early settlements to its role in the War of 1812 to the recent tourism and agricultural history.
Browse through a curated selection of gifts inspired by local history and Christmas traditions, and enjoy a cup of hot apple cider while you visit.
​
Make the art hub of the community your holiday shopping destination! Explore a wide selection of one-of-a-kind treasures by local artisans. Christmas trees are adorned with unique ornaments and stocking stuffers, while gallery walls showcase winter-themed artworks. Holiday helpers and festive treats are available on-site to enhance your shopping experience. The Holiday Market runs from December 6th to 15th.
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre hosts year-round events, exhibitions, and programs, giving back to the community by providing access to the arts for those in need.
If you have questions about the tour, Rotary volunteers will be on hand at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre as an information station until 1:oo pm, Friday and Saturday.
​
10: Annual Site
McFarland House
Decorated by the Garden Club of Niagara
The Garden Club of Niagara will decorate both the inside and outside of McFarland House in the theme, ‘Holiday Stories’. The club uses authentic natural materials for designs and decorations suitable to the period of the home.
This historic Georgian manor home was built by John McFarland and his sons.
Descendants of the McFarlands lived in the house for over 140 years before it was
restored by The Niagara Parks Commission and opened to the public in 1959. During the War of 1812, both British and American forces used the home as a hospital, and in 1813, the British attack on Fort Niagara was launched from the ravine on the property. McFarland House is one of the only structures to survive the burning of the town when occupying American forces retreated from the area, making it one of the oldest properties in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Today, McFarland House portrays early nineteenth century life in Upper Canada.
There will be sticky toffee pudding, scones, homemade hot chocolate, mulled cider, and tea.
​
​
​
RiverBrink Art Museum is home to
historical artworks created by Canadian, American, and European artists from the collection of the late Samuel E. Weir. Artworks by many of Canada’s most
celebrated artists, including Tom Thomson and members of the Group of Seven, are on display.
During the Holiday House Tour 2024, RiverBrink is showcasing the collection in exhibitions Centre and Periphery: The Group of Seven; Borderland; and Artists on Tour.
This year, Mullen Garden Market brings a festive touch to the art museum with amazing holiday displays and decorations. Visitors are welcome to explore the Holiday Market and RiverBrink Gift Shop, which features local artwork for purchase, as well as the beautiful grounds overlooking the Niagara River opposite Lewiston, NY.
Located at the intersection of the Niagara Parkway and Queenston Street in the historic village of Queenston.
​
Built in 1834 as a private residence for Alexander Hamilton, Willowbank is considered a Heritage Site of national historic significance. In 2001, its future was jeopardized when its owner threatened to demolish the home if his request to build a subdivision on the property was not approved. Thanks to the intervention of a group of concerned neigh-bours, Willowbank was saved and today is home to a School of Restoration Arts that attracts students from around the world.
Although their work on the main house is ongoing, layers of exposed wallpaper in the living and dining rooms continue to serve as a testament to lives well lived. Local folklore has it that Alexander’s wife, Hannah, can sometimes be glimpsed peering out a second-floor window as she continues to watch over her beloved home.
