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What is the Christmas Home Tour?

The Christmas Home Tour, sponsored annually since 1966 by First Congregational United Church of Christ, celebrates the opening of Longmont's holiday season. Every year, three homes are selected, decorated in holiday themes, and open for visitors. In addition, a craft fair and bake sale are held at the church on the days of the tour. All work for the Christmas Home Tour is done by volunteers who are members of the church and the community with proceeds benefiting many Longmont non-profit agencies, like The OUR Center and Tiny Tim, as well as the church’s own mission efforts and other programs. In recent years, approximately $15,000 to $17,000 has been raised each year and the proceeds are distributed after expenses are covered.

For 2008, the Christmas Home Tour will focus on the church's values of sustainability and locally produced materials. Home decorations will feature local artists' works that can be purchased by tour visitors, along with an increased variety of items handmade by artisans from developing countries.

The Christmas Home Tour is typically held the Thursday and Friday of the week following Thanksgiving day. For more information, contact the church office at 303-776-4940.

When is this year's tour?

This year the 43rd Annual Christmas Home Tour "A Tradition of Giving" is Thursday and Friday, December 4 - 5 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1500 9th Ave. in Longmont, CO 80501.

Where do you get tickets?

Tickets are available at Art & Soul in the Twin Peaks Mall, Buzz Coffee (on Francis), Longmont Ace Hardware, Greenback Thrift Store on Main, The Presser Foot, The Daily-Times Call, Meals on Wheels at the Longmont Senior Center, House in Prospect, First Congregational United Church of Christ office and any church member. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 on tour days, and $2 for children under 10 at the door on the days of the tour. On tour days tickets can be purchased at any of the homes on the tour or at the church in the Fellowship Hall. For more information call the church office at 303-776-4941 or email Joelle Porter at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

What is at the church on tour days?

In Fellowship Hall, a tea table with coffee, tea, punch and homemade pastries will be available. Also offered are a bake sale table with baked goods and preserves made by church members, and tables of crafts by local crafters. Crafters rent space at $40.00 for a table and adjacent space for the two-day period. For nearly the entire life of the Home Tour, handmade goods from developing countries have also been sold at the Home Tour, with proceeds going to the artisans instead of to marketers. Beginning in 1969, Church World Service was the source of these goods. Starting about 1983, the group became known as SERRV and now is "A Greater Gift." One of the product lines is now from Colorado - bean mixes from the Women's Bean Project in Denver, a non-profit that provides employment for women over-coming addiction or escaping abusive situations.

How can I get involved or volunteer to help?

To join the Home Tour team call Joelle Porter at 303-684-8160 there's something for everyone! Volunteers are needed to work as hosts in the homes and at the church in Fellowship Hall. Please call Claudia Brown at 303-435-8351 to sign up for a  2 hour shift on either day from 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Which non-profits benefit from the Christmas Home Tour?

How can I be part of the craft fair at the church?

The craft fair is full for 2008. However, if you are interested in being part of next year's event featuring hand-made items please contact Joelle Porter at 303-684-8160.