Christmas Home Touring in Gonzales set for Dec. 7-8

The lights glow brighter in Gonzales this year illuminating 199 years of Christmas traditions in this fascinating little city that is the heartland of Texas and its rich history.

Dressed in holiday finery, Gonzales homes, churches, and public buildings will again fling open their doors to greet the season and share their history during the Winterfest 2024 Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

When visitors arrive, if they haven’t already bought their home tour tickets online at gonzaleshistorichomes.org, they can purchase their tickets at Laurel Ridge Inn, Antiques and Christmas at 827 Saint Joseph St. This historic property, the 1914 Judge Frank Fly House, is open to for touring and just for this weekend … has on display the desk chair of the infamous outlaw John Wesley Hardin, who studied law in the home with Judge Fly.

Just a few blocks north on the avenue at 1027 Saint Joseph, visitors can step into the 1913 W. F. Robertson House. The delightful property with the period additions to the original home, along with outdoor gardens and the curious tree in the middle of the street creates a sentimental snapshot of the generations who have loved and decorated there.

On the other North/South Avenue at 520 Saint Paul St., visitors can the tour of the newly restored mid-century Lynn Theater. The Lynn Theater, an iconic Gonzales landmark sparkles like a jewel in the evening sky and promises a tour of the Lynn won’t disappoint. Then guests can join these intrepid entrepreneurs who rescued the Lynn Theater at their magnificent Inn located at 723 Saint James St.

Down the street from their immense Saint James Inn and nestled at 213 Saint James St., visitors will find a lovely addition to the treasure trove of historic homes on the Gonzales Home Tour roster. The Hyman Friedman House has never opened its doors to home tour visitors before this “almost bicentennial” holiday tour.

Adding to the total experience of the Winterfest historic home tour is a Gonzales’ early church showcasing not only the completely restored building and grounds, but their magnificent organ and the new technology that plays that organ.

The 1885 Episcopal Church of the Messiah, located at 721 Saint Louis St., was completely restored in 2023. Now, amidst lustrous black-walnut paneling and original stained-glass, a spectacular hand-carved angel lectern beckons visitors to enter the vaulted-ceiling sanctuary. On this 2024 tour afternoon new technology and the “Phantom of the Organ” will be playing historic carols on the 1928 Pilcher organ.

A recent, vibrantly restored addition to the 2024 Gonzales Home Tour is the Boothe House at 706 Saint George St. A fabulous history, a color-inspired restoration and an impressive art collection awaits the visitor at 706 Saint George St.

A few blocks south at one of the highest vantage points in the inner city the pristinely preserved J B Wells House awaits the visitor at 833 Mitchell St. Constructed of long leaf pine hauled by ox teams from the port of Indianola, much of the interior woodwork and furnishings are crafted from local black walnut. Filled with the original furnishings and hosted by members of the DRT this tour is a truly authentic Texas holiday experience.

Not part of the home tour ticket, but another holiday experience not to be missed is “Stars in the Village” at Pioneer Village. Twinkling lights, period music in the church, popcorn popped over an open fire, and candles and cornhusk doll making are only parts of the wonder of Christmas in the Village. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Winterfest Saturday, Dec. 7 and again the following weekend. The magic of the village takes place on the grounds and in the historic structures located at 2122 N. Saint Joseph St.

All these jewels of Texas Christmas reflect not only history, but they shine a light on the inspired Texans committed to their preservation. The homes, churches and buildings stand as tangible evidence of Gonzales’ spellbinding past, and illuminate a future filled with the hopes and dreams of the intrepid, imaginative, resourceful people who continue to live, love, and celebrate Christmas in them.

Excerpts are taken from a Texas Homes and Living article written by Barbara Priesmeyer Crozier, December 2007… and ring as true today for the 2024 Winterfest Holiday Home Tour.