Lantern Tour illuminates Swiss Ave.

By Henry Tatum

The holiday season has always been a special time on Swiss Avenue. The Friends of Aldredge House will capture that spirit Sunday, Dec. 8 with its popular Lantern Walk, a guided tour of Swiss Avenue Historic District homes that will highlight the neighborhood’s holiday traditions in the early 20th century.

Costumed docents will take guests to five separate homes, including the 102-year-old Aldredge House, where they will be treated to drinks and hors d’oeuvres and hear stories about the holiday season in the early 1900s. The Woodrow Wilson Chancel Choir will also be performing during the evening.

The tours will start at the Aldredge House, 5500 Swiss Ave., and continue to homes at 5020 and 5731 Swiss Ave., and 6241 and 6243 LaVista Dr. All of the homes will be beautifully decorated in both traditional and modern styles for the season. The well-known Stellmacher home on LaVista, owned by Wayne Noble and Barry Jones, has been a favorite of the annual Lantern Walk, which is now in its third year. Lantern Walk tours will start at Aldredge House and continue from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tickets are $65 for members of Friends of Aldredge House and $70 for non-members. Valet parking is free and recommended. Trolley transportation also is provided for the tour.

 Tickets can be purchased via Paypal at friendsofaldredgehouse.org. Guests also can buy tickets at the door at Aldredge House, but due to the popularity of Lantern Walk, it is recommended they be purchased in advance.

 The Friends of Aldredge House is a non-profit organization established to provide long term financial security and support for one of Dallas’ most architecturally significant homes. Its goal is to preserve the Aldredge House as a museum home and public meeting space for educational outreach on preservation.