The Friends of the Georgetown Library are bringing holiday cheer to the community with the 22nd annual Yuletide Home Tour, set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 1-5 p.m. This beloved event offers a rare opportunity to explore some of Georgetown’s most beautiful historic homes, churches and museums, all festively decorated for the holiday season.
And there are some new things on this year’s tour, said Bob Willey, president of the Friends of the Georgetown Library.
This year’s tour includes 11 stunning homes, ranging in age from the colonial era to the 1960s, as well as two historic churches and three local museums. Highlights include first-time participants such as the Chapel at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church and three newly featured homes. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, a participant in previous years, will open its doors from 1-3 p.m., offering visitors a glimpse of its exquisite interior before preparations for the 5 p.m. Mass.
Participating museums include the Kaminski House Museum, newly adorned for the holidays with a special contribution from the local Jewish synagogue; the Gullah Museum, a vibrant showcase of the Gullah Geechee heritage; and the Georgetown County Museum, which will feature a special exhibit on Francis Marion as part of the South Carolina 250th anniversary celebration.
The Yuletide Home Tour is the Friends of the Georgetown Library’s major fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting the library’s children’s reading programs. These funds help support weekly storytimes, music sessions, and special events for children.
“We work hard to keep administrative costs low so that as many pennies on the dollar as possible go directly to these important programs,” Willey said.
Tickets and Additional Activities
Tickets for the Yuletide Home Tour are $25 per person or $20 for members of any Friends of the Library group in Georgetown County and can be purchased online at www.myfogl.org or at any Georgetown County Library branch. On the day of the event, attendees can also enjoy the Santa Shop, a craft fair featuring local artisans, held at the Georgetown Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Yuletide Home Tour has become a draw for both locals and visitors.
“Many attendees make a weekend of it,” Willey said. “They stay in local hotels, dine at our restaurants, and shop at our unique stores. It’s a wonderful way to showcase everything Georgetown has to offer.”
The Friends of the Library have more community events planned for the new year, including the Spring Community Yard Sale in March and the continuation of their popular “Tuesdays With” lecture series, which resumes in January with a presentation on archaeology in the South Island and Yawkey areas.
For more information about the many upcoming events taking place at the county’s five library branches, visit our online calendar at gtcounty.org. Residents can also sign up for alert notifications for special events, public meetings and more.