Havre de Grace is a town known for their events and the Lock House Museum’s annual Candlelight Tour is one of them.
With most events being postponed or canceled this year, many were delighted to hear that the Candlelight Tour would go on as planned.
Started in 1972 as a fundraiser, locals, and visitors alike, have looked forward to the Candlelight Tour each December. Normally, the tour features beautifully decorated homes and attractions in Historic Havre de Grace. With the current restrictions in place and to ensure everyone’s safety, the committee got creative.
Julie Ruhnke, the Lock House Museum’s Board Vice President was determined to keep the tradition alive, “This event has been going on for forty-eight years. We knew there had to be a way to make it COVID-19-friendly,” she said.
The theme of this year’s tour is, “The Light Still Shines,” which could not be any more fitting. The theme is a tribute to the Lock House Museum’s members and volunteers who have allowed the museum to survive Covid-19.
New this year – everyone will receive a candle to hold on the tour to create a parade of lights throughout downtown.
While the highlight of the tour is normally peeking inside of homes, this year, it will instead feature fourteen outdoor spaces. For those of us who have walked the alleys of Havre de Grace – we know that the backyards are the best part! From a historic home built in the 1830’s to a brand-new home on Bourbon Street, all of the spaces will be unique.
Each stop will feature a local musician to help create a fun, festive vibe – from jazz to rock and roll. Best part? Every musician is donating their time for the cause – we truly have the best community.
The Candlelight Tour normally draws quite a crowd, but there is no need to worry. The event is committed to ensure everyone has an enjoyable and safe evening, so this year there will be new protocols in place. Each house will have a volunteer docent to make sure everyone adheres to social distancing. With the event being held outdoors, there will be plenty of room for everyone to move around comfortably.
Last year was my first holiday season in Havre de Grace and my parents happened to be in town. They offered to babysit all the kids and we happily took them up on their offer. It made for the perfect date night and the tour exceeded our expectations.
If this is your first time on the tour, here are some helpful tips.
Parking – one of the best parts about Havre de Grace is the ample street parking. Check-in is at the Lock House Museum, located at 817 Conesto Street, Havre de Grace. Here you will receive your brochure, which includes the tour map and fun details about each house and musician.
Tour – The tour runs from 4pm to 8pm on Saturday, December 12. While the tour can be done in as little as 90 minutes, with the live music and “feel good holiday vibes,” you will want to leave yourself at least a few hours. The entire tour is walkable, but many opt to drive from one neighborhood to next.
Eats – There are many great dining options downtown – we recommend calling ahead to check on availability.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and the Lock House Museum expects to sell-out in advance. Tickets may be purchased onlinehttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/48th-annual-candlelight-tour-of-havre-de-grace-tickets-118739658515, the Decoy Museum, Lock House Museum or at Joseph’s Department store.