Join us to celebrate the 25th Annual Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Holiday House Tour on
December 6 and 7, 2024!
To make it extra special, “A Merry & Bright Christmas at the McArthur Estate Tour,” is open for
afternoon and evening tours for the first time, to allow more people to enjoy the home.
Like a dreamy, winter snow globe, this magnificent 1829, brick Georgian home is surrounded by
enchanting Victorian Gardens, snow-topped statuary, ice-capped ponds, and pergolas. Take in
the remarkable nativity scene, the beautiful Christmas angel, and the magical Reindeer Stables
and Canine Manor. There are surprises in store for the children attending as well, including a
whimsical Candy Room and treats. Festive carollers and acoustic guitar will echo throughout the
grounds.
Step inside and sip on a glass of Peller Estates sparkling wine while surrounded by stunning
decor and architecture, and the enchanting sounds of live music performed by an array of
exceptionally talented artists from Niagara and Toronto. Santa will greet guests by a dazzling
12-foot Christmas tree nestled beside a grand staircase, and the Grinch will be waiting en route
to welcome you. Finally, with hot apple cider in hand, guests will be invited to cozy up around
crackling fires and savour this magical event.
In keeping with the evening event’s Victorian theme, the NOTL Museum is lending authentic
Victorian costumes to some of the volunteers, and once again The Friends of Fort George,
dressed in full period uniform, will be conducting guided tours around the McArthur Estate
Gardens.
The evening event has been made possible by the incredible generosity of the McArthur
family.
The General Tour ticket is valid from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm for both days, so you can leisurely
complete the tour and enjoy all the town has to offer. The General Tour offers 6 gorgeous,
beautifully decorated homes; entry into local historic and cultural sites; complimentary tastings
from Peller Estates Winery, Trius Winery, Wine Country Vintners, and Wayne Gretzky Estates
winery/distillery; and specially priced luncheons for attendees as well!
Specially priced luncheons for attendees will be offered at Peller Estates Winery Restaurant,
Trius Winery Restaurant, and at St. Vincent de Paul Church Hall. Reservations at the wineries
are recommended.
Peller Estates is our very generous Platinum Sponsor of the Holiday House Tour and has been
for many years.
NEW ANNUAL SITE: Willowbank School of Restoration, a National Historic Site of Canada, has
been added to our list of annual cultural and historic sites. Now, you can visit RiverBrink, and
Willowbank is right around the corner, an extra reason to drive to Queenston.
Together, the two events bring in more than 4000 people from various locations: the
majority are from Southern Ontario, but guests travel from the far coasts of Canada and
the US, and even other countries specifically for the tour, with many returning year after
year to kick off the holiday season. This year, we have attendees from Spain, Portugal,
Rome, Nigeria, California, and Florida, to name a few locations. The out-of-town guests
usually stay for a longer visit, enjoy the town, and explore the area.
This event is our Club’s biggest fundraiser and has raised well over $1 million for charity
over the years. All proceeds will be distributed to local and international projects around the
world. Recipients here include organizations such as Red Roof Retreat, NOTL Palliative Care,
Yellow Door Theatre Project, St. George’s Breakfast Program, Ronald MacDonald Room at the
St Catharines Hospital, Land Care Niagara, and many more.
Internationally, Rotary clubs everywhere have been part of the organization’s long running End
Polio Project which has wiped out the disease in virtually every country in the world. Your
purchases fund disaster relief in Ukraine, water projects in Kenya and dozens of other causes
that are saving lives around the globe.
Our Club will be donating $1 per ticket to Land Care Niagara to plant trees in the region
to offset our carbon footprint. Plus, we are using hand stamps instead of plastic
wristbands this year. We are constantly trying to find effective solutions to reduce our
footprint and lessen our environmental impact.
If you would like to volunteer at this special event, we are offering one complimentary General
tour ticket per volunteer. Grab a friend and go directly to the HHT website at
holidayhousetournotl.ca. Click on the Volunteer tab to get to the signup website. If you have
any problems, please contact Rotaryhht@gmail.com.for help.
A MERRY & BRIGHT CHRISTMAS at the McARTHUR ESTATE is a separate ticket for a specific date
and time.
Friday, December 6th OR Saturday, December 7th, 2024
210 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake
1-Hour sessions: 12:30 pm | 1:30 pm | 2:30 pm | Break | 4:30 pm | 5:30 pm | 6:30 pm
Adults - $65 | Children 0-12 years - Free
Combined General & McArthur Tour ticket: $100 (save $12.50)
GENERAL DAY TOUR
Friday, December 6th AND Saturday, December 7th, 2024 (Ticket is good for both days)
9:30 am-4:30 pm | $45 early bird | $52.50 as of November 8th, 2024
Your General Day ticket is good for Friday and Saturday.
Tickets are selling fast! For general information about the tours, visit
www.holidayhousetournotl.ca or email notlhht@gmail.com.
We have added hourly notifications via email to provide informed options for shorter line-ups.
The town offers free parking for the month of December.
We wish to thank everyone who continually makes the tour a success – attendees,
sponsors, homeowners, decorators, volunteers, annual partners, and community
support!