Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Christmas House Tour?
The St. Albans Christmas House Tour & Mistletoe Market is a day of holiday magic. Join us to shop in our Mistletoe Market with more than 40 vendors offering distinctive gifts, including custom items. Purchase a ticket to tour four stunning homes in Spring Valley, gorgeously decorated for the holidays by talented floral designers. Enjoy the live music performed by gifted St. Albans students at each of the homes. Gather with friends and make a full day of it. Tour in the morning, shop in the afternoon, or vice versa, and join us in between for a delectable luncheon in the Cafritz Refectory.
A St. Albans tradition since 1983, the Christmas House Tour is the primary fundraiser of the Parents' Association and involves every member of the St. Albans community. All proceeds benefit the faculty, staff, and students of St. Albans School.
When is the Christmas House Tour?
The St. Albans Christmas House Tour is held each year, the first Friday and Saturday of December. This year, the dates are December 6 and 7.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
You do not have to buy tickets in advance, but it is recommended. You can buy tickets here, or you may buy tickets from your mobile phone while you're at St. Albans at any time up until 2:00 p.m. on December 7. There is also a Ticket Office at the school where we can help you purchase a ticket. We recommend that you buy your ticket in advance as the wi-fi can be spotty in the school, and the ticket office lines can get long during peak times. Buying your tickets in advance will give you more time to shop, eat and tour the houses!
How Do I Get To The Houses?
For the safety and privacy of our gracious homeowners, we do not release addresses in advance. Please plan to arrive at St. Albans Senior Circle, which is the main entrance to the school, and take our complimentary shuttles to, from, and in between the houses. Programs that profile each of the homes, including their addresses, will be available at the school and on the shuttles. Once you arrive in Spring Valley, the homes are within walking distance of one another. Parking information for the Christmas House Tour & Mistletoe Market is available here.
Do I Need A Ticket to Shop?
No! Spend the afternoon browsing or pop in for a few minutes, a ticket is never needed to shop in the Mistletoe Market and 25% of all purchases go directly to the Parents' Association for the benefit of the school.
For St. Albans Families - How can I participate?
There is no limit to your involvement in the Christmas House Tour! We invite all families to attend the tour and luncheon, to shop in the Market, to volunteer for a shift on Friday or Saturday, and to become a patron of the event through a generous gift at one of many levels. It is crucial to the success of the event that every St. Albans family volunteer for a shift, and we encourage patronage and participation as you can.
How do I volunteer for a shift?
Look for the link to the CHT Sign Up Genius in Form Newsletters and the Bulldog News. Please direct questions to Elizabeth Chapel and Claire Farver, pa.cht@stalbansschool.org, or visit the Volunteer page.
Is it too late to become a Patron?
It’s never too late to donate to the Christmas House Tour. The November 1 deadline is to ensure your acknowledgement in the printed Program, but we are always happy to add to our list of patrons on the website. Patron information is available on the website or contact Becky Wilsusen.
Patrons are golden — donations comprise the largest contribution to Christmas House Tour revenues and we thank everyone who gives at any level at any time.
Can my Form C, B, or A son attend CHT?
The school will be restricting the boys from attending the events of CHT during school hours, but once your child is in your care, the boys may shop with you.
I still have questions – whom do I ask?
Please spend some time on our site to discover more information about the event. If you don't find what you are looking for, email pa.cht@stalbansschool.org or reach out to the appropriate person listed in that section of the website.