The Essex Holiday House Tour is currently EHS’s only large-scale fundraising event. The tour supports Essex Historical Society’s mission of engaging and inspiring the community through local history.

During the tour, local homeowners open their homes for guided tours of the main level showcasing their respective styles, unique features, historic elements, and more. Many are decorated for the holidays and all are well maintained and have individual charm. The tour is the perfect event for celebrating historic homes, tasteful home décor, unique styles and the beautifully decorated Town of Essex.

This year’s tour will feature 7 historic private homes within walking distance of Essex Village, including Essex Historical Society’s (EHS) Pratt House. Also included with your ticket is discounted admission to CT River Museum, a chance to walk through Essex's historic churches, our curated boutique at Essex Town Hall, and costumed carolers throughout downtown. It is sure to be a highlight of the season and a great way to end our America 250 year!

Early Bird tickets (before 12/5) can be purchased online ONLY at: www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/essex-holiday-house-tour--2026

Day-of tickets will be available for purchase at Essex Town Hall, 29 West Ave. on December 12th 9:00am to 2:00pm for $70.  Cash, Check, or card will be accepted for same-day purchases.

ALL tickets must be redeemed for a PASSPORT BOOKLET, which will be your entry pass into the homes on the tour.  You MUST show your BOOKLET to enter the homes on the tour.  

NOTE: ALL SALES ARE FINAL AND TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.  In the unlikely event that the event needs to be canceled, there will be no refunds issued and the purchase price will be treated as a donation to Essex Historical Society.  Thank you for your understanding. 

The map of the homes on the tour will ONLY be provided in the Tour Passport Booklet with proof of ticket purchase or courtesy voucher.

Early Bird Pickup: December 7 – 10 (Mon. – Thurs.), 8:30am – 2:30pm, Hills Academy, 22 Prospect Street, Essex. (parking and entrance in rear; next to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church)

Day-Of Pickup & Day-of Sales: December 12, 9:00am – 2:00pm, Essex Town Hall, 29 West Ave. 

You CANNOT pick up a booklet at the houses.  For security reasons, we will not publicly release the addresses of the homes on the tour.

Different from previous years, you CANNOT pick up a booklet at the houses.  For security reasons, we will not publicly release the addresses of the homes on the tour before booklet pick-up.

The House Tour will aim to happen, rain, snow or shine. If there is so much snow that it is dangerous to navigate town, the event may be canceled.  Follow Essex Historical Society on Facebook and Instagram for updates.  There will be no refunds in the unlikely event of a weather cancellation.

Due to the nature of the event as a fundraiser, there will be no refunds for any reason.  If you are unable to attend, we encourage you to gift your tickets to a friend.  Please note, when they come to collect the passport booklet, they will need to use the purchaser name.

As a walkable tour, we recommend that you park once and use the sidewalks in town to walk between the homes.  Parking is available:

• Along Main Street, Pratt Street, and Ferry Street in downtown Essex

• At the Town Hall

• Behind Pratt House

• Behind the Essex Post Office (EV Charging stations)

• At the Connecticut River Museum

• Behind Hills Academy and in the Our Lady of Sorrows Parking Lot

• Along Prospect Street

Please respect local business operations and parking lot policies in Downtown.

YES! We are excited to bring back the popular Boutique to Town Hall on December 12, 2026—the day of the tour! Booths will be open and selling from 9am-4pm. Please check back for a list of vendors you can expect to see.

There are public restrooms located in downtown Essex next to the Post Office. There are also restrooms located within the Town Hall.  Please respect all local business restroom policies.

‍Chili and soft drinks will be available at Essex Art Association during the tour.  Essex Art Association is located at 10 N Main St, Essex, CT 06426 and will make for an easy and centrally located stop on the tour.  https://essexartassociation.com/

There are also many restaurants within walking distance of the tour. Please check hours and plan accordingly for reservations as space is limited. We also encourage that if your plans allow, that you explore the restaurant offerings of our other villages: Centerbrook and Ivoryton.

Hollywood has made Essex its filming destination quite a lot over the years. Here are a few of the titles that filmed in town. Check out the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail for other spots to see around the state.

Christmas at Pemberley Manor (Hallmark) 2018: The titular Pemberley Manor was played by Essex’s historic Griswold Inn.

A Very Nutty Christmas (Lifetime movie) 2018: starring Melissa Joan Hart was filmed at Savour Café in Centerbrook across from Centerbrook Architects. 

Next Stop, Christmas (Hallmark) 2021: features the Essex Steam Train. 

Noel Diaries (Netflix Movie) 2022: Holiday Movie starring Justin Hartley (from NBC’s This Is Us).  Locations include the Griswold Inn Goods and Curiosities Store and Olive Oyl’s. 

Non-Christmas Movies/TV:

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull 2008: Harrison Ford filmed on the platform at the Essex Steam Train.

Dark Shadows (tv series) 1966-1971 : Essex, Connecticut was the locale used for the town of Collinsport. The Griswold Inn in Essex was used for the Collinsport Inn, and the town post office was used for the Collinsport Police Station.

Due to the nature of uneven sidewalks and pathways, and the fact that each home on the tour has different types of ingress and egress, we cannot guarantee accessibility for all.

Many of the homes will have access by a few stairs. EHS volunteers will be at each home to assist when possible.

If you have further questions, please call our office 860-767-0681