Candlelight tours at Stephenson House

Step back in time at the 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House as they usher in the holiday season during the annual Christmas Candlelight Tours, on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. The historic home will be aglow in candlelight and bedecked in early 19th century decorations as visitors are immersed in a truly interactive historical experience.

A variety of activities are planned to showcase the stories of those who lived at the Stephenson House in the early 1820s. Guests enjoy a leisurely visit in traditionally decorated rooms as historical interpreters discuss the history of the house and the Christmas customs of the families who lived there. Get a taste of homemade gingerbread made from an 1803 recipe baked in the kitchen hearth, learn a simple country dance in the dining room, sing carols around the parlor’s 1820 pianoforte, as well as vignettes in the servant’s quarters, master bedroom, and children’s bedroom.

Tickets must be purchased online (www.stephensonhouse.org) in advance for a specific time. The first tour starts at 5 p.m with the last tour at 8 p.m. Cost per person is $10. Visitors need to arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of their specific tour time to check in at the gift shop. Tours begin promptly in the courtyard every 20 minutes with an introduction by a costumed docent after which visitors may tour at their leisure. Please note, there aren’t hard-copy tickets for this event. The only receipt you receive when purchasing tickets from their website is your ticket and it will need to be presented in the gift shop upon arrival at the event.

Masks are optional at this time, but encouraged. In the event COVID-19 cases increase in our area, face masks would be required. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday and event preparations, Stephenson House will not be open during the day from Nov. 24-27. For more information, contact the site at 618-692-1818.

The 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House is located at 409 S. Buchanan Street in Edwardsville.