FXBG Candlelight Tour set for this weekend

December 7, 2021 | by | Articles |

Fredericksburg has established itself as a Virginia city rich not only with history, but with the preservation and restoration of historical sites. This weekend, December 10th-12th, experience some of the restored historical sites of Fredericksburg on the 51st Annual Holiday Candlelight Tour. The Historic Fredericksburg Foundation (HFFI) is generously showcasing these preserved sites and homes for your viewing, with both interior and exterior tours. 

The interior home tour allows you to enter these restored (or currently restoring) homes, all of which have been beautifully decorated for the holidays. Proof of vaccination for COVID-19 (or a negative COVID-19 test) is required upon entry. The exterior walking tour will give you a glimpse of the outside architecture of these homes, as well as an app for mobile devices that provides photos of the interior design. Both tours come with the option of a tour guide. 

Each night of tours has different features for your enjoyment. The Friday night VIP tour features the Mary Washington House, as well as five other houses and a gift card. Saturday and Sunday feature four properties. The first two homes are fully interior-focused, the third home (which is undergoing renovations) is focused on a combination of interior and exterior features, and the fourth home, the Jane Beale House, is exterior-focused only. 

This year, HFFI is providing a new, timed ticket. Guests will choose their starting time, as well as their type of house experience. The Friday tour is estimated to run for 2.5 hours, while the Saturday and Sunday tours will run for 2 hours. Tickets and reservations can be claimed at HFFI, the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, or online

Gretchen Pendleton, director of operations at HFFI, believes the Candlelight Tour is the perfect way for guests to learn about the history of downtown Fredericksburg residences. It will allow them to not only learn the history of the homes, but to get a sneak peek of what has been restored inside and outside. She is also excited for the opportunity to showcase the designs of local businesses, such as Centerpiece Boutique & Studio, who have designed many of the holiday decorations. 

Each of these homes have gifted Fredericksburg with a vibrant past of stories. One of the locations, the Betty Washington Inn, was a traveler’s inn in the early 20th century. But the building itself is one of the oldest in the city, dating back to the 18th century with additions built in the 1850s. Another home, the Jane Beale House, was the site for Beale (a Fredericksburg native) while she was documenting her experiences of the Civil War. The history of these homes, vibrant and rich, will be exemplified and explained in detail on the Candlelight Tour. 

In addition to purchasing tickets, there are many ways to support the Candlelight Tour. HFFI is looking for volunteers to assist with the event this weekend, as well as encouraging residents to share this event with friends and on social media. You can also sponsor or donate to HFFI, which has been preserving the history of Fredericksburg for years. 

The Candlelight Tour is a historic and gorgeous event that has provided guests with an exciting glimpse of Fredericksburg for 51 years. Purchase a ticket and experience this joyous city as it continues to grow, restore, and prosper.