The holiday season has arrived, and you know what that means? Decorations galore! 

There is no better place to see gorgeous décor and support a historical district in Fort Wayne than the annual Williams Woodland Park Holiday Home Tour on Dec. 2-3. 

The Williams Woodland Park Neighborhood, which includes the area east of Fairfield Avenue to Calhoun Street and south of Creighton Avenue to Pontiac Street, welcomes you to tour seven historic homes, an apartment at Fairfield Manor, and a pop-up art gallery showcasing local artists. 

Members of this community will be decorating their homes inside and out for everyone who attends to enjoy.

Tickets are $13 in advance or $15 during the tours. Tickets are available online or at Fancy & Staple, Vintage Treasures Antique Mall, and Reclaimed Fort Wayne.

Getting festive

Hunter Schubert, a member of the Williams Woodland Park Neighborhood Association board, said in an email response that the tour is a way to celebrate what is recognized as the city’s first planned neighborhood, circa 1903-10.

“It’s a time the community looks forward to,” he said. “Our neighbors open up their homes for the community to enjoy these beautiful historic homes. 

“For the people opening their homes up to the community, they look forward to decorating their homes and sharing the hard work the homeowners have done to keep these old homes in great condition.”

Along with showing the beauty of the homes, the tour is also a way to celebrate the holidays.

“Everyone is eager to get into the holiday spirit, and many of the homes will be decorated inside and out for all those attending to enjoy while they tour a home or stroll through the neighborhood.” 

Touch of art

Along with the home tours, the neighborhood has something special planned for this year.

“We’re super-excited to debut a new feature this year in one of our most beloved homes: 2402 Webster St. will open their downstairs and host a pop-up art gallery and cookies for home tour patrons to enjoy,” he said. “Various artists representing several types of media will share their works displayed amongst some of the most beautiful architecture and woodwork you can find in Williams Woodland. 

“Step in out of the cold for a bit of art, culture, and calories. Many pieces will also be available for purchase, perfect for finding that unique gift you’re looking for on your Christmas shopping list.” 

Humble beginnings

The homes that will be available for tours are nearly 100 years old. I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love getting to see historical homes that are restored and kept in beautiful condition. 

It is a great way to not only take a step into the past but to appreciate all the hard work it takes to preserve these beautiful homes. 

“Williams Woodland began as a certified public park, a lush forest oasis just outside the hubbub of the city,” Schubert said. 

What began as a gazebo in a park soon grew into a full-blown neighborhood.

“On a single day in October 1903 a lottery auction was organized by Louis Curdes, a local developer,” Schubert said. “Most of the lots in the park were transferred to individuals to begin building the houses of what is now known as Williams Woodland Park Neighborhood.” 

The Williams Woodland Park Local Historical District was established in 1985, with a modified area listed in 1991. 

To keep the area beautified, the neighborhood association puts on events like the Holiday Home Tour to raise funds.