Experience a simpler time in the quaint, historic Village of Elsah, Illinois. You’re invited to tour a dozen selected private residences decorated for the holidays. The whole village retains the character and feel of a bygone time. Many of the homes on the tour were constructed in the mid-19th century, often with the stone from the local quarry.
Musical entertainment will take place in both churches in the village.
Horse and carriage rides are available and included in the cost of the ticket.
In addition to the private homes on the tour, other points of interest in Elsah, which are open to all, are the Village Museum, Farley Music Hall, the Village Civic Center and historic school room, Maple Leaf Cottage Inn, Green Tree Inn, Elsah General Store, and Christian Science Reading Room.
- Advanced ticket price $15 – These may be purchased now.
- Day of event ticket price $18
- Optional lunch by My Just Desserts (served 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) $11
One of the homes on the tour, the McNair House at 66 Mill Street, built in 1858, includes an original mural of Village of Elsah by renowned artist Glenn Felch, painted in 1973. Several other paintings of Elsah scenes and buildings by Felch will be offered for sale, with proceeds to Historic Elsah Foundation. Read the Saint Louis Post Dispatch article about 66 Mill Street, its current resident, and the mural by Glenn Felch.
House tour tickets may be purchased at Elsah General Store, Elsah Museum, Green Tree Inn, Maple Leaf Cottage Inn, and Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau. Advanced and online ticket purchases may be picked up at the Civic Center at 51 Mill Street. Day-of-event tickets may also be purchased at the Civic Center.