Once hailed as the Lumber Capital of the World, Williamsport was home to more millionaires per capita than any other city in the United States. Their legacy lives on in the grand homes along “Millionaires Row,” a stunning testament to the city’s gilded past. In 1985, this historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its architectural splendor for generations to come.
This holiday season, step into a winter wonderland as Williamsport hosts the 26th Annual Victorian Christmas Tour of Homes: Trees, Teas, and Tours, November 21-23, 2025.
Victorian Christmas began humbly at the Peter Herdic House Restaurant, where Nan Young, Gloria Miele, and Ted Lyon envisioned a way to spotlight Williamsport’s Historic District. Their first candlelit walking tour sold out, sparking the formation of an official Victorian Christmas Committee of Preservation Williamsport. Today, the event spans three festive days and welcomes nearly 2,000 visitors of all ages. Proceeds support Susquehanna Bloom’s efforts to beautify the district with floral baskets and holiday wreaths.
Years ago, Victorian Homes Magazine dubbed Williamsport “Pennsylvania’s motherlode of Victorian architecture,” featuring five of our iconic mansions. This year, the Victorian Christmas Committee invites you to explore these homes and historic buildings that line Millionaires Row and its surrounding area.
Whether you’re a Steampunk Victorian or Bohemian Victorian at heart, we encourage guests to dress in period attire—there’s even a prize for best costume! Text your photo, name, and phone number to 570.971.2266 to be featured on the Victorian Christmas in Williamsport Facebook page.
Friday Highlights: Join local historian Elaine Decker for a special presentation: The Tiniest Mansion in Williamsport. Built circa 1890 by master carpenter and stair-builder William Slack, this charming home is a scaled-down replica of the Hermance Mansion. The talk will be held at Lycoming College’s Krapf Gateway Building (3rd floor, handicap accessible) from 7–8:30 p.m.
Before the event, explore downtown shops, then enjoy dinner at one of our many fine restaurants and breweries.
Saturday Highlights: Reconnect with friends old and new as you tour exquisitely decorated Victorian homes, churches, and historic buildings crafted by Williamsport’s lumber barons. Trolleys will be available to transport guests throughout the tour.
Featured stops include:
– The Enchanted Sight Foundation Museum: Originally a Methodist parsonage from the 1870s, this three-story brick home later became a chiropractic practice and Marguerite Bierman’s art studio. Today, it showcases an eclectic mix of styles and eras.
– Suscon & Diamond Drinks Business & Apartment: A striking industrial conversion atop a family-owned business, blending historic charm with modern design.
– The Pajama Factory Lofts: Built in 1883 for the Lycoming Rubber Company (creators of Keds sneakers), this site later housed the Weldon Pajama Company—once the world’s largest pajama manufacturer.
Don’t miss the Artisan Market at the YWCA from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring handcrafted gifts and the official Victorian Christmas ornament. While shopping, admire the beautiful rotunda decorated by Marguerite Bierman with gold leaf accents, a dazzling chandelier, and vibrant colors. Be sure to enter the drawing for a lovely tea set.
Enjoy live music throughout the day, from strolling string ensembles to harpists serenading guests with stories of the families who once lived in these homes. Churches will host choral and organ performances, including:
• Flipside Band at Jackass Brewery Company (1:30-3 p.m.)
• Victorian Tea (1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.m} Peter Herdic House Restaurant.
• Autumn Winds Sax Quartet (12:30-2 p.m.) The Old Corner Hotel and Restaurant.
• Williamsport Jazz Orchestra (5-6 p.m.) at City Church
• Christmas Voice & Organ at Covenant Central Presbyterian Church (2 p.m.), featuring the Williamsport Youth Choir
• Soup Luncheons: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church (426 Mulberry Street) and Trinity Episcopal Church (844 West 4th Street)
Visit the Wildwood Cemetery Chapel for a self-guided tour. Built in 1897 from Pennsylvania white marble, it features ornate carvings and stunning stained-glass windows—exquisite examples of Victorian decorative arts.
Also on Saturday, the 34th Annual Will Huffman Toy Train Expo delights visitors with dozens of model trains. Held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 800 Park Place and the Thomas T. Taber Museum.
Enjoy a Victorian Tea at the Peter Herdic House Restaurant, or lunch at the Old Corner Hotel with music by the Autumn Winds Sax Quartet. Jackass Brewing Company will host the Flipside Trio during lunch hours. Or simply explore the many dining options in downtown Williamsport.
Sunday Highlights:
– Artisan Market: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
– Toy Train Expo: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tickets are available now at Eventbrite. For pricing, local ticket sellers, and to view the video, visit victorianchristmaspa.com for Williamsport’s Holiday Tradition.
Victorian Christmas is more than an event — it’s a celebration of Williamsport’s rich architectural heritage and a heartfelt commitment to preserving it. Join us from November 21st to 23rd and experience the magic of Christmas as it was in the Victorian era.
Interested in participating in next year’s Victorian Christmas: “Step Back in Time with a Stroll Through History”? Contact cindiperry1@comcast.net. For bus tour inquiries, reach out to doreenjdecker@gmail.com.
Victorian Christmas Committee Members: Brenda Paladino, Bethann Campbell, Dawn Astin, Nicki Nardi, Connie Phillps, Suzette Meyer, Dianne Peeling, Meg Smith, Susan Durrwachter, Doreen Decker, Caleb Hipple, Hallie Luppert, Mary Calistri Geise, Dena Straub, Mary Holstein, Jill Confair, Valerie Lundy, Linda Sterling, Cindi Perry Rischar, Mary Jo Bower, Peachie O’Conner, Jen Flint, Nan Young, Booker Riddick
