Third time’s a charm for Surrey Holiday House Tour & Shop

It’s beginning to look a lot like Surrey Holiday House Tour & Shop time.

Ticket sales are soaring, favor bags are filling, halls are decked, vendors are making lists, and sponsors are signing on. (Of course, more sponsors are always needed and welcome!)

In 2023 Surrey smartly resurrected a beloved Main Line tradition – self-guided tours of standout homes. And just three years in, it’s become a staple of the season with more than 1,200 annual participants from Virginia to Connecticut and all points between.

What’s on tap for 2025? Plenty.

For starters, all five homes – from Devon to Bryn Mawr – are simply sensational. (No shuttles needed this year.)

This Old House fans with soft spots for smashing holiday décor won’t want to miss these two beauties:

• A circa-1907 Victorian in the North Wayne Historic District thoughtfully reimagined with bold colors and modern décor in layered style.
• A circa-1921 English Revival Tudor in Bryn Mawr that offers a modern take on traditional décor with a new sunroom that blends seamlessly with the original architecture.

Somewhat newer is a charming 1958 Devon Colonial aglow with eclectic art and holiday trimmings and reimagined for a growing family and owners who enjoy entertaining.

Along with Surrey volunteers, all homeowners – many are interior designers themselves – will stay in their homes to chat with tour-goers and answer questions.

Tickets include festive gift shopping and a delicious lunch break at St. David’s Church where Aneu Kitchens’ salads and sandwiches will fortify you for shopping and afternoon tour stops.

The holiday shops alone are next level.

Open all day in the expansive church hall, 25 vendors will welcome tourgoers as well as the unticketed general public.

Look for returning favorites like the Eddie Ross Vintage Holiday Shop, The Little Children’s Shop, The Gift Shop at St. David’s, and Wallace Dry Goods’ mocktails, along with exciting newcomers including DeRo Premium Cello limoncellos and Surrey’s own Fiber Art creations.

Take home fresh greens from Main Line Pumpkins and peruse the Hall of Wreaths featuring 30 bespoke holiday wreaths designed by local florists and tastemakers and donated to the cause.

Each wreath is made with faux greens so you can pull it out year after year, knowing 100 percent of your purchase went to benefit Surrey’s vital work for local seniors.

Last but far from least, tourgoers receive a favor bag stuffed with goodies valued well over $100 including a complimentary infrared sauna, red light or massage service at DTXFY in Wayne or Manayunk; $50 to the new World Wide Stereo in Wayne (which does sell smaller ticket items); Lisi Lerch earrings; $25 to Louella Boutique in Wayne/Avalon; and JuneBug Sweet Treat’s famous fruitcake.

New this year: Some super-lucky souls will find World Wide Stereo “Golden Tickets” in their bags, good for a new TV or Bluetooth speaker. And Main Line Pumpkins is throwing in one lucky voucher for its smashing home decor service in 2026.

Plus, the new sturdy cloth favor bags are perfect for toting wine and small groceries.

Stocking hats off to the event’s tippy-top sponsors: Spadafora & Villani Family, Matt and Anne Hamilton, Kristine E. Messner and Tom Petro, The Gift Shop & Art Gallery at St. David’s and World Wide Stereo in Wayne.

A few tickets remain – order soon! – for the 2025 Surrey Holiday House Tour & Shop benefitting Surrey Services for Seniors on Friday, Dec. 5. Self-guided tours 9:30 a.m. – 4:pm. $95 tickets include Aneu lunch and favor bags valued well over $100. Shopping at St. David’s Church 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. No house tour ticket needed for shopping only. Additional sponsors appreciated: contact [email protected].

*EDITOR’S NOTE & FULL DISCLOSURE: YOURS TRULY, SAVVY EDITOR CAROLINE O’HALLORAN, SERVES ON THE VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE FOR THE SURREY HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR & SHOP