Five festively decorated homes across Greater Akron will open their doors Sunday, Dec. 6, from noon to 5 p.m., kicking off the 25th anniversary edition of the Sugar Plum Tour of Holiday Homes. The tour, which benefits the Gay Community Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation, pairs a live walkthrough with a virtual option for those who’d rather tour from the couch.
This year’s live lineup spans a beautifully preserved 1911 Highland Square home and a 1929 French Eclectic residence to stunning French-inspired estates and a thoughtfully renovated colonial, according to akroncf.org. One standout on the roster, per sugarplumtour.org, is a 1989 two-story colonial remodeled throughout, featuring a finished basement and a sunroom with a wood-burning stove.
For those who can’t make it in person, or simply want a second look, a virtual tour launches Saturday, Dec. 12, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access to eight homes, including the venue for the 2026 Patron Party. The virtual option remains viewable from Dec. 12 through Jan. 3, 2027, per the tour’s FAQ page, letting ticket holders revisit the video tours as many times as they like during that window.
Ticket Prices and Sponsorship Perks
General admission tickets run $45 each for the live or virtual tours, or $75 for a combination ticket covering both. Tickets are available online at sugarplumtour.org. Sponsorships start at $600 and include tickets to both the live and virtual tours, admission to the private Patron Party, and a commemorative holiday ornament. Guests can also purchase a $250 Patron Party Bundle, which includes access to both tours plus the private Patron Party, the organization’s FAQ page notes…