Every December, historic neighborhoods, coastal Victorian towns, and garden clubs across New Jersey pull back the curtains on private residences and centuries-old landmarks to raise money for local causes.

From candlelit walks down gaslit Cape May streets to a rare tour in Westfield that only happens once every four years, here are 15 festive New Jersey house tours happening this December—along with exact dates, ticket prices, and what makes each stop worth the trip.

1. Drumthwacket Holiday Open Houses (Princeton)

• When: Thursday–Saturday, Dec. 3–5 (90-minute entry slots at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m.)
• Tickets: Free (Advance online registration required; limit six tickets per order)
• What to Expect: New Jersey’s official governor’s mansion opens five of its six first-floor rooms, each decked out by a different state garden club. While the tour is self-guided, docents are stationed throughout to share history, and guests can stroll the estate grounds or browse the gift shop inside the 1759 Thomas Olden House.

2. Deck the Halls Holiday Home Tour (Westfield)

• When: Saturday, Dec. 5 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Tickets: $40
• What to Expect: Hosted by the Rake & Hoe Garden Club of Westfield only once every four years, this exclusive showcase opens three distinct homes: a late-19th-century Victorian, a 1927 Colonial Revival, and a center-hall Tudor. Club members handcraft every single wreath, garland, and floral display, and a seasonal boutique sells handmade holiday goods to fund local community projects.

3. Ocean Grove Victorian Holiday House & Inn Tour

• When: Saturday, Dec. 5 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Tickets: $45 in advance; $50 day of tour
• What to Expect: Step inside decorated private cottages, historic inns, and community landmarks throughout Ocean Grove’s famous Victorian district, with a complimentary Christmas trolley shuttling guests around town.

4. Mill Hill Holiday House Tour (Trenton)

• When: Saturday, Dec. 5 | 12–5 p.m.
• Tickets: $20
• What to Expect: Celebrating its 60th year alongside America’s 250th anniversary under the theme “Where Liberty Lives: A Neighborhood That Moved a Nation,” the Old Mill Hill Society opens Trenton’s 19th-century rowhouses. Homeowners greet visitors with live holiday music and refreshments while spotlighting the neighborhood’s Revolutionary War roots.

5. Christmas Candlelight House Tour (Cape May)

• When: Saturdays, Dec. 5, 12, and 19 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
• Tickets: $45 adults; $30 children (ages 3–12)
• What to Expect: A beloved Shore tradition since 1974, this self-guided evening tour lets visitors wander Cape May’s gaslit Historic District to tour lavishly decorated private homes, B&Bs, hotels, and churches, with shuttles running to outlying stops.

6. Christmas Holiday Inns Tour (Cape May)

• When: Dec. 1–3, 8–10, and 15–17 | 1–3 p.m.
• Tickets: $25 adults; $15 children (ages 3–12)
• What to Expect: If you prefer a shorter daytime outing, Cape May MAC’s afternoon tour opens several landmark Victorian inns trimmed with classic garlands, bows, and towering Christmas trees.

7. Ridgewood Holiday House Tour

• When: Sunday, Dec. 6 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Tickets: $76
• What to Expect: Also honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Ridgewood Historical Society & Museum and the College Club of Northern New Jersey showcase six festively styled private residences, with proceeds funding student scholarships and local preservation.

8. Historic City of Burlington Holiday House Tour

• When: Sunday, Dec. 6 | 3–7 p.m.
• Tickets: $20 in advance; $25 day of tour
• What to Expect: One of the best values on the list, this walking tour grants access to 14 private homes and historic landmarks across Burlington’s riverfront historic district.

9. Garden Club of LBI Holiday Tour of Homes (Long Beach Island)

• When: Wednesday–Thursday, Dec. 9–10 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Tickets: $55 (Note: Wednesday is already sold out; limited Thursday tickets remain)
• What to Expect: Marking its 59th year with the theme “18 Miles of Yuletide,” this coastal tour features five homes spanning Harvey Cedars, North Beach, Brant Beach, and Beach Haven. A holiday boutique selling fresh greens and homemade cookies runs both days at the Surf City Firehouse.

10. Interfaith Caregivers Holiday House Tour (Haddonfield)

• When: Thursday, Dec. 10 | 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
• Tickets: $30
• What to Expect: Explore five decorated Haddonfield homes plus a local house of worship at your own pace during this flexible day-to-night tour, with 100% of ticket proceeds supporting Interfaith Caregivers.

11. Manasquan Holiday House Tour

• When: Saturday, Dec. 12 | 4–8 p.m.
• Tickets: $45 in advance; $50 at the door
• What to Expect: Organized by the Manasquan Tourism Commission and the Woman’s Club of Manasquan, this evening stroll pairs festive shore homes with complimentary tastings from local restaurants.

12. Historic Mullica Hill Christmas House Tour

• When: Saturday, Dec. 12 | 2–7 p.m.
• Tickets: $16.30 online
• What to Expect: Now in its 51st year, this Gloucester County village tradition opens historic homes, churches, and buildings alongside live music and refreshments along Main Street, raising funds for local church food pantries.

13. Historic Plainfield’s Holiday House Tour

• When: Sunday, Dec. 13 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Last entry at 2 p.m.)
• Tickets: $35 in advance; $40 day of tour (Day-of tickets/maps at Swain Galleries, 703 Watchung Ave.)
• What to Expect: Hosted by Save the Queen City, this tour highlights Plainfield homes celebrated for their original stained glass, intricate plasterwork, woodwork, and period antiques. (Note: Participating homes are not wheelchair accessible.)

14. Christmas Candlelight House Tour (Hightstown)

• When: Sunday, Dec. 13 | 3–6 p.m.
• Tickets: $30 adults; $10 children under 12 (Day-of sales only, cash or check, sold 2:30–4 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Hightstown, 125 S. Main St.)
• What to Expect: The Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society opens local gems along South Main Street—including the Peddie School Headmaster House and the Laudenberger House—plus an East Windsor residence.

15. Historic Dennisville Christmas House Tour

• When: Saturday, Dec. 19 | 2–7 p.m.
• Tickets: $20 online; $25 day of tour (Ticket pickup at Dennis Township Senior Citizen Center, 571 Petersburg Road)
• What to Expect: This Cape May County favorite features 10 properties—including one home debuting on the tour for the first time. Highlights include the circa-1805 Federal-style brick Falkinburg House and the Revolutionary-era Goff House, complete with second-floor ballroom dancing, caroling, and Revolutionary War reenactors outside.