Experience the magic of the holiday season from our
century-old (and older) homes.
43rd Annual Old Southwest Parlor Tour
The 2024 Parlor Tour will be held Saturday, December 7th, 5-9pm, and Sunday, December 8th, 1-5pm
Celebrate the magic of the holidays and the historic beauty of our neighborhood at the 43rd annual Old Southwest Holiday Parlor Tour of Homes. Showcasing the historic Old Southwest neighborhood, this event has been inviting the community into our parlors since 1979. The tradition is Old Southwest, Inc's largest annual fundraiser. The money raised goes directly to support neighborhood events and projects benefiting our community as well as the crucial maintenance of the Historic Alexander-Gish house. Please join us, "Always the First Weekend of December," and enjoy a self-guided tour of 6 historic Old Southwest homes, festive decorations, refreshments at the Alexander-Gish house, music and merriment. Advance tickets are $20 and can be used for either Saturday or Sunday attendance. Day-of tickets are available for $25 at the entrance to Highland Park. Additional donations to the Old Southwest Parlor Tour fundraiser can be made through the Give Butter ticket purchase page and are deeply appreciated.
Snowfall in a beautiful historic neighborhood.
Enjoy a glimpse of Historic Old Southwest on Dec 19, 2009, blanketed by the largest
snowfall in over a decade (a December record) with music by the Roanoke Valley
Children’s Choir (www.childrenschoir.com).
Relive Parlor Tour 2023 in the News
Old Southwest Christmas Parlor Tour Highlights Fine Roanoke Architecture
The RoanokeStar.com, December 20, 2023
MORE DETAILS
Online tickets purchased for a specific day of the tour can be used for access either day.
Children under the age of 2 do not require tickets.
Children must be closely supervised at all times.
Strollers are not permitted in the homes.
No smoking or vaping on tour property or inside the homes.
Photography only permitted with permission of the property owner.
Please refrain from wearing high-heeled shoes that may damage wood floors.
Restrooms will be available both days at the Alexander-Gish House.
Parking available at the Alexander-Gish house or on-street (please do not block driveways).
All visitors must check-in at the Highland Park ticket table to pick up a program and wrist-band for entry to homes. Pre-paid ticket holders must present their confirmation ID or ticket at Highland Park for entrance to the Parlor Tour.
The Old Southwest Holiday Parlor Tour was born out of need.
The founding members of what was called “The Old Southwest Neighborhood Alliance” needed a way to raise funds to restore the Alexander-Gish house located in Highland Park. The house had been shuttered by the City of Roanoke and was slated for demolition. The pioneers of the neighborhood came up with the idea of a home tour, after the Roanoke Valley Council of Garden clubs featured some homes in the neighborhood.
Parlor Tour remains the biggest annual fundraiser for the OSW neighborhood. Proceeds are used to continue the preservation and maintenance of the Gish House, provide funding for neighborhood events (including National Night Out), and to support educational initiatives, environmental preservation, and other charities important to the neighborhood and the valley.
Parlor Tour has become an OSW annual holiday tradition enjoyed by hundreds of visitors, the participants who open their homes, and the many volunteers who make this event possible. We welcome you into our neighborhood and enjoy knowing that you are sure to have a fantastic time!