Candlelight House Tour Homes
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 5 – 9 PM
Sunday, December 6, 2026 | Noon – 4 PM
Historic Frederick
The Home of Lisa Tumbarello & Paul Reitmeyer
320 N. College Parkway
Designed in 1928 and completed in 1932, this Colonial Revival Foursquare was originally built by C.W. Gregory and his wife Mary. The original 2,700 square-foot home featured the classic 4-square design and layout characteristic of the period. A renovation spanning the late 1990s through early 2000s updated the home for modern living by converting an upstairs bedroom into an ensuite bathroom for the primary bedroom and adding a large two-story garage, bricked surround, and backyard patio to become the home you visit today.
The current owners, who purchased the home in 2024, delight in revealing the soul of their home by finding new uses for old things whenever and wherever possible. Their personal touches include the moody, dark green, library vibe of the living and dining room walls and their assortment of vintage, antique, and secondhand furnishings throughout the home.
The home has been lovingly decorated for the holiday season by the homeowners who hand made the dried orange garlands strung throughout the home. Along with the homeowners’ traditional holiday décor, each year their collection of “off duty Santas” also makes its seasonal appearance. The oil paintings feature characters reminiscent of the jolly old elf, but perhaps a little more disheveled, as though they’ve finally stepped away from the holiday hustle and are now taking a well-deserved break.
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The Home of Mark Dosch & Virginia Lamprecht
521 Elm Street
Built in 1915, this corner home at Elm and Park was originally the residence of the builder behind many of the brick houses along Elm Street and Park Avenue. Particular attention was given to this house, with details such as parquet flooring and three brick thick walls for added insulation. Aside from the kitchen, updated by the current owners in 2005, the interior remains original.
Woodwork throughout the home has been beautifully preserved and survived unpainted. The home’s high ceilings, wood floors and original woodwork provide excellent acoustics for the private house concerts frequently hosted by the homeowners. The beautiful pump organ was recently restored in 2025 by Baltimore-based organ builder and restorer, Stephen Bartley.
The Green-walled Garden Club attractively decorated this home for the holiday season to complement the Victorian, Art Deco, and Modern style furniture throughout the home. While touring the living room guests are invited to take note of the beloved heirloom Karastan rugs in the Kirman 717 pattern, as well as a small original painting by Erik Koppell, titled “Sunset at Mount Kersarge.”
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The Home of Kim & Tom Lilly
200 E. 3rd Street
Ring-a-ling, ring-a-ling! Holiday magic is jingling through this charming 1905 Frederick row house, where a little history, a love of entertaining, and a few mischievous Nordic touches make for a merry holiday visit! When this three-story home was built, East Third Street was part of a lively neighborhood of local trades and businesses, including the Champion Livery near Third and Maxwell. More than a century later, Tom and Kim Lilly celebrate Frederick’s rich history while filling their home with art, creativity, and their own special brand of holiday cheer.
The merriment begins at the front door, where welcoming bells and festive greenery set the stage for the Jingle Bells theme that rings throughout the house and even into the garden! Inside, you will find a home made for gathering, with a cocktail themed armoire and handcrafted wine display shelving in the kitchen, reflecting Tom and Kim’s love of entertaining. Art lovers will discover works by Frederick-area artists and other treasured artists throughout the home, adding color, personality, and a nod to the creative spirit that makes this community so special.
And now for the holiday mischief! Keep your eyes open as you wander from room to room in search of Kim and Tom’s collection of Julenisse -those impish Scandinavian Christmas figures who love to peek out from unexpected hiding places. You never know where these little fellows might turn up! So follow the bells, discover the Julenisse, and enjoy a festive blend of Frederick history, artistic treasures, and the warmth of a home that knows how to make merry. Come on in and let the holiday spirit ring!
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The Home of Elin Ross & Michael Olson
408 Elm Street
The gracious entertaining porch of this 1915 era home welcomes you into an inviting space where classic early 20th century craftsmanship sets the stage for a festive blend of old and new. This Colonial Revival style house boasts original hardwood floors and high ceilings, but a suspicious lack of crown molding. Its timeless architectural bones provide a backdrop for sleek modern accents, rich textures, and contemporary holiday flair that showcases the (friendly!) dueling styles of the homeowners.
The true star of the home’s holiday display is an unexpected collection of nutcrackers and folk art Santas that steal the show. Guarding the mantel, staircase, and hiding in plain sight alongside contemporary art, the collection of wooden sentinels, ranging from traditional German hand-carved classics to quirky homespun figures, transforms this historic residence into a whimsical, unforgettable winter wonderland. The Tasker’s Chance Garden Club collaborated with the homeowners to decorate the home for this holiday season.
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The Home of Hood College President, Debbie Ricker & Chris Cunningham
East Cottage, 273 Dill Avenue
Originally constructed in 1900, East Cottage was purchased by Hood College in 1920 for use as a residence for Vice President Charles E. Wehler. After a short period of use as a home and then the College Infirmary, East Cottage was sold in 1925 to William T. and Janie H. Delaplaine, a 1908 alumna. It remained a private family residence until 2014 when Hood College purchased the property for the College’s presidents. The house was again named East Cottage in 2015.
The framed house is an example of the American Foursquare architectural style, which was popular from the 1890s to the 1930s. While East Cottage provides a home to the College’s president, the first floor often serves as a venue for alumni, faculty, and staff gatherings. The beautiful porch and the welcoming backyard are especially appreciated by visitors.
The home is charmingly decorated for the holidays by President Ricker in collaboration with students and staff of Hood College.
