Holiday House 2008 debuts at two Fort Myers historical homes

Burroughs home It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown Fort Myers, as hundreds of volunteers prepare for this year's Holiday House.

In keeping with a 33-year-old tradition, the Fort Myers Woman's Community Club will present its annual gift to the community this year at the historical Burroughs Home and recently renovated Langford-Kingston Home. Club members are working in cooperation with the City of Fort Myers and the Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency in bringing this annual event to the downtown area. The theme, "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," will be reflected at both homes and grounds with thousands of twinkling lights, flocks of decorated trees, and lush flowers popping from the lawns and paths with holiday color.

The two turn-of-the-century homes will be bedecked with lavish holiday decorations and ornamentation, in keeping with the elegant time period of the homes. Guests will delight in touring the exquisitely decorated rooms of the homes, getting a glimpse of Christmas long ago, where holiday decorations were abundant and extravagant. Young and old alike will be enchanted, with Santas in all sizes peeking from every corner, whimsical light displays illuminating the lawns, and many more holiday surprises that will awaken the yuletide spirit.

Young guests will delight in visiting with Santa Claus each night of Holiday House at the Langford-Kingston home. Holiday tunes will resound each evening also, with musical entertainment provided by local choral groups, harpists, cellists and pianists. The Singing Christmas Tree, a tradition from past Holiday House years, will be revived with performances by local choral groups at the Langford- Kingston Home parking lot.

Holiday House guests will be able to meander through the two homes and grounds starting Sunday, Dec. 7, through Saturday, Dec. 20. The tours will run from 5 to 9 p.m. with an admission cost of $5 for adults, and children 12 and under free.

"We are thrilled about Holiday House downtown this year," says Eloise Sarlo, president of the Fort Myers Woman's Community Club. "This is our gift to the community for families and visitors to come and enjoy the spirit of the holidays at two historical homes."

The homes, located on the corner of Fowler and First Street, are across the street from each other and parking will be available at the First United Methodist Church, as well as at the city's two parking garages. Trolleys will be available to transport guests to the venue from the parking garages.

For more a more detailed map of the new Holiday House locations, check out www.HolidayHouseFM.com.