The Hillsborough Christmas Candlelight Tour is a unique opportunity to visit historic buildings, churches, sites and private homes in Hillsborough.

Scheduled for Sunday, December 2, from noon to 7 pm, the 21st Annual Hillsborough Christmas Candlelight tour features private homes and public or historic buildings.

Many of the houses that will be included will be new to the tour and many are of historic significance to the 250-year-old Town of Hillsborough. The tour is self-guided. Shuttle service will be provided both in-town and to the tour sites that are not within walking distance.

The Candlelight Tour is the culmination of the kickoff of the Historic Hillsborough Holiday Weekend, which kicks off the holiday season in Hillsborough. The Chamber is sponsoring a Gingerbread House Competition. Entry forms must be submitted by November 19, with the actual competition taking place on Friday, November 30 at the Burwell School Historic Site. Up to 30 gingerbread houses will be judged in three categories: Adult Amateur, Adult Professional, and Youth (5 to 15 years). Click here to download a copy of the rules and entry form.

On Saturday, December 1, at 3:00 pm the Chamber hosts the annual Holiday Parade with marching bands, cheerleaders, floats, and a cheery little man from way up north. Following the parade, please join the mayor and others to celebrate the holiday season with the lighting of the town tree and an ecumenical dance performance by members of Faulkners Dance & Gymnastics.

In addition to the Tour, December 1 and 2 are the days of the 24th Annual Daniel Boone Craft Fair. Held in the Big Barn in the Shops at Daniel Boone, this show features a number of local and state-wide vendors selling hand-crafted items. The Craft Fair begins at 9:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm both days.

Many of Hillsborough's wonderful shops and restaurants will be open special hours during the Candlelight Tour. A list will be posted on this website as available.