The Sippican Woman’s Club Holiday House Tour, themed “A Simple Holiday” in Marion will be held on Saturday, December 14, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This is a yearly event, held for over 30 years, and the proceeds of which go to scholarships for Marion students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. The Tour begins in Handy’s Tavern, 152 Front Street, which has been delightfully decorated and will be serving wassail. If you haven’t already purchased tickets, they can be bought at the Tavern. Tour maps and program are exchanged for the tickets. Every participant will get a wrist band that will be their admission to the houses and Tea.
To purchase tickets in advance ($20 in advance, $25 day of tour), they are available at the Marion General Store, Serendipity in Marion, or Isabelle’s at the Ropewalk in Mattapoisett. Tickets may also be bought on-line, by going to the website, www.sippicanwomansclub.org, select Holiday House Tour Tickets, add the number of tickets you are purchasing and proceed to the cart, then proceed to checkout. If your credit card/debit card is not in your name, please provide your name in the “order notes” on the right side of the billing detail page. Keep your receipt for payment verification when you pick up the tour program at the Tavern. You can also mail in a check payable to SWC and send to: SWC–HHT tickets, P.O. Box 121, Marion, MA 02738.
It’s a very busy day in Marion during the Holiday House Tour. The main event, of course, is viewing the beautiful homes in Marion, decorated by professional florists and homeowners. At 2:00 pm, everyone will be ready to sit down at the traditional Holiday Tea, held at St. Gabriel’s Fellowship Hall, South Street, held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. There in the warm holiday ambiance, you will find elegantly served tea, coffee, finger sandwiches, and sweets.
There is a special, surprise venue this year, the Beverly Yacht Club will be open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Here’s an opportunity to view the scenic waterfront from Marion’s world-renowned private sailing club. Decorated and welcoming, enjoy a beverage from the cash bar or a complimentary cup of tea or coffee. BYC members will share info about the 1806 clubhouse as well as its many racing programs.
There are other events about town, not to be forgotten. The Marion Garden Group will have their Holiday Boutique at the Marion Music Hall on Front Street from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Arrive early as they sell out quickly. The Marion Art Center, 80 Pleasant Street, will be decorated for holidays and featuring “Small Works on the Wall”, originals by 20 artists for immediate purchase. Their holiday shop offers a curated boutique of beautiful handmade items. Be sure to admire the many renovations, too. The Elizabeth Taber Library, 8 Spring Street, has a stunning new courtyard and entrance to be admired. Bring the children to enjoy a seasonal craft project. The 2019 ornaments, available to purchase were crafted by McDermott Glass Studio. As in many previous years, the First Congregational Church will hold a luncheon from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm in the Community Center. It will include their famous hot chicken salad, cranberry compote, etc. ($10). There is also the Cookie Walk, where homemade cookies boxed for the season ($10/dozen) are sold.
It is a great, special day that last year provided $13,000 for scholarships.