By Lauren Schiavone
Hometown Weekly Staff
There’s no place like home for the holidays, and Needham homes are dazzled with sparkling lights and inflatable lawn ornaments once again.
To bring attention to the creativity of the community, 32 homes are currently featured in the Needham Women’s Club’s (NWC) yearly Holiday House Tour, a drive-by of some of town’s most spectacularly decorated homes. December 10 marked the opening night of the tour, the Needham Women’s Club’s 25th year of the fundraiser, and saw neighbors ooh-ing and aah-ing from trolleys.
The new and improved Holiday House Tour provides primary funding for the NWC throughout the year. Proceeds from the tour help fund the financial donations the NWC provides to Needham community programs and organizations. Scholarships for students and tributes to veterans are just a couple examples of giving that occurs year round with the NWC.
Previously, the Holiday House tour included six homes with decorated interiors. The past three years modified the tour to be outdoors. The appeal has grown. “It allows the whole family to participate,” NWC member Carol Stento observed. “When we did the indoor tour, it was great, but it was primarily a ladies’ event. Now it’s really much more of a family event.”
Also new this year, celebrity judges shared in the experience with trolley riders. Familiar faces including Rep. Denise Garlick and High School Resource Officer Joe Brienze (along with his dog, Rocket) bolstered the fun competition and fundraiser.
Families dressed in reindeer antlers and Santa hats, ready to ride the trolley from the Memorial Field in search of the best decorated homes. Prior to departure, the Needham High School Singers began the festivities with a cappella renditions of holiday favorites such as “Jingle Bells”, “The Dreidel Song” and “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindee”. The Total Eclipse Dance Studio (TEDS) competition team, meanwhile, made spirits bright with a performance of “Run, Run Rudolph”.
Whistles, cheers, and jingle bells filled the trolley ride. Trolley Master Betsy Millane and NWC Board Member Suzanne Saevitz narrated the journey with acuity. The commentary highlighted the thoughtful details that homeowners included to make a standout impression in hopes for being voted Best Overall Decorated House, amongst other esteemed titles. Some families proudly waved from their doorsteps.
Impressed trolley riders were able to vote at home for their favorite houses and were encouraged to take note of their favorites during the ride. Themed homes spanned from Star Wars and Sesame Street to the Nutcracker and gingerbread houses.
A brief stop at the History Center allowed a break for snacks and cider. The tour continued along one of three routes. There was adequate time to enjoy each display and make the experience memorable. A staple for Needham families, the Holiday House Tour will continue through December 17, with online voting closing that same day. Maps are available online to download and follow along in your own decked-out vehicle.
Information on the tour route, voting, and more are online at https://needhamwomensclub.org/2022-holiday-house-tour
