One of my favorite annual events each year is the Newburyport Holiday House Tour, which I’ve posted about many times. I am unable to attend this year so wanted to share my Top 10 favorite Christmas scenes from Christmases past. I though you might pick up some fun ideas for holiday decorating.
AND, I’m doing a GIVEAWAY! I have two tickets to this year’s event to give away! Last year, because of the pandemic, they did it as an outdoor event, which yielded spectacular results, despite the rainy weather! Given we’re still in an insecure space when it comes to all things virus, they are again planning an outdoor event and I have no doubt it will exceed what they accomplished last year.
Here are my Top 10 Christmas Scenes (in no particular order) from Newburyport Christmases Past:
And some bonus pics from the 2020 outdoor tour:

For New England locals – the annual Newburyport Holiday House Tour is taking place on Saturday December 11th from 12-5. As with last year, they are doing an outdoor event with decorated yards and scenes around the Newburyport/Amesbury and Newbury communities. Last year – despite being a rainy day – was a really wonderful event and this years is sure to be the same. You can read all about last year’s event here and purchase tickets for this year here.
Sadly, I cannot attend this year because happily my brother is coming in from Colorado – and I haven’t seen him in two years! I have two tickets that I want to give away to someone local who would be interested in attending one of my favorite annual events!
If you would like to attend, share with me in the comments which of my favorite Top 10 scenes from Newburyport Christmases Past is your favorite space!
I will draw a winner at random and contact the winner
this Thursday December 2nd and will contact the winner by email – so keep an eye out!
Congratulations to Sue for winning the tickets! Enjoy! And thanks to all who entered!
(All photos by Linda Merrill, except where noted)
You will also love: Newburyport Holiday House Tour 2022

Linda the pictures are wonderful. Definitely my favorite are the barn doors and decorated bicycle! I would love to win the tickets as I will be in town to visit my daughter and her family that weekend. We have often talked about doing a garden or house tour and it would be a wonderful holiday memory. thank you for the chance to win the giveaway.
Hi Sherry – Great time to come visiting! Happy Holidays!
Hi Linda. The photos are all great, but I’m partial to the driftwood wrapped in lights with the stack of mail (old letters!) wrapped in beads! I may borrow that idea, though my letters won’t be quite as old!
Have never attended the holiday tour. Sounds like a good thing to do! Happy holidays to you.
Hi Ellen – I can’t believe you’ve never done the holiday tour! You’re right there!!!! Lol. Happy Holidays!
Hello Linda, I was most taken with the packet of WWII soldier letters. The oft-stated reason for these people risking (and often losing) their lives to go to war was to protect our traditions and way of life, so the Holidays is a great time to honor them. We have several formalized times to commemorate veterans and casualties, but this is a nice reminder that these soldiers were part of families who loved them and now miss them (there is a tiny chance that this soldier is still living and present!).
–Jim
Hi Jim – you are so right about the holidays being a great time to remember those who served for us! Happy Holidays!
Hi Linda, so many great images but the individual gingerbread house on the place setting is adorable. I not only love the photo but what a great idea as each guest gets to take it home! I attended the tour a few years ago and loved it. Such a great way to get into the Christmas spirit!
Hi Linda – I love that cute little gingerbread house! Wishing I had the motivation to make something like that!
Linda – Happy Holidays. The bundle of letters brings up the legacy of Family history-having recently read old letters, some from Vietnam, it inspires me to bundle them and remember the past. I also love the outdoor chairs with trees and a fire pit. Cold weather can make us all want to stay in but with that set-up I’d go out with my coffee and friends. Good photographs!
Sue Michaels
Hi Sue – Thanks! And those letters are very evocative aren’t they?
Hi Linda! I really enjoyed looking through these images. Thanks for the holiday decorating inspiration as I haven’t done any yet, and need to get with the program today — so this post is perfect timing.
My favorite image of all of these is the image with the letters. Getting a real letter these days from anyone is such a special treat, I loved the memories that image evoked for me.
I hope you have a fun time with your brother — I am so glad you are going to be able to see him again after 2 years apart.
Happy Holidays to you!
Love these pictures, Linda! That gingerbread house place setting is adorable! I’ve still never been to this and I really should go one of these years, it looks like a lot of fun 🙂 Have a wonderful time with your brother!
You really should attend some year Janet!
Wonderful photos Linda! If I ever make it up that way I’ll have to check this out. What a fabulous way to be inspired during Christmas! Thanks for giving us a taste of what it’s like!
Thanks Lauren!
This is all so beautiful! Sounds like a good giveaway. Have a happy holiday season!
Thanks and to you as well Lisa!