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The Suffolk Nansemond Historical Society announced the return of the Historic Suffolk Holiday Tour, a beloved tradition spanning nearly 50 years.  The tour will take place on Dec. 7 and 8, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day.  This year’s tour coincides with a revitalization effort in Downtown Suffolk.

The tour will offer a rare opportunity to step inside some of Suffolk’s most historic homes and churches, many of which are typically closed to the public.  Featured locations include:

*   First Baptist Church

*   St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

*   Suffolk Christian Church

*   Main Street United Methodist Church

*   Higher Ground Outreach Church

*   The Elliott Hotel

*   Phillips-Dawson House

*   The Truitt House

*   The History Keepers

*   The Susie House

*   The Pinner-Faircloth House

*   The Pinner House

According to the media release, guests will enjoy live music, festive food and beverages, and immersive period costume experiences throughout the tour.  Each space will be adorned with thoughtfully curated holiday decor, capturing the magic of the season and Suffolk’s charm.  Tickets are $35.00 each and can be purchased online at suffolkhistory.org, or in person at The Suffolk Visitor Center.

The Historic Suffolk Holiday Tour is part of a larger Downtown Holiday Weekend, a collaborative effort between the Suffolk Nansemond Historical Society and the City of Suffolk to create a festive and exciting destination for residents and visitors alike.  The weekend will feature a variety of attractions, including:

*   A winter wonderland at the former SunTrust Building, complete with a children’s arcade

*   Ice skating at Festival Park, culminating in a concert at dusk on Saturday

*   The Annual Artisan Gift Fair and Market at the Suffolk Visitor Center, offering unique, handcrafted gifts

In addition to the tour and weekend festivities, the Suffolk Nansemond Historical Society offers several resources for exploring Suffolk’s rich history.  “Suffolk History in a Nutshell” provides engaging, bite-sized videos that explore the people, places, and events that have shaped the community.  A special preview video highlighting homes featured on this year’s tour will be released in anticipation of the event.  The Suffolk Tourism App of Downtown Historic Places offers a self-guided tour of the historic downtown corridor, providing fascinating facts and stories about Suffolk’s unique history.