We are thrilled to invite you to the 2024 O' Christmas Tree Home Tour, hosted by the Heritage Guild of Vicksburg and Warren County.

Following the success of last year's tour, this year’s group of Vicksburg homeowners are honoring Mahala Roach's tradition. “O’ Christmas Tree” features twelve architectural beauties rarely open to the public. Each home will be on tour for one day only. Architecturally the homes range from Tudor Revival to the Queen Anne style having been built from 1885 to 1939.. All of the houses will be decorated for Christmas with the thoughtful, personal touch Mahala displayed in 1851.

The tours will take place over the first two weekends in December from 1pm - 3pm, with three homes featured each day. See photos of the homes that will be on tour below.

Enjoy a charming trip through history as you explore the first floor of these unique homes. The City of Vicksburg will provide transportation
allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel from one house to the next.* Take your time at each location, knowing the bus will return shortly to pick you up for the next stop. Please note tour homes are NOT ADA accessible. 

*You may also drive yourself on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 15th. The other two days are prohibited for safety reasons.

We look forward to hosting you,

The Heritage Guild of Vicksburg and Warren County is composed of private individuals with like interests in preserving the cultural and structural heritage of Vicksburg and Warren County. The goal of the Heritage Guild is to champion the historical assets of our community. The O' Christmas Tree tour of homes is a collaboration of private historic home owners sharing their Christmas and their story of preservation.

The History of Mahala Roach and Vicksburg's First Christmas Tree

On Christmas morning 1851, in a cozy home overlooking the Mighty Mississippi, Mahala and James Roach’s children watched as the doors to their front parlour opened. Astonished eyes saw on top of the centre table an evergreen tree twinkling with tiny, lit, taper candles and adorned with cornucopias, toys, candles, cookies, ribbons, fans and handmade baskets filled with sugar plums. They had experienced exciting Christmases before but never like this. No one else had either. Even the White House occupants had never had a Christmas tree!

Mahala Roach was a master of the written word. Some of Mahala’s sweetest diary entries were her “Christmas Days” and the most significant was that of 1851. Mrs. Roach told of her children and young servants awaking on Christmas mornings with piercing shouts of “Christmas gift! Christmas gift!” — the equivalent of today’s “Trick or Treat!” The presents included dolls, doll furniture and bejeweled trinkets for the girls. The boys found boots, knives, jumping jacks and horns. As the day progressed, all were treated to fireworks and candy.

Perhaps Mahala was imagining a way to gift her children with the sense of wonder she experienced as a child when she looked to her old friend, the written word. Her memory of German Christmas stories inspired her and she was probably influenced as well by an illustration in the extremely popular, “Godey’s Lady’s Magazine” in December 1850. Whatever the inspiration, she decided “to make one.” Little did she know she had just given Vicksburg a magical gift that would continue to enchant for years to come.

Each year, Mrs. Roach ended her Christmas Day with the same prayer: “Thanks be to God. Merry Christmas to us all.”

Homes on Tour by Day: 

Take home a piece of Vicksburg this holiday season with an exclusive O' Christmas Tree ornament! This beautiful 3.5" acrylic ornament features the official event logo and is perfect for adding a touch of local charm to your tree (see below). Whether you're decorating or gifting, it's a unique way to celebrate the season and show your Vicksburg pride. Pre-order yours (located with the tickets) now and it will be ready for pick up on the day of your tour!

Proceeds from this event will be given to Vicksburg Main Street and the Old Courthouse Museum