Get in the holiday spirit, pick up some decorating inspiration and take a peek inside Marietta homes during the Marietta Candlelight Tour. The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m to 7 p.m. Eight private homes and various historic buildings will be featured on the tour.

"The homes are all varied in style again this year," said Jason Spickler, co-chair of the tour committee. "Many of the homes have been on our tour in the past, but with new owners, guests can expect to see new decorating styles and renovations to some of the houses that they may have seen in past years."

Homes on the tour include 574 W. Market St., a house built around 1869 on land that was previously an apple orchard. Unique features of the home include the original kitchen sink cabinetry and pantry that has been relocated to the dining room and a hutch that dates to 1875. The home will be decorated in natural materials.

At 276 W. Market St., a home built in 1872 will be highlighted. It is typical of the brick and frame homes constructed in Marietta in the period of prosperity following the Civil War. Interior features on the tour will include collections of cut glass, Quimper ware and hat pins.

"Many of the businesses and organizations in town are doing special events that coincide with the tour," Spickler noted. "From restaurant specials and store displays to carriage rides, holiday shopping and special entertainment, this is another way that our town comes together to make this event special for those coming to visit Marietta for the tour."

Proceeds from the tour will benefit the Marietta Restoration Associates and will be used to continue the restoration and preservation of the town.

"The annual candlelight tour has become a town event," Spickler shared. "In addition to the homes that are featured on the tour, I would say that almost everyone in town gets in on the fun by decorating their home exteriors so that the whole town looks festive."

Tickets for the Marietta Candlelight Tour may be purchased at 10 locations throughout the area as well as online at http://www.mariettarestoration.org. A full list of ticket locations may be found by following "Marietta Restoration Associates, Inc." on Facebook. There is a discount for purchasing tickets through Friday, Dec. 1. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the tour in the parking lot of Donegal Intermediate School, 1177 River Road, Marietta; at the Old Town Hall Museum, 3 W. Walnut St., Marietta; and at First National Escape bank, 100 W. Market St., Marietta.

Parking is available at Donegal Intermediate School, and a shuttle will transport people to downtown Marietta.