Be a part of a long-standing tradition and find holiday inspiration during the Marietta Christmas Candlelight Tour. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1.

"The Marietta Christmas Candlelight Tour is all about celebrating the history, love and culture of Marietta," said Rebecca Carroll Baltozer, a member of Marietta Restoration Associates (MRA), which hosts the event. "This is our 58th tour, which makes us one of the oldest home tours in the state."

The self-guided walking tour will feature eight private homes, including one that has never been on the tour before. Additionally, the event will feature activities at public buildings in Marietta and a variety of special events. "We are also celebrating the 40th year of the small collector house," said MRA volunteer Joanne Dancause, describing a memento of the event that tourgoers can buy. "These can be purchased on the day of tour at the Old Town Hall Museum."

Proceeds from the tour benefit the MRA and are used for the upkeep and restoration of historic buildings in Marietta. The organization formed in 1965 when a group of civic-minded individuals recognized the need to preserve the town's history and architecture.

"Your tour booklet is your ticket and includes a map of homes and attractions," Baltozer shared, noting that the tour will feature free shuttle bus service, a local artist showcase, exhibits at the Old Town Hall Museum and more. "There are many restaurants and small businesses that are open on the day of the tour. Check out the map in your tour booklet/ticket to see the open businesses and their location."

The tour invites the community into the small river town to explore the unique and creative ways people have decorated their homes for the holidays. Inspiration can be found in decor that ranges from primitive to modern.

At Susquehanna Stage, 133 W. Market St., Marietta, a special holiday event will be held during the tour. "The Dickens Market has become an annual fundraiser for the Susquehanna Stage Company," said Joni McCrady, a member of the theater's events committee. "This event has been organized and spearheaded by Terry Carroll for the past several years." The market will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 1.

"The Gallery space will be decorated for Christmas to capture the start of the Christmas season," McCrady remarked. "The Dickens Market is a primitive market offering a variety of primitive gifts and decorations as well as several gift baskets to be (given away). Warm drinks and sweet treats will be available for purchase at our Grog Shop in the concession area."

Along with shopping for unique gifts, the Dickens Market offers the public a chance to explore Susquehanna Stage, she said. "Those visiting will have the opportunity to tour the main stage theater preparing for the upcoming winter show," McCrady noted. "Our hope is to introduce the community to our theater and spread Christmas cheer."

Tickets for the Marietta Christmas Candlelight Tour may be purchased at 10 locations throughout the area as well as online at 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 noon on Friday, Nov. 29. 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 and shuttle bus service will be available at all three locations.