Allegheny West Civic Councils Old Allegheny Victorian Christmas House Tour

PHLF News
October 19, 2009
This popular guided tour will feature restored Victorian homes plus the historic Calvary United Methodist Church, famous for its beautiful Louis Tiffany stained glass windows. Also, visit one of the world’s largest toy train museums—a private collection of hundreds of colorful train sets from the early 20th century; many of them rolling through enchanting miniature villages.

Tours will be scheduled at 12-minute intervals between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm on Friday evening, 10:00 am and 8:00 pm on Saturday. Reservations are required. It is recommended that tickets for the model train exhibit also be purchased in advance.

These personally guided tours afford a rare opportunity to glimpse a by-gone era and experience the warmth of the season in a truly “old-fashioned” style.  Most homes in Allegheny West are over 100 years old and Victorian in architectural style. Lavishly decorated for the holidays, they recall the late 19th Century birth of the traditional American Christmas—elaborately decorated mantels, towering Christmas trees, and pine, holly and mistletoe on stairs and chandeliers. This unique tour is part of Rick Sebak’s Emmy Award® winning documentary, “Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh” showcasing the finest holiday celebrations in Western Pennsylvania.

A Holiday Shop will be available at the conclusion of the tour where hot cider will warm you while you browse the antiques, gifts, and a variety of handcrafted items. Tickets for the regular tour are $20 per person. Tickets for the model train exhibit are $10 per person.

Brunch and tea tours are being offered on Saturday. Guests will meet for brunch or tea in a private residence and then take the tour. These tours are $40 per person.

And finally, there will be an exclusive five-course dinner and tour on Saturday evening prepared by caterer Linda Iannotta. A limited number of tickets are available at $100,

This year, we are also offering special signed tours for the hearing impaired.

The guided tours will originate from Calvary United Methodist Church located on the corner of Allegheny and Beech Avenues in the Allegheny West Historic District. Allegheny West is located just west of the Aviary and West Park and north of the stadiums on Pittsburgh’s Near North Side. Free parking is available throughout the neighborhood and in select CCAC parking lots.

Ticket quantities are limited. Tickets may be ordered on-line at our website: alleghenywest.org. If you need further information, please call, 412-323-8884.