Two Centuries of Holiday Tradition
The Gonzales historic homes association will open the doors to six significant properties, December 13th, 2025, for a free public tour.
Experience the holiday spirit across generations, from the determined pioneers to the established leaders of the early twentieth century. Each location, dressed in its seasonal best, tells a unique story of the people who built our city and state.
Event At-A-Glance
Event: A Holiday and History Tour of Homes
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
History and Holiday Tours Time: 2 PM to 6 PM for Holiday and History Home Tours,
Pioneer Village Stars in the Village: 6 PM to 9 PM
Holiday Home Tour Admission: Holiday Home Tours are FREE for Everyone, Christmas gift box in front of every home for generous donations.
Pioneer Village “Stars in the Village Admission: ($8/adults & $5/children (5-12 yrs, cash)
Tour Stops
- Laurel Ridge Antiques & Christmas Store / The Frank Fly Home
- The Saint James Bed & Breakfast / Walter Kokernot House
- Belle Oaks Inn: Grandeur & Grounds
- The Old Jail: Surprise, it was a home!
- The J.B. Wells Home & Museum / T.N. Matthews Home
- The Eggleston House: The Early Settlers’ Spirit with Period Decorations
Suggested 2025 Driving Route
2025 Holidays and History Guide with Map
History Stops on the Tour
LAUREL RIDGE ANTIQUES & CHRISTMAS STORE / FRANK FLY HOUSE
A testament to early 20th-century resiliance. This 1914 American Foursquare was built for Sheriff and Bank President Frank M. Fly, a leader who guided Gonzales through the Great Depression. It is now a Christmas store.
SAINT JAMES BED & BREAKFAST / WALTER KOKERNOT HOUSE
Experience the excitement of the holidays! This elegant inn is the perfect showcase for holiday decorations and entertaining.
BELLE OAKS INN / C.E. DILWORTH HOUSE
Belle Oaks Inn transforms into a holiday masterpiece, where extravagant decorations adorn both its majestic rooms and its enchanting grounds.
THE OLD GONZALES JAIL MUSEUM
Listen for stories of frontier life within these sturdy walls. Discover how holidays were celebrated when this jail was the Sheriff and his family’s home.
J.B. WELLS HOUSE & MUSEUM
Built in 1885 for cattleman Thomas Newton “T. N.” Matthews, this two story Victorian residence captures the prosperity of late nineteenth century Gonzales.
THE EGGLESTON HOUSE WALK-UP MUSEUM
Complete your Christmas journey as a docent shares stories of a simple powerful warmth of a frontier Christmas, complete with natural period Christmas decorations.
Pioneer Village's Christmas Under the Stars
Step into a night time holiday tradition at the Pioneer Village Living History Center, where a 19th century village glows with lights. Enjoy warm holiday drinks, a blacksmith at work, candle making, pop some corn over the campfire, candle making, make a corn shuck doll, and enjoy music in the church.
Admission: $8 per adult & $5 per child (5-12 years). Please bring cash for ticket purchases at the door.
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Pioneer Village Living History Center, 2122 N St Joseph St, Gonzales, TX.
Grand Finale: The Gonzales Museum Light Show
After exploring Pioneer Village, gather on the Gonzales Memorial Museum lawn for a spectacular experience, a movie detailing Gonzales’ place in the struggle for Texas Independence. We recommend bringing a blanket or lawn chair for comfort.
This event is free to the public!
Showtimes: Showings at 8:20 PM and 9:15 PM
Schedule: Tuesday through Sunday.
For your comfort, we recommend bringing a blanket or lawn chair.
Plan Your Visit
Supporting Preservation
This free tour is our gift to you. The ongoing work to preserve these treasures relies on community support.
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Donation Boxes: Christmas boxes will be at each location.
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Online Giving: A secure Square donation link, available at this link or via QR code at each home, directly supports our preservation efforts.
Visitor Tips for an Enjoyable Tour
Starting Point: Your tour begins at The Frank Fly Home for map collection (available for download here).
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At the Homes: Knowledgeable docents are ready to share each property’s history. To aid preservation, please keep food and drinks outside and ask permission before taking photographs.
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Parking: Gonzales historic streets offer convenient parking near each home.
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Restrooms: Please plan accordingly as public restrooms are not available inside the historic homes.
Presented with pride by the Historic Homes Association of Gonzales, Texas.
Dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Gonzales architectural and cultural heritage.