The Marietta Pilgrimage
A Christmas Home Tour through Marietta, Georgia

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the Marietta Pilgrimage?

The Marietta Pilgrimage is a Christmas Home Tour that takes place in the historic districts around the Marietta Square. The tour, a favorite holiday tradition for over 20 years, showcases 6 private historic homes all lovingly restored and decorated for the season.

 

When will the Pilgrimage take place this year?

The Pilgrimage is always held the first full weekend in December and this year will take place December 5-6, 2009

 

Where will the Pilgrimage take place this year?

This year the home tour will showcase homes in the Church-Cherokee Street Historic District.

 

What houses will be on tour this year?

Please visit our “Tour Homes” page for pictures and histories of the homes on tour this year.

 

Are only houses on the tour?

No. In addition to the 6 private homes, a number of Historic Public Buildings will be open for tour as well. Please visit our “Public Buildings” page for a description of these buildings.

 

What types of tours are offered?

The Marietta Pilgrimage offers either a Day Tour or an evening Candlelight Tour. The Day Tour will showcase all 6 homes and public buildings and the Candlelight Tour features 3 of the 6 homes. You may also purchase a combination ticket which allows you to see the public buildings and 3 of the homes during the Day Tour and the remaining 3 homes during the Candlelight Tour.

 

What times are the tours?

The Day Tour runs Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday from 10am-6pm. The Candlelight Tour is Saturday from 7pm-9:30pm. Check the Schedule page for details.

 

How much are tickets?

The Day Tour tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the tour. The Candlelight Tour tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the tour. The combination ticket is $20 in advance and $25 the day of the tour.

 

Are there group discounts?

Yes, we do offer group discount tickets in advance for groups of 15 or more. The tickets must be purchased before November 27 and paid for in one payment. Group ticket prices are: Day Tour $12, Candlelight Tour $10, combination ticket $15. We’re sorry, but group tickets can not be purchased online.

 

Do you offer children’s tickets?

No we do not. Due to the nature of the tour, children under 8 are not permitted.

 

How can I purchase tickets?

You may purchase tickets in person at either the Marietta Welcome Center or Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society. Or, you can download and mail in a ticket reservation form with your check, or buy them online from our website with a credit card. Please visit our “Order Tickets” page for more information. We can not place ticket orders over the phone.

 

Will you mail my tickets to me?

No, no tickets will be mailed. All tickets purchased by mail or online will be held at the Marietta Welcome Center. You are welcome to pick them up in advance or the day of the tour.

 

Is transportation provided for the tour?

Shuttle transportation is provided for the Day Tour only, and shuttles run about every 15-20 minutes in a continuous route. The shuttle bus picks up at Mill Street & the railroad tracks outside the Marietta Welcome Center. The tour is also very walkable. There is no shuttle provided for the Candlelight Tour. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a flashlight for the Candlelight Tour. The Candlelight Tour houses are in close proximity and are easily walkable.

 

Where do I park?

Parking is available at the free lots off Mill Street and at the Cobb County Parking Deck off Cherokee Street. There is street parking available around the Square, but it fills up quickly.

 

Do I have to see all of the homes in one day?

Day Tour tickets are good for either Saturday or Sunday. However, the Candlelight ticket is not transferable to any of the Day Tours.

 

Do I have to tour the homes in a certain order? Do I have to stay with a group?

No. You are free to tour in homes in any order you chose, and all tours are self-guided. There will be docents inside the homes pointing out special features and the history of the homes.

 

What are the dates of the 2010 Marietta Pilgrimage?

The tour is always held the first full weekend in December, and next year will take place December 4-5, 2010.

 

Who sponsors the tour?

The Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour is sponsored by the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau and Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society. We are also proud to have corporate sponsorship. Please show your appreciation by visiting our Sponsors page.

 

How can I volunteer to be a docent?

Please visit our Volunteer page or you can call the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau at (770) 429-1115 or Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society at (770) 426-4982.

 

What is the Merry Olde Marietta Tearoom?

The Merry Olde Marietta Tearoom gives guests an opportunity to warm up and enjoy refreshments during the tour. It is conveniently positioned along the tour route and will be held at Ivy Grove, 473 Cherokee Street.

 

What other holiday activities are going on in Marietta?

On December 3 Santa will arrive in the Square and will help host the Holiday Tree Lighting. The giant Christmas tree will light up the night at 6pm and local choruses will provide entertainment. Santa will visit in the Square until 8pm. For more information call (770) 429-1115. The Pilgrimage weekend, December 5-6 also marks the opening of Santa’s Workshop on the Marietta Square. Experience the season in Olde Merry-etta & visit with St. Nick in his brightly decorated workshop. Photos with Santa are available. For more information call (770) 429-5601.

 

For more holiday activities in Marietta visit www.mariettaga.gov or www.mariettasquare.com