We are so excited that our “32nd Christmas Tour of Homes & Holiday Market” will be held Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, from 3 p.m.-8 p.m. (The Holiday Market is noon-6 p.m.). Six homes representing various styles of architecture in our city will be featured for the tour.

Kit and Brad Shipe discovered Avondale Estates in 2010 when their son attended The Friends School. They originally bought a two-bedroom/one bath English Cottage home on Dartmouth that was built in 1927 before it was “bumped up and out” by previous owners. The Shipes gave the kitchen a facelift and renovated all the bathrooms. Christmas at the Shipes invokes the presence of Kit’s mother, whose many decorations and needlepoint ornaments made her the “Christmas Diva” in her hometown.

Kris Byron and Ross Rubenstein returned to Avondale two years ago after they purchased a 1931 American Foursquare on Fairfield Plaza. The couple had lived in Avondale Estates in the early 2000s and were married at Lake Avondale. In 2023, they completed a large-scale renovation by demolishing part of the sunroom addition and replacing it with a two-story addition, which included a new kitchen, family room, primary suite and screened porch. The Rubensteins celebrate the holidays by donating to their favorite charities.

In 2022, Tyler Weaver and Andrew Kennedy moved into their Dartmouth Avenue home, which had been a part of the Lee family for more than 70 years. The 1955 brick ranch home was a dream come true. While antique furniture, crystal and silver are just a few of their passions, nothing compares to their holiday collection. The Kennedys decorate the home with family items—some of which are more than 130 years old—and items picked up at estate sales and thrift stores. One exciting feature to look at is the Secret Garden. Located in the back, the light display creates a Winter Wonderland over the entire lot.

Sharon and Bob Wess moved to 56 Clarendon Avenue, where they have lived for 25 years. After Sharon was diagnosed with cancer, they found a wonderful 1960’s style ranch home on Hess Drive. Before moving in, they updated the home with new appliances in the kitchen, hardwood floors throughout, new doors and windows, and more than 70 lights. In 2022, Sharon lost her battle with cancer. This year, Bob is honoring her memory during the holidays with the help of several of their friends. 

Amie and Dan Waltzer discovered Avondale Estates through their realtor, purchasing their 1965 Colonial and moving from Kirkwood six years ago. Since then, the Waltzers have remodeled the entire house: turning the garage into a living room and mudroom; changing the kitchen to include a separate dining area; converting the fourth bedroom into an office; and adding a new front porch, which was completed this year. As a Jewish family, they celebrate all parts of the holidays, including Hanukkah lights, candles and other holiday décor.

Sarah and Steven Hecht found their home on Ohm Avenue after they outgrew their home in Forrest Hills. Moving to a two-year old farmhouse in 2021, they added personal touches, including works by Atlanta artists. The most treasured is the mural along the upstairs hall, which was created as a montage of pictures from a book Sarah’s grandmother read to her as a child. The Hecht’s home is decorated with a winter theme, including a menorah and stockings, as they celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas.

The Avondale Holiday Market—Sunday, Dec. 15, from noon-6 p.m. at the Avondale Lake House—will include most of the old favorites selling their pecans, hand-knitted scarves, chocolates, honey, jewelry, photography, bird feeders, smoked salmon, jams and ornaments. Please stop by to support our market vendors and finish off your Christmas shopping list with one-of-a-kind gifts. While you are there, enjoy soup and sandwiches at the Holiday Market Café.

Pre-sale tour tickets are available on bigtickets.com for $25 or at Finders Keepers Furnishings, Garage Door Studio or Intown Ace Hardware for $20. On the day of the tour, tickets will be on sale for $25 at the Avondale Lake House. Small buses will be available for the tour from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. or 6 p.m.-8 p.m..

Contact Margaret at mplcvl@aol.com to sign up for a spot on a bus. Margaret Lunsford, Tour of Homes Committee at avondaletourofhomes.com