Julia-Ann Square cancels holiday house tour 2026, plans concert and neighborhood walk

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - The Julia-Ann Square Historic District’s annual Christmas house tour has been canceled this year as two prominent neighborhood families move away, including the owners of a home that has long served as the event’s anchor.

Julie Deklavon, the district’s corresponding secretary, said the timing of the move at Judy and Norman Smith’s home made it impossible to prepare all three floors for the tour. A new family is expected to move into the home after the Smiths leave.

“Our anchor home, Judy and Norman Smith’s home, was always the anchor home for the Christmas tour,” Deklavon said. “There was just no way to have this house all three floors ready for the Christmas tour.”

The tour has been held for about 25 years and typically features about five homes, Deklavon said. Visitors can see architectural details, including woodwork and stained glass, while learning about the neighborhood’s history.

Deklavon said she believes the house tour will return next year, though she did not announce specific dates or a finalized plan.

“We have a new group of people coming in and a lot of exciting neighbors that are excited to be a part of it and share this history,” she said.

In place of the house tour, organizers are planning a concert and guided neighborhood tour on Dec. 5. The event begins at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. Deklavon said neighborhood resident Melissa Herzig organized the concert, and guides will share the area’s history during the walk.

Attendees can show up at the church without signing up in advance, Deklavon said. She encouraged guests to arrive a little early to get seated before the music begins.

The district is also approaching the 50th anniversary of its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 2027. Deklavon said organizers hope to hold a summer celebration that could include access to some of the homes, though details have not been finalized.

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