You have two chances this weekend to take in the beautiful historic homes of the Northern Kentucky River Cities.

Tours are being hosted in Ludlow and Newport.

The Ludlow Historic Society is completing the celebration of the city’s Sesquicentennial Year with a very special Christmas Home Tour on Saturday, December 6. The Home Tour will go from 4 - 7 p.m., and a Grand Finale will take place at the oldest home in Ludlow—Elmwood Hall, from 6 - 8p.m.

Tickets are $15 and available at Ideal Supply and 230 Elm Antique and Vintage Shop, or on the day of the event at First Baptist Church, 400 Linden St. The Ludlow Heritage Museum will also be open to visitors from 4 - 7 p.m. on the day of the Tour.

Ticket holders and their children are also eligible for a reduced admission fee to Behringer-Crawford Museum in Devou Park on Sunday, December 7, and Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14. The Museum is home to the Holiday Toy Train exhibit and a History of Transportation exhibit featuring the rise of the railroad in the late 19th century, of which Ludlow played a major role.

For complete information about the homes on the tour, visit the LHS web site: www.preserveludlow.org . Proceeds from the Tour go toward revitalization of Ludlow homes and neighborhoods.

In Newport, the 21st annial East Row Victorian Christmas Tour and Tea showcases six historic homes on Saturday and Sunday.

The time-honored tradition that for many signals the beginning of the holiday season in Newport.

Tour tickets are available to be purchased online in advance for $16 at www.east-row.org. On tour days, tickets are $18 per person and will be available for sale during tour hours at The Carnegie Event Center, 403 Monmouth Street. Children aged 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

Also, for the sixth year, the popular Victorian Christmas Tea will be held on both days of the Christmas Tour in a beautiful East Row home. A traditional savory-sweet English tea will be served with assorted cakes, tarts and cookies. Limited seating will be at 11am, 1:30pm, and 4pm. Advance purchase tickets are $30 and are available now, only online, at www.east-row.org. Please note tickets for the Victorian Christmas Tour and the Victorian Christmas Tea are separate.

A portion of the proceeds from the tour will benefit three northern Kentucky food pantries.

-Staff report

Photo via East Row Historic District