The Hogan Family house during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Alanna Warren, Kayla Warren, Christine Macedonia and Amy Carr arrive to Glade Run to pick up their tickets before the start of the 2024 Christmas Home Tour in Zelienople on Saturday. Dec. 14. Cindy Alexander/Special to the Eagle

ZELIENOPLE — Freezing temperatures were no deterrent for the more than 180 smiling people who came out early Saturday, Dec. 14, to Glade Run Lutheran Services, ready to start the 2024 Christmas Home Tour held by the Zelienople Historical Society.

In its 31st year, this was the largest number of tickets sold for the event.

“We have more stops this year,” said Cathy Powell of the Historical Society. “This is an unusual amount. Generally, we don’t do this many places, but our ticket sales were really high.”

The total number of tickets sold was 150, and demand was high. Inquiries about ticket sales started in September.

Homes were less spread out this year as well, making it easier on those doing the tour, while celebrating homes in the immediate area.

“We’re very lucky. Sometimes we have had to go clear down to Elwood City or up to Portersville, but not this year,” said Powell.

The expansion of homes was thanks to tour chair Marietta Reeb.

“She is not afraid to ask people to share their homes. She does a wonderful job and is the catalyst behind this entire event,” said Powell.

Ticket holders couldn’t wait to get started. Along with tickets, booties to cover shoes and tour directions were given so everyone knew where to go.

“This is always so much fun,” said Judy Barnhart from Harmony, while she waited in line to pick up her tickets. “I’ve participated in this ever since it started.”

Seeing the homes decorated is always interesting for Barnhart, who came with a group of friends from Grace Church in Harmony, but community is an even bigger draw.

“It’s just a nice thing to do. It’s a lot of nice people that we know and it’s a neat time to get together with your friends,” said Barnhart.

Friends Alanna and Kayla Warren, Christine Macedonia and Amy Carr were thrilled to be able to get tickets this year.

“I’ve always seen the signs up, but I’ve never been able to get tickets until this year,” said Alanna Warren. “When I went to ask, she was taking a phone call and added a second tour.”

The friends said they were excited to see the homes and the way they were decorated.

“We all love Christmas, and we want to see how others have decorated their homes,” said Macedonia.

“And get some inspiration for our own,” added Carr.

Profits from the event will go toward the upkeep and repairs at both Buhl and Passavant houses. One project will be foundation work at Passavant House.

“Because of the foundation issues, the house has a slope on the inside,” said Powell.

The slope will not be fixed but repairs will be done to the foundation. The cost will be more than $100,000.

The large amount of ticket sales this year, along with ongoing donations throughout the year, will help to keep these beautiful and important properties around for years.

More information on the Zelienople Historical Society and how to donate, go to www.zeliehistory.org.

A line of ticket holders for the Zelienople house tour went out the door early Saturday morning, Dec. 14. Cindy Alexander/Special to the Eagle

Jesse Hogan shows his old farmhouse and an original 1800s cabinet at the Hogan Family house during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Guests tour the house of Beth Demerit and Jill Buchanan during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

An angel sits on one of eight trees at the house of Beth Demerit and Jill Buchanan during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

The Dog’s Christmas tree was on display at the house of Beth Demerit and Jill Buchanan during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Beth Demerit, left, and Jill Buchanan greet guests at their home during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

A Christmas is displayed in the master bedroom at the house of Beth Demerit and Jill Buchanan during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Guest tour Beth Demerit and Jill Buchanan’s house, which had eight Christmas trees, during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Beth Demerit greets guests during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

A Christmas display the house of Beth Demerit and Jill Buchannon is shown during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

A Grinch Christmas tree stands in a doorway at the house of Beth Demerit and Jill Buchanan during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

A Christmas Nativity is shown at the house of Beth Demerit and Jill Buchanan during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Guests check out a sitting room at the Hogan Family house during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Jesse Hogan shows his old farmhouse and a cabinet, original from the 1800s, at the Hogan Family house during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

The front porch with a beautiful view of Zelienople at the Hogan Family house during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Guests check out the dining room at the Hogan Family house during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Jesse Hogan shows his old farmhouse at the Hogan Family house during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Candace Hogan shows guest around at the Hogan Family house during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Kristen Hogan and grandson Beau, 2, look at pictures at the Hogan Family house during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Guests check out the dining room at the Hogan Family house during the 31st Zelienople’s Christmas House tour on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)