The Essex River Valley Auxiliary of the Child & Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut is once again ready to open the doors of seven hand-picked homes in Essex Village to welcome visitors for the 15th annual Holiday House Tour event, which will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All proceeds from the event go to the Child & Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut, whose programs deal with children’s mental health, children’s physical health care, the prevention of child abuse, the treatment of family violence, childcare, and parent education.

The self-guided walking tour twists and turns through seven distinctive 18th- and 19th-century homes, as well as the Essex Historical Society’s Pratt Museum and the Connecticut River Museum.

“This year we chose to decorate the Pratt House in Victorian High Style,” said Essex Historical Society Director Melissa Josefiak.

The historical society held a hands-on workshop in early November, during which time 14 volunteers made a myriad of ornaments and decorations to be used in the house for this special occasion.

“Don’t miss this tour,” said Josefiak. “This is a rare opportunity to see the specially decorated, beautiful, historic homes of Essex and a chance to get in the spirit of the holidays.”

“Kindling Christmas cheer is what the event is all about,” said event co-chair Anne Garland. “...the Essex Auxiliary Biennial Holiday House Tour has become a beloved and anticipated staple of the town’s holiday season.”

“It is an amazing group of women who come together to celebrate this event and it is the auxiliary’s largest fundraiser for Child & Family Services, as well as a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate and embrace the holiday season,” said Garland.

“In 2017 we had about 1,000 people attend, which is the norm for the event, and we are hoping to be able to top that this year,” added Garland.

Each house along the tour will have a guide present who will give a brief history of the home.

“It is such a treat to be able to explore these beautiful homes and we are so grateful to the home owners for allowing us to do this. It is evident in all the homes how much they are loved and cared for,” Garland added. “This house tour is a wonderful experience to share with someone special. You will come away from it fully immersed in the holiday spirit and feeling a sense of community like no other.”

“The whole town always looks forward to this event,” said Essex First Selectman Norm Needleman. “It is so wonderful that the local people open their beautiful homes to raise money for such a good cause. It’s always a wonderful experience.”

In addition to the house tour, visitors can also get a jump start on their holiday shopping by visiting the Holiday Boutique, which is held at the Town Hall, 29 West Avenue, Essex, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It features hand-crafted clothing, bespoke jewelry, unique home décor, festive holiday floral arrangements and hot chocolate and snacks at the Santa Café.

Tickets for the holiday house tour are $30 in advance, and can be purchased in advance at The Griswold Inn Store, One North Main, and the Centerbrook Cheese shop. Tickets are $40 the day of the event at the Town Hall, 29 West Street, Essex.