Candlelight House Walk to Bring Holiday Spirit to Frankfort

The Frankfort Area Historical Society will host the 32nd annual Candlelight House Walk on Friday.

“It’s a nice evening out,” said Judy Herder, president of the historical society.

Each year, the house walk features several Frankfort homes at their holiday best. The historical society always includes at least one home in historic downtown Frankfort, while the rest are typically located in area subdivisions.

The homes will display a Christmas tree and holiday décor. Selected homeowners are each paired with a local florist, who donates a complimentary arrangement to the house, and provides $200 in flowers, which is paid for by the historical society.

During the house walk, a brass quintet will travel from house to house, playing holiday music.

House walkers are invited to walk or drive from one home to another, and to enjoy the shops and restaurants in downtown Frankfort during the event.

Frankfort resident Debbi Parise is among the homeowners participating in this year’s house walk. A resident of the Stonebridge Valley subdivision, Parise and her mother take part in the house walk together every holiday season. This year, Parise, whose flower arrangements will be provided by An English Garden, in Mokena, is excited to be hosting.

“I’ve been working nonstop,” she said. “I love to decorate.”

The Frankfort Historical Museum will remain open throughout the event. Former Enrico’s owner Harry D’Ercole will make wassail for those who visit the museum and cookies and coffee will also be provided.

The Frankfort Chamber of Commerce will host an open house across the street from the museum, to coincide with the house walk. The chamber will serve appetizers and drinks for those who attend.

Herder says that people travel from across Chicagoland for the event. The historical society hopes to sell 600 tickets this year.

Ticket sales from the house walk are the primary source of revenue for the historical society. The funds raised on Friday will go toward providing $4,000 in scholarships for students at Lincoln-Way East and Lincoln-Way North high schools. The money will also be used to pay for the Frankfort Public Library’s subscription to the genealogy database ancestry.com.

“Everything is given back to the community in some way,” said Herder.

The house walk will take place on Dec. 7 from 5-10 p.m. Tickets cost $25. To purchase tickets or find out more about the event, call the historical museum at 815-469-6541.

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