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Now in its 68th festive year, the upcoming Kappa Holiday Homes Tour is the unofficial official start of the holiday season for many Kansas Citians. “It’s become a thing,” laughs past co-chair Terry Lightstone, who has been involved with the festivities since 1970. “It’s become a tradition for so many people—a kickoff to Christmas. And because it changes every year, there are so many new ideas.”
The original tour was held in 1952 to raise funds for the metro’s preschool for the deaf. And over the last almost seven decades, the organization has raised more than $2 million for worthy local charities. Along the way they’ve showcased some of Kansas City’s most extraordinary homes. This year is no different says Meghan Lehman, a co-chair for this year’s event. “It’s a little bit of everything. We have a nice mix of older homes that have been remodeled and cared for and a few new builds,” she says. “And you don’t have to be a Kappa to come on the tour. It’s for everyone who wants to come see the history and tradition of these beautiful homes.”
Here’s Lehman’s quick takes on this year’s featured homes:
The Gahagans, 4107 Prairie Lane, Prairie Village (Flowers by Monica Faught Flowers + Design) “The husband is co-founder of home-building team and you can see all of the personal details that went into the construction. It just looks like a home you want to live in. It’s a stunning, but not overwhelming.”
The Hargroves, 1231 W. 56th St., Kansas City (Flowers by Studio Dan Meiners) “The home was built in the ’20s. The Hargroves purchased it a few years ago and remodeled the entire interior—along with the amazing landscaping. It’s spacious and comfortable, but with modern touches, including gorgeous artwork.”
The Koesters, 849 W. 43rd Terr., Kansas City (Flowers by The Little Flower Shop) “This expanded ranch house offers a unique U-shaped floor plan. And it’s really interesting to see what they’ve done to it. They have a lot of furniture with family history, which is fun for visitors to see.”
The Locktons, 6401 Aberdeen Rd., Mission Hills (Flowers by KC Surroundings) “It’s a new build, which the owners call ‘Pennsylvania country.’ The house stands out because it’s gorgeous, but they made it fit neatly into the neighborhood.”
More than 300 volunteers will be on hand for the three-day event, which launches with a chic Cocktails and Candlelight VIP event on December 3rd before the two-day tour extravaganza begins. On the days of the Tour, volunteers will be positioned throughout the Homes to explain the history of each room. “Want to know about, say, a piece of art? Or who the florist is? Volunteers are there to provide some insight to our guests,” says past co-chair Katherine Lee. Many of the volunteers have been involved in the annual event for years, if not decades, and it’s like old-home week when they all get together for a worthwhile cause. “My favorite part of the tour is honestly when all the volunteers get together to kick off the Tour, as it may be the only time we see these ladies each year,” says current co-chair Hilary Murray. “We’re like ‘it’s Tour time!’—and there’s a sense of togetherness in raising money for these organizations.”
Speaking of, the Kappa Holiday Homes Tour expects to raise upwards of $65,000 this year for two local philanthropic charities including Vibrant Health, a local clinic in Kansas City, Kansas, that provides quality healthcare for the community regardless of socio-economic hurdles, and Newhouse, a downtown shelter that assists victims of domestic violence. And finally, funds from the three-day event benefit the International Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, which provides support for leadership training, harm-prevention programs and educational opportunities, scholarships, financial assistance and the preservation of Kappa’s Heritage.
The Holiday Boutique will also be open to the public in the nearby 1900 Building (northwest corner of Shawnee Mission Parkway & State Line Rd) during the event so shoppers can partake in some retail therapy between their visits to the resplendent homes. “Each year we have new vendors who offer seasonal, trendy gift items, along with the traditional staples of the Tour such as Carol James’ homemade jams, chutneys and fruitcakes that guests expect,” says Murray. Look for KKG’s dazzling, new diamond series Christmas ornament in honor of the organization’s upcoming 75th anniversary. And be sure to check out Pickwick & Co’s signature scents, which makes for great stocking stuffers. “Each home has a signature scent including our very own Holiday Homes Tour candle,” says Murray. Meanwhile, if you have a sweet tooth (and who doesn’t?), there will be plenty of homemade goodies on hand to purchase at the boutique as well. “Some people have been making treats for over 50 years,” says Lightstone. (We hear the fudge is simply to die for.)
New to the Kappa Homes Tour? You’re in good company. “First time tour-goers are my favorite,” co-chair Maddy Poletis says with a smile. “I love that they want to know everything about everything and ask a lot of questions. It’s always the little, personal things, like the history of the home or the name of the family’s dog.” Some guests even go so far as to rent limos for the day to shuttle them between houses.
Presented by long-time sponsor, Capitol Federal, you can find tickets to the event online or at any Hen House Market location. Or simply purchase them at the homes or Holiday Boutique the day of. While you may purchase tickets at the Boutique with a credit card, you’ll need cash or check at the Homes. The tour goes on “rain, sleet, or snow,” says Lightstone—so grab a friend and join in this fabulous Kansas City tradition. It’s a thing!
Check out the Kappa Holiday Homes Tour Program HERE