Holiday home tours around metro Atlanta

When: Nov. 26-Dec. 12. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

Cost: $18

What: Three designer-decorated units in The Mansion on Peachtree, 3376 Peachtree Road. Two residences are on the 41st floor. The 42nd-floor unit was designed entirely by Atlanta's John Oetgen.

Good to know: Free seminars for tour guests. Get a lesson in "Holiday Side Dishes" with chef Kevin Maxey at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 27. Throughout the tour, Boxwood Gardens & Gifts hosts a holiday boutique.

Information: www.atlantachristmashouse.com

2010 Christmas at Bulloch Hall

When: Through Jan. 2. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 1-3 p.m. Sundays; closed Thanksgiving, Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan.1.

Cost: Home tours are $8 for adults and $6 for children, ages 6-18. Prices vary for other holiday events, including $35 for the popular "Christmas High Teas" at 4 p.m. Dec. 1, 7, 9, 14 and 16.

What: Rooms throughout the 1839 home at 180 Bulloch Ave. in historic Roswell are decorated with various Christmas symbols.

Good to know: From 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 22, be a guest at the re-enactment of Mittie Bulloch's 1853 wedding to Theodore Roosevelt of New York. Their son, Theodore Roosevelt Jr., became the 26th president of the United States. Refreshments, a house tour and storyteller are part of the special night. Adults, $12; kids, ages 6-18, $6. Reservations required.

Information: 770-992-1731, www.bullochhall.org

28th Annual Decatur Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes

When: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 3-4

Cost: $20 in advance; $25 on day of the tour

What: Nine homes in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur are open. Oakhurst celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

Good to know: Take the tour's free shuttle and shop at the holiday marketplace.

Information: www.decaturtourofhomes.com

24th Annual Marietta Pilgrimage

When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 4 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 5

Cost: $15 for day tours; $12 for candlelight tour from 7-9:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 , or $20 for a combination ticket. Prices increase from $3 to $5 on weekend of tours.

What: The Christmas home tour takes place in the historic districts around the Marietta Square. The popular tour showcases six private homes in the Kennesaw Avenue historic section. Some public buildings also will be open. On the candlelight tour, only three of the six homes are open.

Good to know: Free shuttle for day tours only. Don't overlook the Doric columns on the two-story Archibald Howell house (1843). They are among the largest on a private home in Georgia.

Information: www.mariettapilgrimage.com

Southern Living Idea House/Senoia

When: Through Dec. 12. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays; closed Thanksgiving.

Cost: $10

What: The family-friendly brownstone in historic Senoia is decked out for the holidays with fresh materials for a festive, but not fussy look -- inside and out.

Good to know: From 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 12, take the "Candlelight Tour" of several historic Senoia homes. The tour also includes the Southern Living Idea House and the Queen Anne-style Senoia United Methodist Church, built in 1897. Tickets are $15. Enjoy cookies and cider after the tour.

Information: www.ideahouse2010senoia.com or www.enjoysenoia.com

Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 11 and noon-5 p.m. Dec. 12

Cost: $25 in advance; $30 on weekend of the tour

What: Six homes, plus a church, will be on tour. Home styles range from Italian stucco to bungalow and classic revival. Don't miss the renovated homes at 929 Adair Ave. and 870 Rosedale Road.

Good to know: Food tastings (included in ticket price) from noon to 4 p.m. each day. New this year: free child care for tour-goers and a free "Design Forum" from 1 to 3 p.m. each day.

Information: www.vahihometour.org