Christmas Home Tour to Highlight Altadena Architecture

Altadena architecture does not always get the recognition it deserves, but a local charity event could help change that.

Christmas in Altadena is a walking tour of five historic homes that will be specially decorated for the holidays. 

The two-day event, a benefit for , kicks off with a preview party from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, with the main event coming on Dec. 4.

Each home will display a Christmas motif with lighting displays and other special effects.

Though the main point of the tour is to benefit charity, Christle Balvin, an organizer of the event, said it will also help showcase Altadena's architecture.

"People don't know how all these great architects practiced their trade in Altadena," Balvin said.

The homes and estates on the tour include the garden of a Wallace Neff as well as  Craftsman, Prairie and Mediterranean homes.

The preview party includes wine and hors d'oeuvres, boutique shopping and a jazz vocal performance.

The Saturday main event includes touring, shopping and food and wine.

The Friday Preview Party is $40 per person before Thanksgiving and $50 afterward.  Saturday's general admission is $25 before Thanksgiving and $30 afterward.