Story by Lyda Kay Ferree, The Southern Lifestyles Lady. Photography courtesy of Lambuth Area Neighborhood Association.

Homes throughout Midtown Jackson will put guests in the Christmas holiday spirit during the Lambuth Area Neighborhood Association (L.A.N.A.) annual Holiday Home Tour Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 8.

“This year will mark the 27th anniversary of the popular home tour,” said Frank McMeen, president of L.A.N.A.

L.A.N.A.’s primary fundraising event will feature a variety of distinctive decorations throughout the homes offering tour-goers the opportunity to enjoy the holiday splendor and go home with holiday and other decorating ideas that they may duplicate in their own homes, apartments or condominiums.

“Midtown and downtown Jackson have never been more alive,” said Abbie Hinton, L.A.N.A. Executive Director. “Residents of Jackson, West Tennessee and beyond are re-discovering the hidden jewels we have in midtown and downtown that include The University of Memphis Lambuth, the Montessori School on Westwood, Jackson Walk (phases 1 and 2),High Point plus renovated homes on West Deaderick and the surrounding area, The AMP, the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market, The Ned Center for Performing Arts, and the newly renovated vintage Greyhound Bus Station on Main Street.

The Lighting of Campbell Lake will take place on Friday, December 6 (weather permitting). The luminaria will be lit by 5 pm. “Enjoy the beauty of the lake, the lights and their reflections,” said Sue Barnes, chair of this event. “This is a gift to our community from L.A.N.A. In the event of inclement weather, the lake lighting will take place on Saturday, December 7.”

Cookies and Crafts with Santa, a special event for children and families, will be held at the Community Montessori School on Westwood Avenue on Friday, December 6 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Santa will arrive at 6:30 pm, according to Jennie Gibson, event chair.

Tour tickets will be on sale at the following locations: Carriage House Antique Market and Cafe at 195 Carriage House Drive. (“We have been a ticket seller for the L.A.N.A. Home Tour for 16 years and are honored to do so,” said Teresa Ide, owner). Other ticket sellers include Marilyn Jackson’s Gifts at 405-J Vann Drive, Morris Nursery at 2108 Hollywood Drive, Forever Knot Boutique at 217 North Liberty Street, and online at www.lanatn.org.

All tour goers should begin the showcase of homes in the Tour Welcome Center located in the lobby of the Varnell Jones Administration Building on the University of Memphis Lambuth campus at 705 Lambuth Blvd. Tickets will then be exchanged for the official list of homes and a tour map. The Welcome Center will be open 30 minutes prior to the start of the tour all three days. Complimentary home-baked cookies, courtesy of Buddy Takat of Buddy’s Kitchen, will be given to ticket purchasers. Tour tickets purchased in advance of Friday, December 6 will be $10. After the tour begins on Friday night, the ticket prices will be $15. Tickets purchased online may be paid with a credit card.

On Saturday, December 7, a Holiday Luncheon will be held in the Parish Hall of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on East Baltimore Street from 11am-1pm. Mr. Chris Baggett, chef at the Carriage House Antique Mall & Cafe, will prepare the luncheon. Luncheon tickets for the reservations-only event are $30 per person. Attendees at this festive event will also receive one ticket to the Home Tour Luncheon. Tickets may be reserved by calling 888-423-5202. No luncheon tickets will be sold at the door. For more information on purchasing tour tickets visit this website: www.lanatn.org.

For more detailed information on the L.A.N.A. holiday events visit the L.A.N.A. website: www.lanatn.org or www.facebook.com/pg/LifeInLANA /events or visit Twitter.