The Candlelight House Tour traditionally marks the beginning of the holiday season in Saratoga Springs. Folks are invited to take a self-guided tour of beautiful homes, many of which will be festively decorated, and then join everyone for holiday merriment at the historic Canfield Casino in Congress Park.

“It’s our 30th anniversary, and this year marks the 18th time we’ve done the Candlelight House Tour,” said Marjorie Martin, director of programs for the SSPF. “This is a great way to usher in the holiday season.”

The homes will be open from 5:30 – 9 p.m. Canfield Casino will open at 7:30 p.m. for a gala reception featuring hot and cold hors d’oeuvres catered by Holiday Inn catering, a cash bar, a silent auction, and lively musical entertainment by the Saratoga Strings.

Tour goers can do their holiday shopping at the popular Silent Auction area and bid on a wide array of items including overnight stays at local and regional lodging facilities, tickets to a variety of music and theater performances, spa packages and merchandise gift certificates from generous local merchants.

Silent Auction donors include Mirror Lake Inn, Friends Lake Inn, Saratoga Hotel, Saratoga Arms, Lake George Opera, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Epiphany Theater, Crystal Spa, among many others.

Tickets, which include admission to all homes and the Casino reception, may be purchased by calling the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation office at 587-5030, or on-line at www.saratogapreservation.org.

Tickets are $60 per person, and $55 for members if purchased on or before November 16.

After November 16, tickets will be $65 per person and $60 for members.   For further information call the Preservation Foundation office at 587-5030.