Christmas Candlelight Tours at the Stephenson House
Saturday, November 28 | 4:00–7:00 PM
409 S. Buchanan St., Edwardsville, Illinois

Step into the glow of history this holiday season! Experience the wonder of Christmas past during our enchanting Candlelight Tours at the 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House. On the evening of November 28 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, the house will sparkle with the warm glow of candlelight and period holiday decorations, creating a magical, immersive atmosphere.

Enjoy living history vignettes in the kitchen, servants’ cabin, and throughout the house. Delight in caroling, dancing, and much more as you explore this beautifully restored historic home dressed in early 19th-century style.

Ticket Information

Admission: $15 per person (Advance purchase required)
Tour Schedule: Tours depart every 20 minutes from the courtyard, starting at 4:00 PM with the final tour at 7:00 PM.
Check-In: Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time to check in at the gift shop. Tours begin promptly and cannot be held for late arrivals.

Important Event Details

Digital Tickets: Upon purchase, you will receive a confirmation email containing your digital ticket. Please present this email at arrival along with a valid photo ID matching the name on the ticket.
Tickets non-refundable. Please consider your ticket purchase as a donation to the house if you are unable to attend.
Site Hours: The historic house will be closed for tours during the day from November 26–29 for the Thanksgiving holiday, event preparations, and cleanup.
Weather Policy: If postponed due to severe weather, the official snow date is December 5.
Refund Policy: Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is canceled by the museum.

About the Museum

The 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House opens an enchanting window on cultural, political, and architectural developments during the early history of Illinois. Built in 1820 by skilled craftsmen and the Stephenson family’s indentured servants, it was constructed using native materials from the region. The two-story Federal Style home is an excellent example of architecture from this early period and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Illinois State Historic Preservation Agency includes it among only a handful of homes built in the first quarter of the 19th century that remain standing in Illinois. It is also considered the oldest brick home in Madison County, Illinois.

Today, the renovated Stephenson House is a hands-on learning center, bustling with activities from the Stephenson Era that will entertain and educate visitors of all ages. Trained docents in period dress provide tours of the house and gardens. Visitors might see bread baking in the kitchen’s beehive oven, a leatherworker constructing a shooting bag, children playing period games, or a political discussion about the future of the territory in the parlor. The rebuilt summer kitchen recreates cooking techniques and recipes from the day. The sights, smells, and sounds are designed to increase awareness of the region’s cultural heritage and provide a real-life glimpse of Edwardsville in the 1820s.

The beautiful home at 409 South Buchanan Street serves as a permanent reminder of the people who gave extraordinary service to our country, state, and city in the early days of the 19th century. It is a timeless community treasure, enriching the lives of present and future generations.

Christmas Candlelight Tours

November 28, 2026