This weekend we enjoyed a delightful tour of ten elegant homes in Richmond’s historic Fan district, each dressed up for the holidays. Once a year, a handful of generous homeowners open their doors to share beautifully refreshed interiors and seasonal décor just in time for Christmas. Although interior photography was not allowed inside most homes, the neighborhood’s festive front doors and exterior displays offered plenty of inspiration.
One of the featured houses is over a century old and full of original period details that make it especially charming. Its historic façade hints at the thoughtful restoration and tasteful design waiting inside.
Another extraordinary stop was a former church converted into luxurious apartments. Stained-glass bedroom windows, curved interior niches, and a turret turned into a unique bathroom made this conversion unforgettable. The repurposed stained-glass panels used as room dividers were particularly striking, lending a warm amber glow and a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind look.
A local interior designer opened not just the main floor, but the upstairs spaces as well—dressing room, den, guest room, and bedroom. Details like faux-suede walls finished to a soft sheen and oversized bedside tables created a bold, glamorous aesthetic. The designer’s large evergreen was decorated with oversized gleaming ornaments that complemented the home’s dramatic interiors.
While indoor photography was off-limits, we did get permission to photograph the designer’s back patio and sunroom. The patio featured decorative gourds lit with votive candles for evening gatherings, and the canopied sunroom centered around a glass pedestal table topped with large clam shells and beach-inspired accents—an elegant mix of coastal charm and holiday warmth.
One home boasted an astonishing Christmas tree adorned with well over 2,000 glass ornaments and more than 2,200 lights. Although we couldn’t photograph the interior, the front door’s double-wreath arrangement— a smaller red ornament wreath mounted on a larger fresh fir wreath—offered a glimpse of the balance between sparkle and classic seasonal fragrance that defined many of the houses on the tour.
After the official tour ended, we continued wandering the neighborhood to admire more creative curb appeal. One homeowner crafted an intricate doorway garland using green floral foam, toothpicks, and fresh fruit. The combination of apples, lemons, and small pineapples created a bright, long-lasting display that stayed fresh in the cold weather and felt both festive and unexpected.
Another house opted for a playful approach by suspending oversized ornaments above the front porch with ribbon. Simple C-hooks in the porch ceiling supported a floating display of glittering baubles in various colors and sizes—an easy technique that delivers a big visual impact.
We also loved a charming home that spelled out a holiday greeting in gilded block letters above the door. The letters were attached with concealed loops of duct tape, proving that clever, memorable decorations don’t have to be complicated or permanent.
More oversized ornaments appeared grouped on porch railings and tucked into window boxes, adding sparkle and cohesion to the exterior displays. These groupings created extra shine and a polished, festive rhythm along the street.
Richmond’s holiday style often borrows a Mardi Gras sensibility—layered beads and bold color—but one homeowner found the perfect balance by combining fresh garland and an abundance of ornaments with just a few gold bead strands. The result felt festive and playful while remaining tasteful and refined.
That wraps up our tour of the Fan district all dressed up for the holidays. The neighborhood’s mix of historic architecture and inventive décor made for a joyful, inspiring afternoon. Happy decorating to you and yours!