Denison Holiday Tour of Lofts and Homes: A Fun Tradition That Helps the Community
By: Jennifer Branson
Every year, the Denison Holiday Tour of Lofts and Homes gives people a chance to step inside some of the city’s most interesting homes and lofts. The event is led by Brian Hander and Elsie Russell, who use the tour to celebrate Denison’s small-town charm and Christmas spirit. Even better, all the money raised goes right back into the community. The funds support public art, historic preservation, sidewalk and mobility improvements, and projects at the Denison Alumni Museum. Over the years, the tour has helped donate sculptures and has funded murals; sometimes fully and sometimes in partnership with organizations like DAC (Denison Arts Council).
The idea for the tour began in 2018. The organizers wanted a creative way to raise money for art and improvement projects, but they also wanted something the community could enjoy and participate in. Denison hadn’t had a home tour in decades, so they decided to bring one back. Brian explained, “Denison needed art, we needed someone to help start a movement, and we needed funding to do it. DAC and the city were doing all they could but there’s only so much money available at the end of the day and both organizations had obligations for the use of their funds. We needed some kind of catalyst that could help pay for all or part of different art projects to help lift the burden from other organizations and minimize costs by creating partnerships. But we didn’t feel like we could just go out and ask for the funds. We needed to provide something in return, which is how the idea of the tour came about.” Furthermore, part of the motivation was simply curiosity. The organizers were excited to finally step inside some of their favorite homes. People loved the idea, and all 200 tickets sold the first year. The annual tradition was officially launched.
The following year, a loft tour was added to make the weekend even more memorable. This addition helped turn the event into a full multi-day experience. Visitors now come from places like Dallas to tour the unique downtown lofts, shop at local stores, stay overnight, and then explore the homes the next day.
And after eight years, the tour has learned to adapt to whatever life throws at it. COVID was a challenge, and some years brought less-than-ideal weather, but the organizers pivoted as needed. They gather feedback each year to improve the tour experience. Ticket sales have expanded from 200 to 400, with one year topping over 500 tickets. To accommodate a variety of interests, the tour includes homes from a wide range of eras: Victorian, mid-century modern, and present-day styles. So there is something for every taste.
Additionally, downtown businesses have also become an important part of the tour. During the loft portion, shops offer drink and food stops to help visitors feel welcome. Stores like 2 Chicks Home and Market, Monsters on Main, and most recently Main Street Mall have also helped by selling tickets, which has greatly added to the tour’s success.
One thing Brian wants people to clearly understand is that every penny goes back into Denison. There is no administrative overhead, and no homeowners or loft owners are compensated for opening their spaces. Everything is completely volunteer-run by people who want to make the city better—and it shows. The tour also offers individuals a glimpse into real lived-in spaces rather than magazine-perfect rooms, encouraging people to imagine what can be done with Denison’s historic homes and buildings. It provides inspiration, community connection, and a chance to see how historic structures can be brought back to life.
Recently, the tour helped dedicate a new sculpture at the Denison Public Library for its 90th anniversary, and another sculpture will be dedicated in the spring. It is going to be an exciting year, and community support makes all the difference.
If making a difference in your community has piqued your interest, Brian offers some advice for new entrepreneurs:
“Don’t give up, don’t let rules or red tape scare you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. With time, support, and willpower, anything is possible.”
He also emphasizes the importance of small businesses in the Cultural Arts District. Small businesses are the backbone of the community and are often the first to step up and help. They care deeply about Denison. Business owners often share stories of customers who visit their shops after coming downtown to take photos with a mural or sculpture they saw online, which makes the work feel worthwhile.
Looking ahead, the organizers understand that growth is coming to North Texas. Maintaining what makes Denison unique and so special will be key to preserving the city’s identity as it expands. Brian stated, “Growth is coming and we’ve got to face it head on. Maintaining Denison’s heritage and culture will be a huge part of keeping our identity as we grow. We have to be willing to preserve our past as we celebrate our future.”
The Denison Holiday Tour of Lofts and Homes continues to bring people together and support the community. The event also helps keep Denison distinctive and full of heartwarming holiday cheer. In 2025, the event will take place December 6 and 7. Tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite, in person at Main Street Mall or Monsters on Main, on the day of the event at those locations, or through the tour’s Facebook page.
