House & Home
Thu, November 20, 2025
Detroit's Charles T. Parker House and M.E.G. House Make USA Today's Holiday Home-Tour Ballot
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Published in House and Home on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 13:28 GMT by MLive- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Detroit’s Historic Mansions Shine on USA Today’s Holiday Home‑Tour Ballot
The Detroit region is no stranger to architectural splendor, and the city’s storied past is most vividly captured in its grand residences. In a recent round of national voting, two of Detroit’s most iconic mansions— the Charles T. Parker House on West 20th Street and the M. E. G. House in the city’s historic East Side—have been selected to appear on USA Today’s “Best Holiday Historic Home Tours” ballot. The selection marks the first time a Detroit home has earned this recognition, and it underscores the city’s growing reputation as a destination for heritage‑centric tourism.
The Houses
Charles T. Parker House
Built in 1907, the Parker House is a stunning example of French‑Renaissance architecture, complete with intricate stonework, a dramatic mansard roof, and a series of wrought‑iron balconies. The original owner, Charles T. Parker, was a prominent businessman who played a key role in Detroit’s early automotive boom. Over the years the home has changed hands a handful of times, and after a major restoration in 2018 it was reopened to the public as a heritage museum.
The house’s interior boasts a sweeping marble staircase, a ballroom with a crystal chandelier, and an impressive library that houses Parker’s personal collection of rare books. In 2025 the owners partnered with the Detroit Historical Society to create a seasonal holiday program that showcases the home’s architectural highlights while also celebrating its cultural history.
M. E. G. House
The M. E. G. House, constructed in 1915, showcases an elegant Tudor‑style design. The residence was once home to a prominent Michigan family who were deeply involved in the state’s philanthropic efforts. In 2016 the house was acquired by the Wayne County Historical Society and has since become a centerpiece for the county’s historic‑home‑tour initiative.
Inside, visitors find a stunning Great Hall, a conservatory filled with seasonal greenery, and a series of rooms that have been restored to their original décor—including period wallpaper, antique furnishings, and original fixtures. The house is currently a key stop in the “Wayne County Holiday Home Tour,” a partnership between the county’s tourism board and local heritage organizations.
Why the Ballot Matters
USA Today’s “Best Holiday Historic Home Tours” is a nationally‑sponsored initiative that invites readers to vote for the most captivating holiday experiences across the country. Each year, hundreds of historic properties are nominated, and the final ballot highlights the top 12. The process is designed to increase awareness of heritage sites, promote tourism, and generate funds that help preserve these landmarks.
By making the ballot, both the Parker House and the M. E. G. House receive national exposure. The city of Detroit and Wayne County have been able to capitalize on this opportunity by creating targeted marketing campaigns, collaborating with local media outlets, and offering special discounted tour rates during the holiday season.
According to a spokesperson for the Wayne County Tourism Board, “Inclusion on the USA Today ballot is a powerful signal that our historic homes are worthy of national attention. It encourages people from outside the region to travel for a unique, culturally rich experience, and it provides us with a platform to highlight the importance of historic preservation in our community.”
The Holiday Tours
Dates and Access
Both homes open for holiday tours between mid‑November and early January, offering visitors an immersive look at how the properties were decorated for the 2024‑2025 holiday season. The tours are timed to coincide with local celebrations, including a “Lights‑Up” ceremony on the first Saturday in December and a “Christmas Eve Candlelight Walk” on the 24th of the month.
The tours are available to the public in 30‑minute time slots, and visitors can book online via the individual home’s websites. Each tour costs $25 for adults and $15 for children (ages 6–12). Children under six enter free of charge. In addition, the Detroit Historical Society offers a “Family Bundle” that includes a guided tour, a holiday-themed souvenir book, and a free entry pass to a local Christmas concert.
Highlights
Parker House: Visitors can explore the newly installed interactive displays in the ballroom that narrate Parker’s story, as well as a gift shop featuring locally‑made holiday ornaments inspired by the house’s architectural details. The home’s “Christmas Library” contains a curated selection of 19th‑century holiday books and a small, intimate concert performed by a local choir.
M. E. G. House: The house’s Great Hall is the centerpiece of the holiday experience, where a carefully curated collection of Victorian‑era Christmas decorations is on display. An audio guide recounts the G. family’s philanthropic legacy, and the conservatory is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with sparkling fairy lights and a peppermint‑flavored hot chocolate station.
Both homes feature a dedicated photo‑op area for visitors, enabling them to capture memorable holiday moments in front of beautifully preserved historic backdrops.
Links for More Information
- USA Today’s “Best Holiday Historic Home Tours” – The national ballot and voting platform can be found on USA Today’s website under the “Travel” section.
- Detroit Historical Society – The society’s official page provides additional context on the Parker House’s restoration project and offers downloadable brochures for the holiday tour.
- Wayne County Historical Society – Their site hosts a gallery of past holiday tours at the M. E. G. House, along with detailed histories of the families who lived there.
- Wayne County Tourism Board – Offers a comprehensive travel guide to Detroit’s historic homes, including maps, suggested itineraries, and travel advisories for the holiday season.
- Parker House & M. E. G. House Booking Pages – Each property maintains its own online booking system, complete with real‑time availability and payment options.
The Bigger Picture
Detroit’s recognition in the USA Today ballot is more than a tourist milestone; it signals the city’s successful collaboration between public institutions, local businesses, and community members to preserve its architectural heritage. By showcasing the Parker House and the M. E. G. House as exemplary holiday destinations, Detroit invites visitors to experience a blend of historical storytelling, seasonal enchantment, and civic pride.
As the holiday season approaches, the city’s historic‑home‑tour initiative continues to thrive. Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler from afar, the chance to wander through these grand homes, step into a different era, and celebrate the holidays in an environment steeped in history is a uniquely Detroit experience. The inclusion on the national ballot promises to bring more visitors, increased funding for preservation projects, and a renewed sense of appreciation for the city’s architectural legacy.
Read the Full MLive Article at:
[ https://www.mlive.com/life/2025/11/two-detroit-mansions-make-usa-today-ballot-for-the-countys-best-holiday-historic-home-tour.html ]
