From IRL to URL with the Erie Phil's Holiday Concert Tour of Homes

Erie Philharmonic @YouTube

Whether you've had your Christmas decorations up since the last light left your jack o'lantern or the process has yet to begin, one thing is sure — we could all use a bit extra holiday cheer this year.

The Erie Philharmonic has been orchestrating such occasions for over a century with its engaging performances, and wasn't about to stop just because the pandemic scrooged us out of a live concert experience. On the contrary — it's been plowing forward with free virtual musical programming regularly, continuing in December with a Holiday TV special (Dec. 17 and 20) and TV Concert Marathon (Dec. 26). 

But the star atop the tree will be its Holiday Concert Tour of Homes, an online adaptation of the ever-popular annual event that takes ticketholders into gloriously appointed area homes decorated by local businesses. While physical tours will not be allowed this year, the Phil and its partners will do all they can to recapture the same festive spirit. 

A $20 downloadable pass will give your household access to a combined 40-50 minutes of holiday music and scenery, courtesy of the Philharmonic, Junior Philharmonic, and Philharmonic Chorus in tandem with Allburn Florists, Gary's Flower Shoppe & Interiors, Larese Floral Design, Potratz Floral Shop & Greenhouses, and Traditions Unlimited.That pass will be valid throughout the entire month of December to use as much as you'd like.

The musical performances will be broken out across separate locations, and will not involve a full walkthrough. However, the best parts of each home will be showcased in all their yuletide splendor thanks to the professional decorators at play. Detailed information on who arranged what will be available to all ticketholders, just in case you're seeking inspiration for putting together a beautiful holiday home of your own. 

As for the rest of us, we'll be secretly envying from the cover of our Snoopy light-up inflatables.

Matt Swanseger can be reached by partridge, turtle dove, French hen, or swan — but not goose because those things are vicious. Of course an email to mswanseger@eriereader.com would also do, but that's not nearly as quaint.