The Onancock Business & Civic Association (OBCA) announces that in the face of COVID-19 concerns and restrictions, its annual Onancock Christmas Homes Tour (CHT) which the organization has sponsored for the past twenty years will take on a new look and theme for 2020.

In the place of the traditional homes tour, OBCA will instead host a town-wide decorations and driving tour. Ideas so far include a large 20-tree Christmas display on the lawn at Ker Place, a special tree and bridge lighting ceremony, and decorated neighborhoods and storefronts throughout town.

The Mount Prospect neighborhood anchors the season’s festivities with a special driving tour through their residential streets dubbed BELIEVE! The Onancock Christmas Driving Tour. It will be held Saturday December 12, 2020 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. with a rain date scheduled for Sunday, December 13. The entire route will be decked out in holiday fun and finery complete with themed highlighted attractions, including live characters and a live Nativity.

Just over two miles long, BELIEVE! The Onancock Christmas Driving Tour will begin at the Historic Onancock School and Community Center located at 6 College Avenue. Santa Claus, though unable to arrive at the Town Wharf by boat this year, will kick off the tour at 4:00 p.m., no doubt making his usual grand entrance. Children are encouraged to bring their letters to Santa to drop in a special North Pole Express Mailbox at the end of the tour. One lucky letter chosen by Elfie will win a delightful surprise that is not being disclosed at this time. The Onancock Main Street Initiative (OMSI), Ker Place and others are coordinating with OBCA to ensure an uplifting holiday season while remaining mindful of the health issues at hand.

The Christmas Homes Tour has been able to make a substantial donation to a charitable organization every year since its inception through the sale of tickets. This year fund raising will be dependent solely upon donations. It would be extremely helpful and appreciated for those who are able to make a contribution now, sending it to: OBCA PO Box 111 Onancock, VA 23417. Contributors are asked to put BELIEVE in the notation area on their checks. Our hope is to make this a memorable holiday season for the entire community.