The 1857 Tanner House, made festive for the holidays by volunteer designers, will be open free of charge from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays and Wednesdays and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays through Dec. 29. The house is located at 304 Oak Avenue in Aurora, 60506.

The gala opening day is Sunday, Dec. 10, when there will be refreshments in the archives building on the property, with photo opportunities using the antique red sleigh from the collection of the Aurora Historical Society.

Visitors will be able to tour the house on their own, with docents available to answer questions.

“We think it is important to make it possible for families to visit this historic site and enjoy some unplugged time in a Victorian atmosphere,” said Historical Society President Mary Clark Ormond, “so we make it a free event, but I have to stress how important  donations are to our bottom line. We hope everyone will lend a hand in supporting the Tanner House and Aurora history.”

Cover photo of the 2018 calendar, “Aurora History – Transportation”

The house will be closed on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. After the holiday season, the house will be closed until May.

The annual calendar from the Aurora Historical Society will be available at the society’s gift shop, The Aurora Shop, at the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer, 60505, on Dec. 15. The theme for 2018 is transportation. The cost is $14.95  plus tax, with a 10 percent discount to AHS members. Call 630-906-0650 for more information.

• FEATURE PHOTO CAPTION: Parlor of the Tanner House as decorated by Richard Abel in 2015.