Edmond Town Hall’s theater and balcony were at capacity with guests caught in the magic of Clara’s dream. Newtown Centre of Classical Ballet and Voice members performed The Nutcracker Suite, with Clara surrounded by dolls, reindeer, and angels, again enchanting viewers this year. Despite the wet weather, the annual fundraiser for Newtown Youth & Family Services was a success.

Stepping across the hall from the balcony into The Alexandria Room, children and adults alike enjoyed a Kids Tea, and later in the afternoon, the Holiday Tea. The Kids Tea welcomed guests to treats, a sing-along, and a visit from Mrs Claus. As teacups and snack plates filled during the Holiday Tea, guests enjoyed piano music from the small stage where Newtown High School senior Sienna Cummings performed.

Serving were Cathy Wojiski, Brittany Manely, Jacqueline Davisk, and Guilherme Freitas, who wore a festive Christmas sweater.

A glance out the window overlooked the building’s front entrance, where Santa, including a red and white umbrella to keep off the rain, was pleased to offer his seasonal cheer to passersby, including Audrielle and Vivian Ritter. Old St Nick kept near the trolley, which was a popular attraction this year — its seats full for each run.

Aside from the trolley and the town hall attractions was the annual NYFS Holiday Festival house tour. Among the professionally decorated private homes was 60 Main Street, where Samira Cobovic welcomed guests. As she entered the living room to pause by the fireplace, guests noted, she recited, “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care…” quoting the line from a poem made popular by Clement Clarke Moore.

Holding a holiday open house that afternoon was the Newtown Historical Society, with the Matthew Curtiss house inviting guests into the mid-1700s Main Street saltbox. Shannon Bowen opened the door for guests, who soon met “Aunt Hester,” Matthew Curtiss’s great aunt. Early Newtown settler Matthew Curtiss once lived at the 44 Main Street address.

“Aunt Hester” told guests about the furniture and other features and ways of living in the 1700s. In the kitchen, near the enormous cooking fireplace, was head docent Kerri Rivera, dressed in long skirts and an apron as a woman would have nearly 300 years ago.

Number 10 West Street was also open for tours. The house, from 1848, was once owned by a local church and was used when visiting dignitaries came to town. While much of the house is original, there is an addition.

Newtown Youth & Family Services member Mark Stapleton greeted visitors to 19 Glover Avenue, a house that once belonged to William Glover. Like other homes on the tour, many red, white, and green decorations clung to the shelves and the Christmas tree.

Also on tour this year was 40 Queen Street, where homeowner Rich Mowery enjoyed the afternoon’s company as he showed off his tree and his dining table and living room, which were dressed up for the season.

He and his wife, Liia Raamot, had heard that at one time, the Edmond Town Hall manager had lived there.

Last on the tour was 13 Sugar Street, a classic Victorian built in 1888.