A little candlelight, a lot of Christmas cheer and a peek inside some of Marietta's most beautiful homes are all part of a holiday tradition that has stood the test of time. The 60th annual Marietta Candlelight Tour will return on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It will feature eight private homes, as well as opportunities to enjoy public buildings operated by Marietta Restoration Associates (MRA), the organization that hosts the tour.

"This is a self-paced tour," said Rebecca Carroll Baltozer, tour committee volunteer. "There is a brochure that doubles as a ticket, providing information on what is around town and the houses that are open, along with their history."

Anyone who purchases a ticket will have the option to use a free shuttle between the homes. Additional stops will include the Old Town Hall Museum at 3 W. Walnut St., and the Union Meeting House, located at 80 N. Waterford Ave.

"There is a Candlelight Christmas Market in the Union Meeting House this year," said Joanne Dancause, who also volunteers with the tour. "Additionally, Marietta is filled with many shops and restaurants that people can explore throughout their day in town."

No ticket is required to visit the MRA buildings, where people can learn about becoming a member of Marietta Restoration Associates and discover how they can help preserve the town's history.

Proceeds from the tour will benefit the organization, which works to keep its historic buildings operational and provides upkeep for the sites.

Founded in 1964, MRA has a mission of preserving the cultural and architectural heritage of Marietta. It operates the Old Town Museum in a building constructed in 1847. Artifacts and memorabilia from the town's early years are on display, including the first Marietta fire engine, which dates to 1840. MRA also maintains the Union Meeting House, built in 1818. It served as a meeting place for most of Marietta's Protestant churches while they worked to build their own spaces. It is Marietta's oldest surviving public building.

The tour has become a must-do event for people throughout the county, and many visitors have returned year after year. This year, one house will have a particularly special meaning, Dancause said.

"This year, to celebrate the 60th year, the Baker family home will be welcoming guests just as their family did on the first candlelight tour," she said.

To purchase tickets for the tour for a discounted rate, visit http://www.mariettarestoration.org. Tickets can also be purchased for full price on the day of the tour at Donegal Intermediate School, 1177 River Road (Route 441); Old Town Hall; or First National Coworking, 100 W. Market St. Tickets may also be purchased ahead of time for the discounted rate up until the day of the tour. More information is available at the MRA website or by searching for "60th Annual Marietta Candlelight Tour of Homes" on Facebook.