GATESVILLE — It’s the hottest ticket in town.

The Gates County Historical Society will sponsor a Christmas Candlelight Tour of historic homes, churches and businesses in Gatesville from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17.

Tickets, on sale now, are $10 per person, which includes the tour, music, refreshments and a buggy ride. Proceeds benefit the restoration of the old county courthouse, one of only three federal style courthouses remaining in North Carolina.

Enjoy the back streets of Gatesville and be transported back in time with an old-fashioned buggy ride. Those rides depart every 15 minutes from beside Gatesville Baptist Church.

Stops on the tour include the home of Doug & Martha Lilley, the Methodist Church parsonage, Gatesville Methodist Church, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, the home of Penny Walker, the home of Tommy Lawrence, the home of B.J. Okleshen, the home of Willie & Joan Bundy, Family Foods office, Godwin & Godwin office, the Agricultural Building, Paul Toti’s land surveying office, Gatesville Baptist Church, Gates County’s historic courthouse and the Town Park Gazebo.

Tour patrons can enjoy music of the season every half-hour at the historic courthouse as well as hot apple cider and cookies throughout the tour at Paul Toti’s office.

For those looking for a meal, Baron’s Grill has agreed to extend its normal hours to accommodate tour patrons before and after the event.

Tickets are available in advance at Barons Grill, Corapeake Country Restaurant, Gates County High School (see Barbara Toti), Gates County Library, Lane Farm Supply, Kellogg-Morgan Insurance Agency, and the State Employees Credit Union (Gatesville branch) as well as from Brinda Felton and Kathy Sisson.

For those waiting until the date of the tour to purchase tickets, they can do so at either Barons Grill or the Gates County Library.