Decked out in Santa hats and holiday cheer, volunteers from the Assistance League of the Eastside gave residents an inside peak into five festive homes in Medina, Yarrow Point, and Meydenbauer Bay on Dec. 5.

One home captured the rustic, traditional feel of Christmas morning while another welcomed guests with sparkling auburn lights and a towering Christmas tree surrounded by presents. Red stockings hung above warm fireplaces, giant wreaths hung over doorways, and shimmers of silver and gold accented the elegant homes.

Volunteers from the Assistance League of the Eastside gave descriptive tours of the homes’ interior decor and history. A raffle took place in one of the homes, with prizes ranging from an elaborate dinner to a golf-lovers gift basket and a trip for two on Alaska Airlines.

Kay Edwards, a volunteer for Assistance League, was thrilled with the turnout and overall excitement of the holiday tour.

“This is such a magical time of year,” she said. “Pair the magic of the holidays with these beautiful homes and lavish decor and you end up with a great event that grows every year.”

A tour favorite was the transformation of the seven-story, water-front home on Meyedenbauer Bay into a whimsical wonderland. The spectators were in awe of the sweeping views from the master bedroom. The lights of downtown Bellevue sparkled almost as bright as the Christmas lights illuminating the interior of the home.

“Hopefully more homes will be willing to participate next year,” said Edwards, who is thankful to the home owners for opening their doors to the public. “We couldn’t have put on such a successful event without the generosity of the people who call Bellevue home.”

Hundreds of spectators piled on and off large school buses provided for transportation between homes. The annual event sold more than 1,200 tickets for the exclusive home tour and raised approximately $4,500 through ticket sales and raffle items benefiting the Assistance League of the Eastside.

“This isn’t the largest event we host during the year, but with the money raised from the Holiday Home Tours we can give continued support to programs in the area,” explained Edwards.

The organization hosts several charity events throughout the year, raising funds for various philanthropic programs including Operation School Bell, Assault Survivor Kits, and Assistance League Outreach.

To find out more information on the Assistance League of the Eastside, visit www.eastside.assistanceleague.org.