What better way to get into the holiday spirit than tour a hand-selected group of artfully lit Whidbey Island homes, taste home-baked confections and sip apple cider?

Enjoy the tour in the company of close friends, or make new ones along the way during the Oak Harbor Soroptimist International’s first-ever Christmas Home Tour.

The event features the homes of Patty and Jake Cohen, Ricky and Bob Greathead, Tara and Doug Saar, Jane and Gordon Koetje, Tamara Sipes and ends at Regency on Whidbey.

Tickets for the self-guided tour are $15 each and come with a map, directions and description of each home. Collect recipes for the tasty, homemade cookies along the way. Carpooling is encouraged for the tour, which takes place Saturday, Dec. 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. Tickets are available at Whidbey Island Bank, Whidbey Printers, any Oak Harbor Soroptimist, or from Letta at 240-2753.

The Island County Historical Society Museum will also host a Holiday Home Tour this Saturday. The Coupeville tour features two historic homes, including the Aleck and Susie Kettle House, currently owned and restored by Coleen and Rudy Parhaniemi and the Fullington House, now owned and re-restored by Gay Santos. Also on the tour is the Madrona Way Coupe deVilla Bed and Breakfast, owned by Maury and Charlotte Christensen, and the home of Joe Walck and Jackie Feusier.

This year’s tour offers a special twist for tour-goers. Included in admission is a party on Krueger Street, one of the most beautifully lit areas in Coupeville. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments are included and will be available at the Freusier home on Krueger Street.

All homes are within walking distance of the Museum, at 908 NW Alexander St., or catch a free ride with Whidbey Sea Tac Shuttle Service.

The 2009 Holiday Home Tour museum fundraiser is Saturday, Dec. 12, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. Call 678-3310 for more information.

The twin tours

Oak Harbor Soroptimist International’s Christmas Home Tour: Saturday, Dec. 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15.

Island County Historical Society Museum Holiday Home Tour: Saturday, Dec. 12, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20.