It has been over 10 years since iconic Shell Beach Drive homes have been open to the public. In 2023, the Calcasieu Historical Society’s 38th annual Palm Sunday Tour of Homes, opened five homes in Windows on the Water.

“Jingle and Mingle: The Magical Christmas on Shell Beach Drive,” a special event benefiting the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcassieu’s construction of its new location on Enterprise Boulevard, features five homes and a boathouse Sunday, Dec. 8, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

This self-paced tour replete with cheer and community spirit down the sidewalk of light-wrapped hundred-year-old live oaks includes 303 Shell Beach Drive (boathouse only), 311 Shell Beach Drive, 535 Shell Beach Drive, 715 Shell Beach Drive, 715 Shell Beach Drive, 1301 Shell Beach Drive, 1509 Shell Beach Drive.

A trolley with limited seating will also run a continuous loop to the houses starting at the Bord du Lac Marina located on Bord du Lac Drive.

Don’t miss the opportunity for a peek inside to dish on how the owners decorate (in a whisper among friends, of course), simply oooh and ahhh or soak in the magic of Christmas in a setting seldom experienced. Some of these houses are not only lavishly decorated, they are also historical landmarks.

The Krause-Burton home, now owned by Dr. Steven and Nealie Hale,  turns 100 next year. Randy Lanza, known as the design go-to virtuosa at Joseph’s electric lives at 715 Shell Beach Drive, which was built in 1904 when the address was still “out in the country.” He can also share Shell Beach Drive history. He was born and grew up at 717 Shell Beach Drive.

See how the LaBorde family paid homage to the ships and sea with the decorations of their modern coastal boathouse built just last year. Enjoy the refresh and remodel of 311 Shell Beach Drive, the work of new owners Tab and Misty Finchum, and  but don’t miss the foyer chandelier, original to the home since 1937 when it first received electricity.

515 Shell Beach continues to embody the prestigious character where natural beauty, architectural sophistication and waterfront living combine to create one of the area’s most coveted locations, no matter the owner. Currently it is J.C. and Marcie Harper — who continues the tradition with added touches of a refined taste.

Architect Jude Benoit and contractor Karl Arceneaux were challenged by the task of designing and building a home with an accent that spoke of roots in New England and Louisiana at the request of owners Eston and Ruth Singletary. Mission accomplished. Two details of 1509 Shell Beach Drive not to be missed are the antiques, paintings and needlework. New England antiques are passed down to the family. Much of the artwork is from local artists. Some of the needlework is by Ruth Singletary.

Tickets for the event are priced at $35 for adults and $10 for children under 12.

They can be purchased online at https://lakecharlesjingle.eventbrite.com or in person at Gordon’s (2716 Lake Street) and Joseph’s Electric (605 12th Street) in Lake Charles and at Moss Bluff Florists and Gifts (137 Bruce Circle) in Moss Bluff.