Stunning views, historic charm and elegant homes all dressed up for the holidays will greet visitors to the annual Black Hills Symphony Home for the Holidays Tour on Sunday, Nov. 4.

The tour, a fundraiser for the Black Hills Symphony League, will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Each home on the tour will be decorated for the holidays by local businesses. Soothing string music provided by members of the symphony will add to the ambience.

This year's tour will take participants from the elegance of Carriage Hills to an extravagant outdoor space on Broadmoor, from the stunning views of Pevans Parkway to the charm of West Boulevard.

"The boulevard homes are interesting from a historical perspective, and to see what people have done with them," said Carol Knowles, a member of both the symphony and the symphony league. "It's central to the tour. It's an area that people drive through a lot, and there's a lot of interest in it."

But people also enjoy seeing new houses. "They like to see new construction and see how people decorate their homes," she said.

Knowles said the symphony tour has become the premiere home tour in town and marks the kickoff to the shopping season. Women, especially, enjoy attending the tour together every year.

For those seeking a more intimate experience, the Sneak a Peek event is back for a second year. Only 200 tickets are available for a special preview of the homes from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3. Wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres at Arrowhead Country Club follow from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (See the "If you go" box on Page C2 for more ticket information.)

"This has become a date night," Knowles said. Viewing the homes at night offers a whole new look at the decorations.

"The homes look so different at night, especially with the Christmas lights," she said.

Decorations at the wine tasting will be provided by Victoria's Garden. There will be a special drawing of an engraved bottle of Robert Mondavi wine with matching Waterford Crystal wine goblets (donated by Landstrom's Jewelry) in commemoration of the 25th anniversary.

Here are descriptions (furnished by the Black Hills Symphony League) of the five homes featured this year:

'Beauty on the Boulevard'

1120 West Blvd.

The West Boulevard community shines as a unique and historic jewel in Rapid City. Lovingly restored by the homeowners over the past five years, this home is tastefully decorated by Someone's in the Kitchen and Quilt Connection, Etc. to reflect a beautiful traditional holiday scene. A lovely array of color is carried throughout every room and sets a fitting backdrop for antique pieces. Built in 1911, this home has sustained its charm with the original hardwood floors, vintage casement, leaded glass windows, light fixtures and authentically preserved wallpaper. A wraparound spindled staircase draws the eye upward to the delightful decor on the second floor, which has three bedrooms and a bath with a claw-footed tub. Just imagine how wonderful this holiday season will be snuggled up with a cozy quilt and a hot steaming mug of apple cider.

'Hill Top Haven'

1717 Pevans Parkway

Upon entering this home, you will be greeted by traditional surroundings. Spatial separation is defined by high ceilings and elegant arches. Drama is added in the accent painting in the dining room ceiling that coordinates with the slate stone fireplace in the living room. The kitchen carries an essence of Tuscany with faux painting on the walls and vines of greenery. The beautiful view of the hills, eastern Rapid City and the prairie beyond can be seen from windows surrounding these rooms. Evening entertaining will be especially dazzling with the lights of the city twinkling below and a Christmas tree adorned with tinsel and treasures. The lower level, however, is anything but traditional. The family room is for the young and the young at heart. Whether your game is pool or pinball, or if you just enjoy movies and popcorn, there's plenty of fun to be had when weather forbids outdoor pursuits. The homeowners have chosen a rustic feel to the decor with hunting trophies and a passion for a favorite motorcycle logo. The designers of A Walk in the Woods have brought their decorating talents from Custer to deck the halls and walls with holiday cheer.

'Decadence by Design'

3415 Broadmoor

Enter a showcase of the homeowner's love of art and attention to detail. Open and spacious rooms allow for the grandeur of contemporary design while white arches and angles draw the eye up and across the expansive foyer. Oversized custom built-ins are crafted of African mahogany, as is the coordinated dining room table. Stylish lighting changes the hues of color on the walls and flooring while capturing visual warmth and drama. The interior space is a relaxed scene that transitions seamlessly through every room. Flowers by LeRoy has tastefully brought the season's best to this magnificent home. Large and small details abound in the outdoor rooms as well. Located at the back of the property is a landscape masterpiece of rock and water that is a work of art not to be missed. Two-hundred thousand tons of boulders are stacked among aspen trees, tall grass and bee balm. Five thousand gallons of water dance gracefully down the hillside and flow into a pond near the lanai.

'Enchantingly Elegant'

4257 Westview Estates

Nestled snugly in the pines of Carriage Hills, this residence welcomes all with an inviting warm palette of color and a touch of French Country casual. Large full-length windows beckon holiday guests to enter and linger in each room, and every view allows a quiet gaze at the best of the Black Hills. Situated near the back of the home, the kitchen and gathering room open onto the covered patio. A variety of bold, colorful fabric is found in upholstery and window treatments and coordinates beautifully with wall color, wood floors, black wrought iron and copper pots. The brick kitchen island is the center of this cozy room, offering stools to sit and enjoy good company over a cup of coffee. The great room also boasts a fireplace with corner cabinet built-ins for the media center. Artist Joann Bird is a favorite of the homeowner, and her oil paintings are prominently displayed both in the gathering room and dramatically in the master bedroom. The Journey Museum Store and Cheryl Rudel add seasonal ambiance throughout this charming home.

'A Christmas Classic'

5018 Carriage Hills Drive

Designed to take advantage of the breathtaking view, this home is truly one of Rapid City's premier showcase homes. The double door entry opens to a grand foyer that introduces the formal dining room and great room with a two-story ceiling and window wall. Not to be outdone, a spectacular sweeping curved staircase gracefully separates the home in front and allows the master bedroom its own quiet retreat away from the noise of a busy family. A combination kitchen and breakfast area is anchored with a brick fireplace and family gathering room. An evening of whimsical magic awaits family and friends in the lower level recreational room and media center. The designing staff of Bella Patina adds its festive flair to this English Christmas classic.

If you go

What: The Black Hills Symphony League's 25th annual Home for the Holidays Tour.

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4; Sneak a Peek, a special preview, will be from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, with a wine tasting at Arrowhead Country Club from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission: Tour tickets are $10 in advance, available at Bella Patina, A Walk in the Woods in Custer, Flowers by LeRoy, Victoria's Garden, Quilt Connection, Someone's in the Kitchen, The Journey Museum Store, Family Thrift Center West and East, Dahl Arts Center, Batchelder's Plummer Piano and Organ and Haggerty's Musicworks. Tickets may be purchased the day of the tour at any home for $12. Sneak a Peek tour and wine tasting tickets are $50, available at Bella Patina, A Walk in the Woods, Flowers by LeRoy, Victoria's Garden, Quilt Connection, Someone's in the Kitchen and The Journey Museum Store. The wine tasting is sponsored by Black Hills Harley-Davidson and Smith's Liquor Gallery.