Decorating homes is one of many treasured traditions during the holiday season, and from Dec. 2-4, residents can take the Summit League's Homes for the Holidays tours and the Christmas At Our House tours put on by the women's club at St. Francis High School to get an up-close look at some of the finest homes in the area as they deck their halls.

St. Francis High School's 16th annual Christmas At Our House tour will kick off at 5 p.m. on Dec. 2 with a Twilight Tour and Gala Preview Party. Regular tours will continue on Dec. 3 and 4, as the homes are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Three homes in the Los Gatos and Monte Sereno areas, varying between 9,000- and 13,000-square feet, have been selected for this year's event. Guests will be treated to live entertainment by St. Francis student musicians and vocalists, and complimentary tea, baked goods, egg nog, hot cider and coffee.

The Christmas Gift Shoppe will feature items for sale by world and local artisans. Santa's Drawing Room will feature selections such as a boy's "Off to College" basket, a bridal shower basket, stylized furniture and holiday ware for a drawing at the end of the tour.

Another drawing will be held to win the "Twelfth Night" table setting, which includes a complete service for eight with china, crystal, flatware, linens and a centerpiece valued at more than $5,000. Tickets can also be purchased for the Elegant Catered Luncheon.

Admission to the Gala Preview Party and Twilight Tour is $100. Tickets for a regular day tour including refreshments are $30 in advance and $40 at the door, if available. A 10 percent discount is available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets for the Elegant Catered Luncheon are $20, and can only be purchased with an advance reservation. Entry tickets for the Twelfth Night table setting are $25 each, or five for $100. Entry tickets for the Santa's Drawing Room items are $5 each, three for $10, or seven for $20. All proceeds benefit the campaign for St. Francis High School.

Over the past 47 years, the Summit League has raised more than $1.5 million for Santa Clara Valley charitable organizations.

Proceeds from this year's Homes for the Holidays tours will benefit the Washington United Youth Center, an after-school community site for teenagers that provides counseling, structured recreation, physical fitness programs, classes in leadership and life-coping skills and community service activities.

The tours will be held between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Dec. 2, and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Dec. 3.

This year, the tours will showcase a traditional French country home, an Italian villa and a French villa, all in the Saratoga and Monte Sereno areas. The homes will be decorated by Bay Area floral and interior designers with a holiday theme. Guests can park at The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints at 15985 Rose Ave. in Los Gatos, and shuttles will provide transportation to the three homes.

The tours will also feature a boutique with holiday greenery and gift items, and a donation drawing.

Reservations and taped information for the Christmas At Our House tours for St. Francis High School are available by calling 650.968.1213, ext. 701, or by visiting www.womensclub.sfhs.com. To purchase tickets for the Summit League's Homes for the Holidays tours, send a check made out to Summit League along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to Summit League, Attention Dottie Cronk, 8074 Winery Court, San Jose, CA 95135. Credit cards will not be accepted. For more information, call 408.395.1707 or visit www.ccsj.org.