“Home” can be a complicated place, especially for LGBTQ+ people. For Andrew Kyprianou and Brian Rodabaugh, home isn’t just a place—it’s an open door. As longtime participants in the Sugar Plum Tour of Holiday Homes, they’ve invited thousands into their homes over the years, each time in a new space – but with the same commitment to community, creativity and cause.
“We want people to feel comfortable, whether they’re in the LGBTQ+ community or not,” says Kyprianou. “For us, it’s about creating a celebratory and welcoming space.”
A cherished holiday event since 2002, the annual Sugar Plum Tour of Holiday Homes offers glimpses into Akron’s most beautifully decorated homes while raising funds for local LGBTQ+ causes.
This year, the live tour will feature five festively decorated homes, while a virtual tour option will provide professionally filmed tours of eight homes, including three homes not shown on the live tour. Proceeds benefit the Gay Community Endowment Fund, part of the Akron Community Foundation, which provides grants for LGBTQ+ causes across Greater Akron. In recent years, the fund has supported an array of initiatives, from an all-day conference for LGBTQ+ students to expanded health resources at local clinics.
A tradition of holiday spirit and giving
For Kyprianou and Rodabaugh, the Sugar Plum Tour is a personal tradition that has evolved with their relationship. Kyprianou started attending the tour before he met Brian, but once they began participating as a couple, it became a tradition they looked forward to together. “I love to decorate—I’m a big Christmas queen,” Rodabaugh says with a laugh. “So the tour has been a great way for us to express our creativity while supporting a cause we care about.” The couple previously opened their homes to showcase their festive style on the 10th and 15th-anniversary tours.
A house that tells a story
The couple’s 1993 townhome, nestled against the serene Summit Metro Parks, features a two-story vaulted dining room and a lofted office with stunning seasonal views. But the true magic lies in how they’ve transformed each room with unique themes and a blend of modern and traditional styles.
“We wanted to go bold,” says Rodabaugh. “We’ve embraced jewel tones and whimsical touches that bring a playful spirit to the house, while still creating spaces that feel calm and connected to the outdoors.”
Visitors can expect a rich palette of teal, purple and pink, with an array of unique details—from hot-pink napkins on an heirloom dining set to sparkling vintage ornaments in the family room. On the main floor, a grand 12-foot Christmas tree decorated in jewel tones stands as a centerpiece, surrounded by vintage touches like Kyprianou’s childhood train set and his grandmother’s hand-carved Santa figurines.
Downstairs, the family room has been transformed into a vintage holiday wonderland, complete with silver trees and antique ornaments that evoke a classic, timeless feel. “We’ve acquired some antique ornaments over the years, so there’s a strong sense of nostalgia here,” Rodabaugh says. “When people see these decorations, we hope they’ll remember similar pieces from their own childhood.”
Meanwhile, the upstairs bedroom is styled as a cozy, woodland escape, perfectly suited to the condo’s treetop views and a retreat-like ambiance. “When somebody goes up into our bedroom, it’s literally three stories tall,” Rodabaugh says. “It feels like you are among the trees of the Metro Park; it feels like a tree house.”
An open door with a sense of belonging
Their home’s warm, open-door philosophy reflects the couple’s commitment to creating a welcoming space – and as longtime hosts of foreign exchange students, they have always made room for others. “If someone doesn’t have a place to go for Christmas, our door is open. There’s always a seat here,” Rodabaugh says, who works closely with youth in Akron.
Since Kyprianou and Rodabaugh joined the tour in 2011, they’ve watched the event grow in both attendance and community impact. “The first time we participated, about 600 people visited,” Rodabaugh says. “Last time, we had over 1,000 people come through in just 24 hours.”
Beyond Akron, the virtual tour has allowed friends and family from across the country to participate, further raising awareness for local LGBTQ+ causes. “My coworkers in Georgia and family in Nevada are tuning in this year,” Rodabaugh says. “It’s amazing to see how far the support has spread.”
Inspiring tradition and connection
The tour’s success has allowed the Gay Community Endowment Fund to expand its support for diverse programs, from Kent State youth arts initiatives to community health resources. This year’s event, like years past, is expected to draw hundreds of visitors.
Last year, the Sugar Plum Tour raised over $100,000 for the Fund, which has been reinvesting in Akron’s LGBTQ+ community for over two decades. Beneficiaries include initiatives like the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center and the 2024 Akron Pride Festival.
“The tour isn’t just about Christmas decorations,” Kyprianou says. “It’s about showcasing something beautiful that inspires others to get involved.”
The 23rd annual Sugar Plum Tour of Holiday Homes will be held on December 8 from noon to 5 p.m., with the virtual option available the following weekend. General admission tickets are $40 each, or $70 for both the live and virtual tour. A limited number of $250 Patron Party bundle tickets are also available, which grant access to a private party in a luxurious three-story home near Cuyahoga Valley National Park, complete with a speakeasy and Santa’s workshop.
In sharing their home, Andrew and Brian hope to show younger LGBTQ+ visitors what’s possible. “This is what you can be, this is what you can have,” Kyprianou says. “You can have a partner of 18 years, you can build a life, open your doors to others, and be part of something larger.” 🔥
IGNITE ACTION
- For more information on this year’s Sugar Plum Tour and to purchase tickets, visit sugarplumtour.org.
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