St George’s will be filled with festive fun as the Bermuda National Trust’s Christmas Walkabout makes its return.

The much loved family event, now in its 45th year, invites the community to celebrate the holiday season this Friday in a “magical evening of history, culture, community and entertainment”.

Guests can explore several beautifully decorated historical homes in Bermuda’s Unesco World Heritage Site — The Old Rectory, Bridge House, Buckingham, Reeve Court and Stewart Hall — all open free of charge.

At the Globe Museum, visitors can learn about Bermuda’s earliest settlers, discover ongoing archaeological work and admire needlework by the Bermuda Guild of Stitchery.

The museum’s gift shop, Trustworthy, will offer unique holiday gifts.

Additional historical and cultural landmarks will welcome visitors throughout the town, including St Peter’s Church, Mitchell House, Hannibal Lodge, Ebenezer Methodist Church and Pilot Darrell House.

A spokeswoman for the trust said: “The BNT extends its sincere appreciation to the many tenants who open their homes and to the dedicated volunteers whose contributions ensure the event’s continued success.

“For the third year, BNT is partnering with Butterfield Bank’s Toys for Tots programme. Attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped toy donations, which can be dropped off at designated collection points during the event.”

There will be live entertainment by musicians and dancers in King’s Square, helping to create a fun and festive atmosphere.

Shops across St George’s will stay open late giving guests the chance to get a head start on their Christmas shopping.

Food vendors including Four Star Pizza, Ashley’s Lemonade, Funnelicious, Hot Dog Delight and the Bermuda Cupcake Company will be serving a variety of seasonal treats in King’s Square.

Gosling’s will host two pop-up cocktail bars, one at Tucker House and another in the Globe Museum garden.

The event is made possible thanks to support, especially gold sponsor Butterfield Bank. Additional sponsors include HSBC, Gosling’s, Butterfield & Vallis, the Corporation of St George, Belco, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and the Department of Culture.

To manage traffic, no parking will be permitted in central St George’s and on-street parking restrictions will be strictly enforced.

Visitors are encouraged to park at Kindley Field where free shuttle buses will run from 5pm to 10.30pm. Limited parking is available at St George’s Preparatory School for a donation to the PTA, but this will fill up early.

Prepaid parking at Tiger Bay and Penno’s Wharf is fully booked. Only vehicles with valid tickets or parking badges for the disabled will be allowed entry.

The Department of Marine and Ports Services invites the public on board a special ferry service for the walkabout. It will depart Albuoy’s Point at 5.15pm, arrive in St George’s at 6.15pm and return from St George’s at 9.15pm. Regular ferry tokens will be accepted.

For a full itinerary and event details, review the walkabout flyer.

The spokeswoman added: “With its perfect blend of history, culture and holiday spirit, the Bermuda National Trust Walkabout promises to once again be a highlight of Bermuda’s festive season. Don’t miss this cherished community celebration in the heart of St George’s.”

It runs from 6pm to 9pm.

For more information, visit www.bnt.bm or e-mail palmetto@bnt.bm.