The eighth Christmas celebration at the Overlynn Mansion raised approximately $14,000 for Seton Villa, a Burnaby seniors' home.

"This has now become a must-attend event of the Christmas season for Burnaby and all Lower Mainland residents," said Fran McDougall, executive director of Seton Villa seniors' retirement centre.

The event, held on Nov. 24 and 25, drew a crowd of 1,200, and the majority of the visitors, about 800, were from Burnaby. Admission was by donation, and $5,000 was raised by selling baked goods alone. The money will help pay for upgrades to the emergency call system at Seton Villa.

The event featured guided tours through the 1909 mansion, one of the best-preserved heritage mansions in the province. The tours were booked solid, and some people were disappointed to be turned away.

"We had such an incredible response," said McDougall. "It just proves it's a well-supported event."

The organizers offered door prizes and complimentary apple cider and cookies.

McDougall is considering having a similar open house event in the summer due to the high demand this holiday season.