MAYMONT MANSION HOLIDAY TOURS Tuesdays-Sundays, November 19-January 6, 12-5pm, Maymont Mansion (Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day)
Celebrate the season at Maymont and revel in Victorian holiday splendor! Lavish tree trimmings, the opulent dining room, spectacular decorations, games and activities bring the wonders of an 1893 Christmas to life. Belowstairs, the work spaces abound with preparations to make the Dooleys’ first Christmas in their new home very special. Guided tours (upstairs only) are available every half-hour; the last tour begins at 4:30. $5 suggested donation. For information, call 804-358-7166, ext. 329.
MAYMONT’S WREATH WORKSHOPS Tuesday, November 30, 6-9pm Wednesday, December 1 & Thursday, December 2, 9am-12pm & 6-9pm, Stone Barn
Have you ever strolled through Maymont around the holidays and envied the beautiful greenery decorating the estate? Sign up for one of these popular workshops and learn from the experts how to create the spectacular wreaths used at Maymont. Greens, forms, wire and instruction are supplied; bring your own clippers. Create one special wreath to take home and help make another for Maymont. $25 per person/$22 members. Register by November 29; call 804-358-7166, ext. 310.
OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS AT MAYMONT Sunday, December 5, 12-5 pm, Maymont Mansion & Carriage House Lawn
Celebrate the season during this charming event that has become a tradition for generations of families. Elegant Victorian ladies and gentlemen welcome you to Maymont Mansion to marvel at the grand Christmas tree, the beautifully decorated formal rooms and the traditions enjoyed by the Dooleys and their guests in 1893. Horse-drawn carriage rides, good food and drink, festive music and activities fill everyone with old-fashioned holiday spirit. Mansion tours: $7 per person/$5 members/free for children 12 and under. Carriage rides: $5 per person/$3 children 12 and under. For event details and reservations, call 804-358-7166, ext. 310.
ST. NICK’S CHRISTMAS PARTY AT MAYMONT Sunday, December 5, 1 & 3pm, Garden Hall
The entire family will enjoy this fun-filled occasion as beloved storyteller, Pam Bomboy, brings the past to life with tales of good boys and girls, songs, party favors, games, light refreshments – and a visit from a “jolly old elf.” Don’t forget your camera, there will be time for photos with St. Nick! $10 per person; advance registration recommended. For event details and reservations, call 804-358-7166, ext. 310.
MAYMONT BY MOONLIGHT Fridays, December 10 & 17, 5:30-9:30pm, Hampton Street Entrance
Enjoy an enchanting holiday evening at Maymont…by moonlight! Horse-drawn carriages transport guests up the luminary-lit lane and back in time as Victorian hosts welcome you to the home of Major and Mrs. James H. Dooley. Witness the excitement of Christmas Eve 1893 while the family, guests and domestic staff prepare the beautifully decorated mansion for a festive celebration. Carol singing and seasonal refreshments complete this magical evening. $25 per person/$20 members. Reservations required; call 804-358-7166, ext. 329.
MAYMONT’S CANDLELIGHT MANSION TOURS Tuesday, December 14, 5-7pm, Maymont Mansion Experience
Virginia’s Gilded Age treasure, the elegant showplace of James and Sallie Dooley, in this exclusive after-hours holiday tour. Maymont Mansion is aglow as Victorian ladies and gentlemen share the gracious traditions of Christmas 1893. Lavish tree trimmings, the opulent dining room and spectacular decorations bring the wonders of a 19th-century Christmas to life. Enjoy light refreshments as you explore the mansion’s Belowstairs, where the Dooleys’ staff prepared for the coming festivities. $10 per person/$7 members. Registration recommended; call 804-358-7166, ext. 329.
About Kate Hall
