It may seem strange but Christmas as we think of it today, really began in the 19th century. Along with Clement C. Moore’s now famous poem Twas the Night Before Christmas, and Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, many traditions, stories and things we love about Christmas had its beginnings in the 1800s.
By the time James Henry and Sallie May Dooley built and lived in their beautiful Maymont estate, the idea of celebrating Christmas with family, friends, joy and good cheer was in full swing. Elaborate place settings were set for a delicious Christmas dinner, lavish gifts sat under the tree and aromatic evergreen decorations adorned each room.
This Christmas you can be transported to the Gilded Age at Maymont as it is set in full Victorian splendor. Maymont has planned a holiday season to inspire and delight visitors young and old. Guests can take a tour of the mansion decked out in full Christmas grandeur (Tuesdays-Sundays, November 21, 2014-January 4, 2015, 12-5pm ).
Bring the children to Maymont to celebrate an Old-Fashioned Christmas (Sunday, December 7, 12-5pm) and take a horse-drawn carriage ride on the lovely Maymont grounds, visit with St. Nick and Maymont’s Christmas Fairy, enjoy food and drink, festive music, the warmth of a roaring bonfire and special holiday activities.
If you want to bring a little nostalgia home with you, pack up your clippers and your gloves and take a wreath workshop. Experts at Maymont will help you will create a fresh green wreath to take home or learn how to create a traditional Magnolia wreath and door swag to adorn your front door.
Visitors have loved Maymont during spring, summer and fall for it’s expansive lawn, beautiful gardens, scenic trails and Children’s Farm, but if you have not been during the winter you’re missing a real gem. Maymont becomes a magical place during the holiday season with the nostalgic warmth and cheer of a 19th century Christmas.
See the full list events of Victorian Holiday events and workshops at Maymont here.
Fees may apply, check the listing for details.
