Governor’s Mansion at Morven Park Hosts Holiday Festivities

Help drive away the doldrums of the coming winter by relishing the sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season at Morven Park. Holiday decor, a 1920s tea, a “kissing ball” workshop, and holiday gift ideas from the visitors’ center are among the offerings throughout the coming weeks.

The scent of hot apple cider and cookies will fill the Gov. Westmoreland Davis mansion on Saturday, Dec. 3, during Morven Park’s annual open house. The public is invited to tour the rooms in their holiday finery, learn about wintertime activities that would have taken place in the Davis era (circa 1920), and have a cookie … or two.

Since Morven Park was not only the home of Virginia’s governor, but was also a working farm, guests will learn about the typical wintertime social activities as well as the planning that would have taken place in preparation for the following spring plantings. Guests also will hear a presentation on how the farm animals and local wildlife prepared for and thrived through the winter.

The open house, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., is $5 for adults and free for children and for Morven Park members.

On the following day, Sunday, Dec. 4, through Jan. 2, from noon to 4 p.m., regularly scheduled tours will showcase holiday décor throughout the Mansion, focusing on similar themes as those featured during the open house. Tours are $5 for adults, $3 for ages 6-12, and free for children under 6 and for members. The “Columns and Carriages” tour of both the mansion and the Winmill Carriage Museum is $9 for adults and $5 for ages 6-12. Open daily except Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The Governor’s mansion will be the setting on Dec. 11 for the First Lady of Virginia’s Holiday Tea. From 1-3 p.m., tea will be served in the home of Virginia First Lady Marguerite Davis. The program begins with a mansion tour to view the holiday decorations, following by a traditional 1920s-style tea. Afterward, participants will make their own Victorian kissing ball. The tea is $25/person or $20 for members. Advance registration is required at www.mpholidaytea.eventbrite.com.

Antiques appraiser Ben Hastings will take a look at family holiday heirlooms and other treasures during a special event at Morven Park on Dec. 17. Beginning at 11:30 a.m., Hastings will guide visitors through the Governor’s mansion, describing the collection and explaining what to look for when purchasing collectibles. Following refreshments, Hastings will offer private appraisals of guests’ heirlooms, beginning at 1 p.m. The tour and appraisal of one object is $20 with additional appraisals available for $10 per item. Pre-registration is required at www.mpantiques.eventbrite.com.

Throughout the month of December, the visitors’ center gift shop will be open from noon to 4 p.m., featuring a new holiday card, tree ornaments, and other unique merchandise.

More than 100,000 people visit Morven Park each year, participating in the programming at the three museums and equestrian center, or enjoying the beautiful scenery, historic gardens, sports fields, Civil War hut site, and hiking trails, all within its 1,200 acres. The public is invited to events in every season, including equestrian competitions, festivals, and hands-on learning programs. A non-profit organization, Morven Park relies on individual donations, memberships, and event income to fund its public programs.