Traditions are part of each of our stories and they are meant to be shared with family and friends, so beginning November 15, 2015 the tradition continues with the 20th Annual Festival of Trees at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park.

When I was a kid, one of the highlights was when my sister and I could talk our parents into taking that ever beloved trip around town to gaze in awe at all the Christmas lights. Tradition is the cornerstone of the holiday season in my mind. 

Over 80 beautiful trees line the hallway of the Museum

Even banisters are decorated for the Festival of Trees

Part of the excitement for me when I was a kid was to see the different decorating styles. Some houses focused on the variety of colors in the lights, some houses focused on Santa sitting on the roof, and some focused on their faith. In recent years, fewer and fewer people are decorating their homes in such a way. The decorations revealed a part of story of that house. Each story is different but all are told through decorations.

Following in those traditions there are over 80 Christmas trees, mantels, and doorways are decked out with twinkling lights and ornaments in Big Stone Gap Virginia at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park. Each year in mid-November volunteers come to the Museum and bring the Christmas season to life through a story.

A sneak preview 2015 Pepsi Tree
 

The Museum is open regular hours (closed on Mondays) and even offers night lightings to better enjoy the twinkle of the lights. You can see these trees beginning November 15, 2015 all the way until December 31, 2015. Call (276) 523-1322 if you have any questions or need more information, or you can reach the museum by email here.

The Festival of Trees makes for a perfect family outing; you never know it may just become your family’s own tradition. Click here for directions to the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park.