Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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The last remaining leaves on the Southwest Virginia trees fought desperately in a battle against the changing seasons, finally succumbing to the cold and wind in an ageless cycle of repose and eventual rebirth.

Folks at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park would like to offer you a unique opportunity to escape the harshness of the changing seasons with a warm, inviting, array of greenery, lights, and one-of-a-kind displays called:

The Festival of Trees

Night Viewing of the trees at the Festival of Trees at Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park
Trees fill the Museum for the 19th Annual Festival of Trees

In its 19th season, the Festival of Trees is an incredible feat of community creativity and involvement that leaves all four floors of the stately Victorian home that houses the museum’s collections lavishly decorated for the holiday season. Volunteers from area businesses, schools, civic organizations, churches, and families have created 81 displays this year, filling the museum with twinkling lights and holiday spirit.

Pepsi is just one community company to participate in the Festival of Trees at Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park
Pepsi is just one of the local companies that have a tree on display

The tradition of the Festival of Trees began nineteen years ago as a way to celebrate the holiday traditions of the Victorian era as well as to honor the role that C. Bascom Slemp, the driving force behind the establishment of the museum, played in establishing the American tradition of a “national Christmas tree.”

Mr. Slemp served as the personal secretary to President Calvin Coolidge. In 1923, a group from the Electrical League and the Washington, D.C. public schools approached him with an idea for a Christmas tree to be erected on the White House lawn. Mr. Slemp took the idea to the First Lady, Grace Coolidge, who took up the cause. She recommended that the tree be placed on the ellipse south of the White House, and a tradition was born.

Trees come in all shapes, colors and sizes at the Festival of Trees at Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park
These beautiful trees come in all shapes, sizes and colors

Visitors can tour the Festival of Trees until December 31 during regular museum hours and during special “night viewings” from 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. on December 20, and 27. Admission to the museum is $4.00 for adults, $2.00 for children ages 6-12, and free of charge for children under 6. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more.

For more information, please call the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park at (276) 523-1322. Click here for a Google Map.

May your holidays be bright!

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

COMMENTS

Virginia State Parks (October 22, 2015 03:06:18 PM): I don't believe there is room but please contact the park directly at 276-523-1322.

joe matic (October 22, 2015 01:33:34 PM): HI

Wondering you have any commercial vendor spaces available for your festival of trees event. Please contact me either way @ 562-244-3113. Much appreciated.

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