Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 20, 2025
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov
Celebrate the holiday season at Wilderness Road State Park
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: A Frontier Christmas)
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Karlan Christmas: Parade of Trees)
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Karlan Christmas: Parade of Trees)
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Karlan Christmas: Parade of Trees)
Ewing, Va. – Wilderness Road State Park is kicking off the holiday season with two special events. The annual Karlan Christmas: Parade of Trees and A Frontier Christmas showcase the spirit, history and community of the region.
Karlan Christmas: Parade of Trees
Starting Nov. 28, the Karlan Mansion at Wilderness Road State Park will be transformed into a festive winter showcase during the Parade of Trees. As visitors walk through the historic mansion, they can view trees uniquely decorated by the local community and listen to classic holiday music.
The Karlan Mansion will be open every weekend from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21 with viewing hours on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is $2 for visitors 12 and older.
A Frontier Christmas
Journey back in time on Dec. 13 for A Frontier Christmas, where park guests will experience the sights, sounds and stories of the early settlers of the Wilderness Road. The park’s historic Martin’s Station will feature living history demonstrating 18th-century holiday customs, open-fire cooking, storytelling, music and traditional crafts.
This immersive event provides a look at how families along Virginia’s frontier celebrated Christmas with resourcefulness, gratitude and community spirit.
A Frontier Christmas will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 to 4:30 p.m., with lantern tours offered at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. This event is free to attend; however, the standard parking fee applies.
For more information about Karlan Christmas: Parade of Trees or A Frontier Christmas, please call 276-445-3065 or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov/wilderness-road.
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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
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