No need to let cooler temperatures keep you from enjoying a day at the park, this holiday season. For winter 2021, the traditional Holiday Open House at Sky Meadows State Park has been reimagined as “A Holiday Through the Centuries.” On Saturday, November 27 travel back in time from 1843 to 1943, and see the park’s Historic Area come alive with the sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season. Stop by the Log Cabin to experience traditional holiday treats cooked on the hearth, using historic methods.

Hearth cooking demonstrations in the historic log cabin are always a holiday favorite.

Get in the holiday spirit with special tours of the park’s historic buildings decked out in period decorations, and learn how centuries of people celebrated the holidays at Mount Bleak. The winter months certainly remind us that “Mount Bleak” was named for being exposed to the cold wind and harsh elements. Visiting this historic farm this time of year will surely give you the full experience its name implies.

Period decorations give us a glimpse of how the holidays were celebrated over the centuries.

Wintertime at the park holds other charms, aside from the tradition of Holiday House Tours. Bundle up in layers and explore our hiking trails during the “off peak” season. If you are interested in winter hiking, but hesitant to try it, a guided hike could be just the thing. To explore our November guided hikes, details can be found under programs and events on our webpage.

You might start a new holiday tradition of winter hiking as a family.

After your hike, treat yourself to some holiday shopping in the park gift shop. We sell a variety of Sky Meadows State Park merchandise including unique ornaments and outdoor-related gifts. For the nature enthusiast on your list, peruse our assortment of literature especially selected for our gift shop by members of the Virginia Native Plant Society, including timely books on winter tree identification. Of course, it is never too early to stock up on spring wildflower field guides in preparation for the warmer months and brighter days ahead.

Happy Holidays from Sky Meadows State Park