Out of the dozens of events held at the park each year, one of the most striking to me is the six-week-long Festival of Trees happening now through the end of December. 

In fact, my first encounter with the park was when I toured the Festival of Trees with my daughter four years ago (the beauty of the museum stayed with me; I’m now lucky enough to work at the park as assistant manager). The rich red oak woodwork and tall ceilings of the Ayers mansion provide the perfect backdrop for the dozens of decorated trees, mantels, doorways and banisters scattered over four floors.

The spirit of the holidays greets you at the front door

Some say the word “park” conjures up images of trees, trails, perhaps a stream…but most likely not a beautiful old mansion filled with historic treasures. 

So it’s not surprising that visitors often don’t realize that the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is one of the 37 parks in the Virginia State Parks system. Not a house museum in the traditional sense of the phrase, the museum occupies the Victorian house built by Rufus Ayers, a scion of society in Big Stone Gap, and contains thousands of items important in the history of southwest Virginia. Its impressive stone façade dominates Poplar Hill and stands majestically over the rest of the picturesque town.  

We at the park can’t take much credit for this holiday spectacle, though. The community comes out in force and this year more than 80 businesses and individuals provided decorations, with many returning year after year (there’s a standing waiting list in case anyone drops out). 

This kind of interaction with a museum’s community is something to be treasured and celebrated, and this year’s offering is our most spectacular of all, from the traditional tinsel and garland to the more personal family and themed trees.

The community works hard to make this event a success

Visitors can view the trees daily (except for Mondays, when we’re closed), but might want to come on a Saturday night in December when we remain open until 8:30 p.m. That’s when the special night viewings really showcase the lights and magic of the season.

Other reasons to visit in December are our annual “Tea with Mrs. Claus” on Sunday, December 11, 2016 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., advanced registration is required. For more information, call the museum at (276) 523-1322.

Directions and more info for Southwest Virginia Museum State Park can be found here.