Business & Tech
Oatlands Plantation Celebrates the Holiday Season
A decorated mansion opened to the public on Monday, including a special holiday display. A number of upcoming events are also planned to help get visitors in the mood for Christmas.
Oatlands Historic House and Gardens kicked off its holiday season on Monday with Christmas trees, wreaths, ornaments and traditional greenery spread throughout mansion and surrounding property. A special holiday exhibit themed "Women of Oatlands" is also on display now through the end of the year.
Kirsten Edwards, curator of collections and education, said during holiday tours guests will have the chance to learn about the women who once lived or stayed inside the mansion.
The second floor will have a number of clothing items on display, she said, many of which haven’t seen them in at least ten years. The Christmas exhibit runs now through Dec. 30.
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On Dec. 3 and 17, a Christmas Caroling event will also take place. Guests will be invited to have cookies and cider before a walk through the decorated mansion, Edwards said, followed by old fashioned caroling next to the Christmas tree and piano located in the drawing room.
“We thought it would be festive to have people actually in the house for the caroling," Edwards said. "It’s a fun way to get people in the holiday spirit."
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On Dec. 18 Oatlands will host it's first annual Gingerbread House Contest for both children and adults. Advance registration is required and the deadline to register is Monday, Dec. 12.
A Barnyard Christmas by the StageCoach Theatre Company is also scheduled to take place on December 15, 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. The children's theatre production will entertain the little ones while getting everyone into the holiday spirit. The play is in two acts and will conclude at approximately 8:30 p.m., Edwards said, and a very special guest may also stop by.
In addition, Holiday Teas and shopping will also be available throughout the month including the Four Seasons of Oatlands Miniature Art Show & Sale going on now through Dec. 30.
“There’s definitely a lot going on,” Edwards said. “You can’t come here and not be put in a festive mood. The house is gorgeous. It’s all decked out. A great time will be had by all.”
To make reservations, purchase tickets or find out more about upcoming holiday events visit www.oatlands.org or call 703-777-3174.
