Hermitage Holiday Village
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH | 11AM to 2PM
Guests of all ages are invited to explore the Hermitage Museum & Gardens and participate in a delightful variety of indoor and outdoor activities designed to celebrate the spirit of the season!
Admission By Donation – Pay What You Can
Admission to this event is free but we hope you will come with generosity in mind and consider donating what you can to support our museum!
EVENT SCHEDULE
- 11AM – 2PM: Holiday Photo Sessions
- 12PM: Holiday Tunes with Itinerant Band
- 12:30PM: Winter Garden Tour
- 1PM: Caroling with the Music Makers
- 1:30PM: Merry Mutts Holiday Walk
ONGOING ACTIVITIES
- Mini Gift Market & Gift Wrapping
- Donation Drive
- Hermitage Holiday Highlights
- Art Making for Kids + Adults
- Food & Drink
- Members’ Dessert Corner
Silent Auction
A limited selection of packages and experiences will be available to bid on. You’re certain to find the perfect holiday gift or something to treat yourself with!
Funds raised through the auction support free museum admission and educational programs.
Bidding ends promptly at 2 pm. Details to come!
Holiday Photo Sessions – 11AM-2PM
Photographer Casey Scalf of Storybook Studios will be joined by Santa and Mrs. Claus to offer mini-photo sessions in the gardens!
Suggested $15 donation per family. Guests will receive one complimentary digital image and will have the option to purchase additional photo packages directly from the photographer. Please note that photos will be first come, first served, and high demand may result in a lengthy wait.
Holiday Tunes with Members of the Itinerant Band – 12PM
Members of The Itinerant Band will perform holiday songs and traditional tunes that would have been heard in 17th and 18th century America. Enjoy a specialty performance at noon and additional tunes ongoing throughout the event.
Winter Garden Tour – 12:30PM
Stroll the gardens with our docents and learn about evergreens and winter garden features.
Caroling with the Music Makers – 1PM
Enjoy cheerful renditions of holiday favorites throughout the afternoon. Learn about how the instructors at Music Makers share their love and passion for music with their one-of-a-kind music performance school.
Merry Mutts Holiday Walk – 1:30PM
Dress your furry friend in their holiday best and have them strut their stuff! In the spirit of our founder and avid dog-lover, Florence Sloane, you and your pup are invited to show off and take a cheerful stroll along the shoreline. Prizes will be awarded for Most Creative Costume and Best Dressed Dog + Human.
Register on site beginning at 11 am and no later than 1 pm. Registration fee: $15 per entry. Well-behaved dogs are invited and must be kept on a leash at all times. More details to come!
Mini Gift Market
Shop for handmade items and one-of-a-kind pieces from our Gift Market featuring a handful of vendors from The Vault (our Museum Gift Shop) and talented instructors from the Goode Family Visual Arts School.
Gift Wrapping Station Hosted By The Hermitage Collective
Members of the Hermitage Collective will offer complimentary gift-wrapping services for any items purchased from our gift market.
Hermitage Holiday Highlights
Explore the decorated galleries and a display of historical holiday items from the Hermitage archives. Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt throughout the museum.
Art Making for Kids + Adults
Design your own festive creations at the Goode Family Visual Arts School. Ongoing While Supplies Last
Food + Drink
Visit the bar to enjoy seasonal beverages including hot cider and eggnog. Kid-friendly and alcohol-free options will be available. Grab a bite from Moontide Sundries and Flavor Savor BBQ.
Members’ Dessert Corner
Show your Hermitage Membership Card to indulge in a selection of complimentary desserts from Yummy Goodness Catering Company. Not yet a member? Join or renew today.
Donation Drive
The Hermitage is collecting donations for Island Dog Rescue. IDR provides shelter for animals from the Caribbean islands and secures adoptions for them from their headquarters in Virginia Beach and throughout the US.
Parking & Accessibility:
- Limited parking is available on-site at the Hermitage. Additional street parking can be found throughout the surrounding neighborhood. Please be mindful of all parking signage, park legally, and ensure that your vehicle is not blocking driveways and walkways.
- This event takes place across the Hermitage grounds, indoors and outside, rain or shine. Please review our accessibility information and contact the Hermitage for specific questions or needs at 757-423-2052.
