Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Sunday, December 1, 2024

Holiday Events

Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join us as we usher in the holiday season by lighting our Great Hall Tree. And of course, the holiday season would not be complete without a visit from one of The Homestead’s jolliest guests.

Holiday Welcome
Enjoy light refreshments and live music in the Crystal Room as we welcome the Thanksgiving holiday on Wednesday evening.

Book Signing: A Very Virginia Christmas $
Author Wilford Kale has compiled the best Virginia Christmas stories and traditions, from war time and peace, from times of need and times of feasting and merriment, into one handsome volume. These stories and traditions will be familiar to some, but others are known only regionally. You’ll want to share each of his tales with friends and family year after year as you celebrate the Christmas holidays.

Family Activities

Turkey Trot
For those early risers who want to get in some exercise before the Thanksgiving feast, meet on the Front Porch for a group run of approximately 3 miles. Prizes for the fastest man, the fastest woman and the fastest child (6-12 years old). Registration opens at 7:45 am.

History Tour
Explore more than 250 years of history in a place where presidents and dignitaries have enjoyed their holidays.

Cornhole Tournament
Bring a partner and enjoy a friendly cornhole competition.

Bingo
Test your luck with everyone’s favorite game of chance.

Fall Social
Join us for our traditional Social Hour in the Great Hall.

Just For Kids

Visit with Santa
Children of all ages can visit and snap their photo with Santa as he makes his list and checks it twice.

Children's Painting Class R | $
This fun and creative class is specially designed for our youngest guests. All skill levels welcome. Play clothes are recommended. Recommended for ages 5 and up. $35 per person.

Children's Crafts
Plan to join us and create your own craft during the weekend. Choose from a variety of fun holiday items to make and take home with you.

Children's Ceramic Painting R | $
Let your child’s artistic side shine as they paint their own ceramic keepsake. Play clothes are recommended. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. $20 per piece.

Bedtime Story with Santa's Elves
Bring the kids for bedtime story with one of Santa’s helpers. It’s a pajama party they will remember for years!

For the Foodie

A Taste of Tradition Buffet R | $
Enjoy our legendary Thanksgiving banquet with all the trimmings. Everyone in the family is sure to find a favorite in this feast that has become an annual tradition for many. $95 per adult, $45 children 5 to 15 years, under 5 free.

Bourbon Tasting R | $
Uncork the secrets of bourbon with our guided tasting! We’ll compare and contrast 4 distinct expressions, exploring the unique flavors each grain, barrel, and region brings to the glass. Discover your new favorite bourbon and learn the art of nosing, swirling, and sipping like a pro. Your palate will thank you!

Must be 21 or older to participate. $55 per person.

Homestead Holiday S'mores Express R | $
Board our tractor-driven wagon for a trip through our wooded trails to the Equestrian Center for s’mores. Children 12 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. $29 per adult, $25 children 15 and under.

Private S’mores Express rides are also available.

Wine Sommelier Series R | $
Embark on a wine adventure through the heart of France. We’ll unveil the elegance of Burgundy, where Pinot Noir paints delicate notes of earth and cherry on the palate. Then, we’ll journey south to the sundrenched Rhone Valley, where Syrah takes center stage, bursting with bold flavors of spice and dark fruit. Prepare to discover the essence of French terroir, one sip at a time.

Must be 21 or older to participate. $75 per person.

Classes

Let's Talk Turkey R | $
Get ready to impress your friends and family this Holiday Season! We invite you to join Chef Jimmy Sneed, two-time James Beard nominee for best chef in America, Mid- Atlantic, former Celebrity Chef Spokesperson for Vita-Mix Blenders and Honeysuckle White Turkeys, to learn the secrets of successful turkey and ham presentations over the Holidays. We promise you will thank us later!

Cupcake Decorating R | $
Sign up to decorate festive cupcakes with brightly colored icing and fun candies. The best part is that the final masterpiece is entirely edible!

$35 per kit, including a glass of bubbly for parents.

Sip and Paint R | $
Adults will paint a canvas piece while enjoying delectable wines in this relaxing and creative class. All skill levels are welcome. Guests under 21 may participate. Recommended for ages 15 and up.

$60 with wine | $45 painting only.

Holiday Felting R | $
Transform fluffy wool into a whimsical ornament in this needle felting workshop! With guided instruction by Amie Durrman you will master the art of shaping colorful fibers with a special barbed needle. You will have your choice of designs. $25 per person.

The Essentials of Essential Oil Perfume Making R | $
The craft of perfume making goes back at least as far as classical Egyptian civilization, but the essentials are always the same. In this class, students will construct 5 ml. of a customized essential oil perfume using these ancient principles. Must be 12 or older. $30 per person. All materials provided.

Wrap and Sip R | $
Let’s wrap presents and sip some wine. Join us for a festive Holiday time, bring your presents to wrap and our creative talent team will share some fun tips with bows, paper and other accessories. Wrapping supplies will be included. Maximum 5 presents per person.

Artisan Candle Making R | $
Learn the basics of poured candles from artisan Heather DeBoe of The Sparrow’s Nest. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. $35 per person.

*R = Reservations recommended | $ = Available for an additional fee

Calendar of Events

Wednesday, November 27

Thursday, November 28

Friday, November 29

Saturday, November 30

Sunday, December 1

Make a Reservation

Room 1

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Sunday, December 1, 2024

Holiday Events

Family Activities

Just For Kids

For the Foodie

Classes

Calendar of Events

Wednesday, November 27

Thursday, November 28

Friday, November 29

Saturday, November 30

Sunday, December 1