Thanksgiving
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Sunday, December 1, 2024
Holiday Events
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Wed. 27 | 5 PM - 5:15 PM
Great Hall
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. Open to the public, no reservation required.
Holiday Welcome
Wed. 27 | 5 PM - 6 PM
Crystal Room
Enjoy light refreshments and live music in the Crystal Room as we welcome the Thanksgiving holiday on Wednesday evening. Open to resort guests, no reservation required.
Book Signing: A Very Virginia Christmas $
Sat. 30 | 3 PM - 5 PM
Jefferson Parlor
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.
Call our Experience Planner at 540-839-7760 to reserve your seat.
Family Activities
Turkey Trot
Nov. 28 | 8 AM - 9 AM
Front Porch
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. Open to the public.
History Tour
Nov. 27 - Dec. 1 | 10 AM - 11 AM
Jefferson Parlor
Explore more than 250 years of history in a place where presidents and dignitaries have enjoyed their holidays. Open to the public, no reservation required.
Cornhole Tournament
Nov. 29 & 30 | 11 AM - Noon
Regency Ballroom
Bring a partner and enjoy a friendly cornhole competition. Open to the public.
Bingo
Nov. 28| 5 PM | Commonwealth
Nov. 29 | 5 PM | Empire Room
Test your luck with everyone’s favorite game of chance. Open to the public, no reservation required.
Fall Social
Nov. 27 - 30 | 3 PM - 4 PM
Join us for our traditional Social Hour in the Great Hall. Open to the public, no reservation required.
Turkey Waddle
Nov. 29 | 8 AM - 9 AM
Front of Hotel
Open to the public, no reservation required.
Just For Kids
Visit with Santa
Nov. 27 | 4 - 7 PM
Nov. 28 | 2 PM - 3 PM
Great Hall
Children of all ages can visit and snap their photo with Santa as he makes his list and checks it twice. Open to the public, no reservation required.
Children's Painting Class R | $
Nov. 29 & 20 | 11 AM - 12:30 PM
Stratford Room
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.
Call our Experience Planner at 540-839-7760 to reserve your seat.
Children's Crafts
Nov. 28 | 11 AM - Noon
Crystal Room
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. Open to the public, no reservation required.
Children's Ceramic Painting R | $
Nov. 30 | 3 PM - 4 PM
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. Open to the public, reservation required.
Call our Experience Planner at 540-839-7760 to reserve your seat.
Bedtime Story with Santa's Elves
Nov. 27 - 30 | 7:30 PM
Great Hall
Bring the kids for bedtime story with one of Santa’s helpers. It’s a pajama party they will remember for years. Open to the public, no reservation required.
For the Foodie
A Taste of Tradition Buffet R | $
Nov. 28 | Noon - 6 PM
Grand Ballroom
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. Reservation required.
Make Reservation
Bourbon Tasting R | $
Nov. 30 | 2 PM - 3 PM
Dominion Room
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. Reservation required.
Call our Experience Planner at 540-839-7760 to reserve your seat.
Homestead Holiday S'mores Express R | $
Nov. 27 - Dec. 1| 3 PM - 4 PM & 4 PM - 5 PM
Allegheny Outfitters
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. Open to the public, reservation is required.
Call our Experience Planner at 540-839-7760 to reserve your seat.
Wine Sommelier Series R | $
Nov. 30 | 3:30 PM - 5 PM
Theater 1923
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. Open to the public, reservation is required.
Classes
Let's Talk Turkey R | $
Nov. 28 & 29 | 2 PM - 3 PM
Dominion Room
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. Open to the public, reservation required.
Call our Experience Planner at 540-839-7760 to reserve your seat.
Cupcake Decorating R | $
Nov. 30 | 1 PM - 2 PM
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. Open to the public, reservation required.
Call our Experience Planner at 540-839-7760 to reserve your seat.
Sip and Paint R | $
Nov. 29 & 30
Stratford Room
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. Open to the public, reservation required.
Call our Experience Planner at 540-839-7760 to reserve your seat.
Holiday Felting R | $
Nov. 29 | 10 AM - 11 AM
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. Open to the public, reservation required.
Call our Experience Planner at 540-839-7760 to reserve your seat.
The Essentials of Essential Oil Perfume Making R | $
Nov. 29 | 11 AM - Noon & 1 PM - 2 PM
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.
Call our Experience Planner at 540-839-7760 to reserve your seat.
Wrap and Sip R | $
Nov. 30 | 10 AM - Noon
Mt. Vernon Room
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. Open to the public, reservation required.
Call our Experience Planner at 540-839-7760 to reserve your seat.
Artisan Candle Making R | $
Nov. 29 | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Nov. 30 | 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
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.
Call our Experience Planner at 540-839-7760 to reserve your seat.
*R = Reservations recommended | $ = Available for an additional fee
