Festival of Trees

Each year, the halls of the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in Big Stone Gap are transformed into a dazzling display of holiday cheer during the Festival of Trees.  

Now celebrating its 30th year, this event is more than just a chance to see uniquely decorated Christmas trees; it’s an opportunity to celebrate the community and history that make Southwest Virginia so special. 

The history of the Festival of Trees 

The tradition of the Festival of Trees began as a way to celebrate the holiday traditions of the Victorian era and to honor the role that C. Bascom Slemp played in establishing the American tradition of a national Christmas tree. 

Slemp, a prominent collector and Southwest Virginian, purchased the mansion that now houses the museum in 1911. In 1923, while serving as the personal secretary to President Calvin Coolidge, a group from the Electrical League and Washington, D.C., public schools approached Slemp with an idea for a Christmas tree to be erected on the White House lawn.  

He brought the idea to First Lady Grace Coolidge, who took up the cause. She recommended that the tree be placed on the ellipse south of the White House, and a tradition was born.

Before his death in 1943, Slemp established the Slemp Foundation, which donated the mansion and Slemp’s collections to the commonwealth. In 1948, the mansion officially opened as the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, preserving the region’s story for generations to come.  

Early museum visitors

What to expect at the Festival of Trees 

Through Dec. 31*, visitors can explore all four floors of the museum, each lavishly decorated with themed trees, garlands and glowing lights.

More than 80 local groups, including schools, civic organizations and families, contribute their time and creativity to transform the museum into a winter wonderland. 

Festival of Trees 

Regular viewing hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. 

On Nov. 28, Nov. 29 and every Friday and Saturday in December, special night viewings offer a magical experience from 5 to 8 p.m. 

Then, on Nov. 29 and Dec. 20, the park is hosting An Evening Aglow, where the overhead lights are turned off and glowing luminaries and flickering candles guide the way. 

Admission to Festival of Trees is $5 for adults, $3 for children 6–12 and free for kids under 6. On Nov. 28, visitors can enjoy free admission with a donation of a canned food item. 

You can learn more about the Festival of Trees here. 

Planning your visit 

The Southwest Virginia Museum is a must-see National Historic Landmark. The museum is housed in a 1890s Victorian stone mansion with an original oak interior and features a collection of more than 60,000 pieces and exhibits.

As you walk through the museum, you’ll learn the story of the exploration and development of Southwest Virginia from the pioneer era of the 1700s to the mining "boom and bust" era of the late 1800s.

To learn more and start planning your visit, please go to https://dcr.zh-cn.virginia.gov/state-parks/southwest-virginia-museum.  

*Please note: The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.