Maymont Brings a Personal Touch to the Holidays with Wreath Workshops and Merry Market

 

Richmond, Virginia – Maymont invites the community to add a personal touch to the holidays this year with make-your-own Wreath Workshops, December 3 – 7, and a larger and more-fun-than-ever Merry Market, December 7 and 8.

Merry Market is a holiday market with more than 75 talented local artisans gathered for two days from 12 - 5pm on the Carriage House Lawn to offer a variety of handmade and creatively designed gifts for all tastes and interests. Working in nearly every type of medium, these craftspeople transform wood, clay, leather, glass, metal and all kinds of natural materials into imaginative gift items that will delight anyone on a gift list.

The weekend also offers a chance to visit with Saint Nicholas, take a ride on a holiday train, and make-your-own craft activities for the whole family, all in a festive setting with music, food and cozy fire pits, plus a Winter Wonder Bar serving a variety of merry drinks. Completing the experience, Maymont’s historic buildings and gates will be draped in fresh evergreen wreaths and garlands, and an antique Christmas sleigh from the Carriage Collection will be dressed in its holiday finest.

Anyone who wants to make their own evergreen wreath can sign up for a Wreath Workshop, which run from December 3 to 7 (times vary). Maymont supplies a variety of fresh greenery, wreath forms and pro tips on how to create a lush wreath, along with festive beverages to make merry (must be 21+ to participate). Wreath Workshops are $60 per person, $45 for Maymont members, and advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for evening and weekend workshops. Sign up at Maymont.org (or visit the event calendar and select December).

“Merry Market is such a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and take care of your gift shopping, all while spending time together with family and friends,” said Parke Richeson, President and CEO of Maymont Foundation. “Meeting Saint Nicholas and being immersed in Maymont decorated for the season will enliven the holiday spirit for everyone.”

Merry Market is $10 per person, $6 for children ages 3-16, and free for Maymont members and children ages 2 and under. The Museums for All program offers free admission for anyone who presents a SNAP/EBT card (advance purchase for Museums for All is available at The Robins Nature Center or Stone Barn Welcome Center, Fridays through Sundays, 10am – 5pm).

More details and tickets are available at Maymont.org. Event proceeds help care for Maymont; the event is rain or shine.

Event parking is available at The Robins Nature Center and Hampton Street parking lots, in addition to street parking.

About Maymont

Maymont, located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, is a well-preserved 100 acres where all are welcome to connect with history, nature, wildlife and each other. Built as a Gilded Age estate overlooking the James River, Maymont opened to the public in 1926 and today offers free admission to explore its miles of walking paths through rolling hills, beautiful landscaped gardens, a petting farm and the Virginia Wildlife Trail with habitats for rescued native animals. In addition, Maymont offers guided and self-guided tours of the 1893 Maymont Mansion*, historic estate buildings and gardens, plus the immersive “Run of the River” experience highlighting the remarkable ecology of the James River in The Robins Nature Center. Since 1975, the nonprofit Maymont Foundation has been entrusted to care for this unique place, galvanizing community support around its mission to delight, educate and inspire all who visit. Maymont annually welcomes over 800,000 guests and is consistently ranked among the region’s top attractions by travelers and locals alike.

*The Mansion is currently closed for a roof restoration project, and portions of the Virginia Wildlife Trail are undergoing an enhancement and expansion project. Learn more here.

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Note to editors: Images are available upon request to mabernathy@maymont.org.