December is fabulous at Hillwood

Celebrate the holidays at Hillwood! Festive décor, hands-on workshops, and the annual Russian Winter Festival add to the Christmas splendor. Whether wandering the winter gardens, purchasing gifts in the museum shop, or enjoying a cheerful meal in Merriweather Café, Hillwood has something for everyone this season. 

Plan your visit

 

On View

A Very Merriweather Christmas

Through January 12, 2020

A Very Merriweather Christmas at Hillwood draws inspiration from the new biography Marjorie Merriweather Post: The Life Behind the Luxury, with resplendent Christmas trees and holiday décor throughout the estate.

 

Mid-Century Master: The Photography of Alfred Eisenstaedt

Through January 12, 2020

Step behind the lens of the LIFE magazine photojournalist who photographed the 20th century's most notable personalities, including Hillwood founder Marjorie Merriweather Post, Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein, and many more. 

 

Bouke de Vries: War and Pieces

Through April 5, 2020

See how this remarkable contemporary sculpture transforms the dining room at Hillwood. Created by Dutch artist Bouke de Vries, War and Pieces draws inspiration from extravagant eighteenth-century surtouts de table, or centerpieces. Hillwood is only the third venue in the United States to display War and Pieces, a bridge between old traditions and contemporary design. 

 

Garden Tours

Gardener's Focus: Holiday Décor

Wednesday, December 4 and 11, 2019, 12:45 p.m.
Thursday, December 5 and 12, 2019, 12:45 p.m.
Friday, December 6 and 13, 2019, 12:45 p.m.
Tuesday, December 10, 2019, 12:45 p.m.

Join Ami Wilber, floral and event décor designer, as she highlights Hillwood's fabulous Christmas trees, this year inspired by the biography Marjorie Merriweather Post: The Life Behind the Luxury.

 

Gardener's Focus: Bones of the Winter Garden

Thursday, December 19 and 26, 2019, 11 a.m.
Friday, December 20 and 27, 2019, 11 a.m.
Tuesday, December 31, 2019, 11 a.m.

Evergreen plants take center stage, deciduous woody plants become architectural, and winter’s cool light shapes the experience of this intimate tour of Hillwood’s peaceful winter gardens.

 

Programs

Members Holiday Open House

Tuesday, December 3, 2019, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Hillwood members are cordially invited to kick off the holiday season and celebrate A Very Merriweather Christmas! Enjoy complimentary treats, attend special programming, and shop for gifts in the museum shop while viewing seasonal decorations around the estate.

 

Traditional Holiday Wreaths Workshop

Wednesday, December 4, 2019, 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m.
Thursday, December 5, 2019, 6-8 p.m.
Friday, December 6, 2019, 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m.
Saturday, December 7, 2019, 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m.
Sunday, December 8, 2019, 2-4 p.m.

Craft a traditional, one-of-a-kind holiday decoration of hearty evergreens to enliven your home.

 

Air Plant Wreaths Workshop

Sunday, December 8, 2019, 10 a.m.-noon

Create a fresh and festive wreath featuring live air plants to adorn your home this holiday season.

 

The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire

Tuesday, December 10, 2019, 5:30-9 p.m. (Lecture begins at 7:30 p.m.)

Francesca Cartier Brickell, a direct descendant of the Cartiers, shares the captivating story of her family, who turned a humble Parisian jewelry store into a global luxury icon.

Please note: Tickets in the theater are sold out. Seating is available in a simulcast location, where visitors will view a live video feed from the visitor center theater. Simulcast tickets are $5.

 

Russian Winter Festival

Saturday, December 14, 2019, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, December 15, 2019, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Join Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden to celebrate the festive winter season in traditional Russian style at this holiday festival.

Please note: As with all festival days, members do not receive free admission to Russian Winter Festival and guest passes are not accepted.