Holly Days
Annual Family Winter Festival
It's the most wonderful time of the year: Meet the Virginia Discovery Museum at James Monroe’s Highland this December for Holly Days at Highland, a merry morning of cozy crafts and some very special stories from holidays long, long ago! Join us as we enjoy ornament-making, foliage-foraging, and more, all against the backdrop of Highland's picturesque views and historic estate. Holly Days is one of the Museum’s annual fundraising events, and proceeds directly support VDM’s educational programs and scholarship fund, exhibit creation and maintenance, and Sponsored Admission Program.
Event Details | Sponsors | Tickets | Event Policies | FAQs | Contact
Thank You to Our 2023 Sponsor
Purchase Tickets
VDM Presents: Holly Days at Highland
Saturday, Dec. 2 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Location: Highland
Before Nov. 30, adult and child tickets are $20 per person, and a “Family 4-Pack” of tickets is available for $75. Children 1 and under are free. Walk-in tickets are available at Highland the day of the event, space permitting.
Annual Members: 10% Off. Scholarships: Apply.
Register By: Dec. 1 at 5:00 p.m.
General Policies
Event Registrants
- Event registrants with any of these symptoms are asked to refrain from attending Holly Days.
- All event registrants must Check-In before their party participates in any activities.
Check-In & Check-Out
- 9:30 a.m.: Event Starts
- Although activities start at 9:30 a.m., event registrants may arrive and check in anytime during the event.
- Check-In takes place at the indoor event hall at James Monroe’s Highland.
- 9:30-11:30 a.m.: Festival Activities, Crafts & Storytelling
- 11:30-11:40 a.m.: Event Ends
- Activity stations close. Event participants may remain after the event to tour the estate, and use of the trails is free, weather permitting. Indoor tours of the house are an additional fee through Highland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ticket Reservations & Walk-Ins
What if tickets for Holly Days have sold out online?
Walk-in tickets are available at Highland the day of the event, space permitting.
Financial Assistance
Does VDM offer financial assistance for Holly Days?
In accordance with the Museum’s mission, VDM does offer a limited amount of financial assistance for all of its programs and events, including Holly Days. For information about applying for financial assistance, contact Director of Operations Lindsay Jones at operationsdirector@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x102.
Annual Members
How do I apply my 10% annual member discount?
To apply this discount to event ticket purchases made online, you must have an active annual membership and will need to create a Website User Account and link it to your membership record by following these instructions. If you have already created a Website User Account, click the ticket link for the event you wish to register for and sign in using the link at the top of the ticketing page. If you need help applying your 10% discount when using our online ticket forms, please contact Visitor Services Manager Matt Berman at matt@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x103.
How do I set up my Website User Account?
You can follow the instructions here or contact Visitor Services Manager Matt Berman at matt@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x103.
Did I successfully link my Website User Account and membership?
Contact Visitor Services Manager Matt Berman at matt@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x103, and we’ll make sure everything is all set.
Cancellations & Refunds
What is VDM's cancellation and refund policy for Holly Days?
If the event is canceled by the Museum due to extenuating circumstances, ticket fees will be refunded for all guests. Registrants may cancel their tickets to receive a full refund until 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 30, but refunds will not be issued for cancellations made on the event day (Dec. 2).
Parking & Directions
Where can I park for Holly Days?
James Monroe’s Highland provides plenty of free parking on site. For directions to Highland, please use the GPS address 2050 James Monroe Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
Contact Us
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? To learn more about Holly Days or to ask about financial assistance, contact Director of Operations Lindsay Jones at operationsdirector@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x102.