Magnolia Grange Hosts Victorian Christmas Open House

TL;DR: Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation will host a Victorian Christmas Open House on December 5, 2026, at historic Magnolia Grange, featuring period crafts, live music, holiday refreshments, and a visit from Santa Claus.

The story

Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation will hold a Victorian Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Magnolia Grange, inviting residents to experience how Victorian-era children celebrated the holiday.

The event will feature sparkling decorations, live music performances, craft activities, holiday refreshments, and a visit from Santa Claus. Visitors will have hands-on access to Victorian era toys and games, offering a window into 19th-century holiday traditions. Admission is free and no registration is required.

Magnolia Grange, located at 10020 Iron Bridge Road, is a Federal-style house museum built in 1822 by William Winfree. The home is named for the magnolia trees that once lined its front yard and originally sat on 600 acres. The two-story brick structure features elaborate ceiling medallions, hand-painted scenic wallpaper, and intricate carvings on mantels and doorways. The property was nearly demolished in the 1980s to make room for a shopping mall but was saved when Chesterfield County purchased it in 1984 for $180,000. The house is listed as a Virginia Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia operates the museum, offering regular tours with trained docents.

Key players

• Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation: Event host and organizer
• Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia: Operates Magnolia Grange House Museum

Key dates

• 2026-12-05: Magnolia Grange Victorian Christmas Open House, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Why it matters: The event provides a low-cost, educational opportunity for Chesterfield families to explore local history while celebrating the holiday season. It showcases one of the county's most significant historic properties and demonstrates the value of historic preservation through Magnolia Grange's successful rescue from demolition.

Places

• Magnolia Grange
• Iron Bridge Road

Related links

• Magnolia Grange Christmas Open House on Chesterfield County Calendar
• Magnolia Grange Facility Information
• Chesterfield Parks and Recreation
• Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia - Upcoming Events

Read the original at Chesterfield Parks & Recreation →

Sources

• Magnolia Grange Christmas Open House on Chesterfield County Calendar
• Magnolia Grange Facility Information
• Enjoy the Holiday Season in Chesterfield
• Chesterfield Parks and Recreation