Featuring artisan crafters from around the United States, delicious traditional southern fare, and costumed interpreters giving Jones-Stewart Mansion tours, this year’s festival is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
This year’s Christmas tree theme is “Jumping the Broom” paying homage to enslaved people’s marriage ceremony that included jumping over a broomstick while holding hands–signaling the sanctity of their marriage.
Other traditions surround “jumping the broomstick,” such as determining who will be “the boss” of the marriage based whether the bride or groom jumps first and/or clears the hurdle. Many modern AfricanAmerican couples choose to incorporate a broomstick ritual in their modern wedding ceremonies.
The Plantation Christmas Festival is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 29 and 30; and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 31. General admission tickets are $5 per person/per day; kids 12 and under are free; there are special rates for groups of 10 or more. Parking fees are included in the general admission fee.
Please no pets at this event. For more information call the park, 757-294-3625.