Hillwood Museum at Christmas: A Festive DC Tradition

Visiting Hillwood Museum at Christmas feels like stepping inside a grand holiday house from another era. Marjorie Merriweather Post’s former Washington, DC estate sparkles with decorated Christmas trees, festive greenery, and seasonal displays inspired by Hillwood’s collections.

I return to Hillwood during the holidays because the decorations transform the mansion while still reflecting Post’s passion for art, entertaining, and beautiful objects. Each room offers something different, from elegant Christmas trees to lavish table settings and treasured works of art.

My Christmas Visit to Hillwood Museum

But the mansion is only part of my holiday experience. Hillwood’s gardens, greenhouse, and wooded setting beside Rock Creek Park make this one of my favorite places to celebrate Christmas in Washington, DC.

From the second I walked into the Visitor’s Center, I was transported to Christmas Past—garlands loop over the stair banisters, and ornaments sparkle on the tall Christmas tree.

Striding up the staircase, I passed Marjorie’s portrait in the lounge, noting her presence is felt everywhere in this bucolic retreat.

Outdoor Decorations

Stepping outside the Visitor’s Center, I surveyed the lush grounds. Marjorie’s estate borders Rock Creek Park in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It resembles a castle tucked deep away in a forest.

I saw late-blooming flowers lining the borders to the conservatory, even though the temperatures are now dipping below 30F. An ornamental kale plant surprised me as a new holiday greenery!

Live Christmas trees and bushes sparkle in front of the mansion. My favorite discovery was the marble statue of a dog wearing a yellow holiday bow around his neck!

You will want to linger as you walk along the path up to the mansion. Post moved to Hillwood in 1955. She decided to turn her home into a museum.

Docent Tour

I signed up for the 11:30 a.m. tour to learn more about Marjorie’s house and art collection. The docent led us into different rooms where she could provide a history of the paintings, ceramics, rugs, and (even) photographs. I was fascinated to see framed portraits of past presidents casually displayed on a table, includingFranklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy. The intimacy touched me.

Hillwood is indeed “resplendent” with its Christmas trees and holiday decorations throughout the estate. The house shines brilliantly; the ornaments gleam.

It’s impossible to choose my favorite Christmas tree at Hillwood because they are each splendid. But I was probably most awed by the Christmas tree in the foyer of the mansion.

Holiday decorations change from year to year, so each Christmas visit offers something new to discover. During my visits, decorated trees appeared throughout the mansion, including the foyer, dining room, and sitting rooms. The trees complement the elegant furnishings and artwork in each space, making the entire mansion feel dressed for the holidays.

Obsessed with Orchids

Our docent told us that Majorie had a “lifelong love affair” with orchids. It was her favorite flower. In fact, Hillwood’s collection contains over 2,000 orchids of approximately 1,200 different species, hybrids, and clones.

You will see the greenhouse is decorated for the holidays.

Note to self: Return to Hillwood in March to celebrate “Orchid Month.” According to the website, Hillwood is one of the only public gardens in Washington, D.C. that offers daily access to a working greenhouse. Orchid Month focuses on these exotic beauties with workshops, tours, and colorful displays.

Living Room

Our tour at Hillwood Museum proceeded down the hallway toward the formal drawing room at the far end of the house. Visitors crammed into the space, nearly blocking the view of the third Hillwood Christmas tree. The photos below show the drawing room decorated for Christmas during a previous visit.

French Drawing Room

We next visited the French drawing room on our tour. I could just imagine the who’s who of Washington strolling down the carpeted runway to attend one of Marjorie’s soirées. An ivory grand piano takes center stage at the back of the room.

This room was also converted to a dancing salon when the carpets were rolled up. She required her female guests to wear heel protectors to safeguard her wooden floors. Our tour guide told us Marjorie loved square dancing!

Dining Room

We then proceeded to the dining room. The mansion is a warren of rooms that must have driven the maids mad to keep dust-free. Thankfully, our guide masterfully led us through the series of rooms displaying china, jewelry, and (my favorite) exquisite Faberge eggs.

The palatial Christmas tree stood guard, like a fir butler dressed in a tuxedo. The top of the tree almost grazed the ceiling.

I lingered near the rope that prevents eager guests from touching the china or furniture. But I could easily imagine Marjorie sipping her coffee from her breakfast room while she looked out on her sloping lawn and pool. 

Open House

Hillwood Museum organizes a holiday open house each year in late November for members. (The cost is $60 for an annual membership.) Members are offered a free holiday tea with cookies. This tradition honors Post’s legacy of entertaining guests and veterans at Hillwood Museum.

“A renowned hostess, the cereal heiress had entertaining down to a T – or perhaps that should be ‘tea’ — and took her accomplishment in stride.”

Palm Beach Daily News

The banquet table typically features an array of decorated Christmas cookies, brownies, chocolate candies, croissants, and mini macarons (my favorite). Hillwood also serves coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Continue Your Washington DC Christmas Adventure

Hillwood is just one of my favorite places to celebrate the holidays in the nation’s capital. Discover my 14 best things to do in Washington DC at Christmas, including dazzling light displays, holiday markets, Christmas trees, and other seasonal traditions.

FAQs

Is Hillwood Museum decorated for Christmas?

Yes. Hillwood celebrates the holiday season with festive decorations throughout Marjorie Merriweather Post’s former mansion. The themes and displays can change from year to year, giving repeat visitors something new to discover.

When is the best time to visit Hillwood Museum at Christmas?

Holiday decorations typically appear during the Christmas season. I recommend checking Hillwood’s website before visiting for current dates, hours, special programs, and ticket information.

Do I need tickets to visit Hillwood Museum?

Visitors should purchase admission to explore the mansion and estate. Advance reservations are a good idea during the busy holiday season, particularly if you want to take a guided tour.

How long should I spend at Hillwood Museum?

Allow at least two to three hours to explore the mansion, gardens, greenhouse, and special exhibitions. During the holidays, I like to allow extra time to admire the Christmas decorations and photograph the mansion.

Does Hillwood Museum offer special holiday events?

Yes. Hillwood typically offers seasonal programs and special events during the holidays. Past activities have included wreath-making workshops, holiday floral programs, and family activities. Programs change each year, so check Hillwood’s current holiday calendar when planning your visit.

Is Hillwood Museum at Christmas worth visiting?

Absolutely. Hillwood Museum at Christmas combines elaborate holiday decorations with art, history, and the story of Marjorie Merriweather Post. It is especially appealing if you enjoy historic homes, Christmas trees, decorative arts, and beautiful gardens.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Hillwood Museum at Christmas has become one of my favorite ways to celebrate the holiday season in Washington, DC. I never tire of walking through Marjorie Merriweather Post’s magnificent mansion and discovering how the rooms are decorated for Christmas.

Part of the fun is knowing that the holiday displays can change from year to year. A Christmas tree that captivated me on one visit may be replaced by an entirely different design the next time I walk through the mansion.

But Hillwood offers more than beautiful Christmas trees. The art, elegant rooms, gardens, and fascinating life of Marjorie Merriweather Post make the estate worth visiting in any season. Add the sparkle of Christmas, and Hillwood becomes especially memorable.