Are you seeing visions of sugarplums dancing in your head? Are you anticipating the patter of tiny hooves on the roof? Perhaps you may enhance your excitement about the holidays by taking a trip to Eden Gardens State Park. Not only will you be able to enjoy the grounds, with the early blooming Sasanqua camellias; but you will find an additional treat to add to your enjoyment.
This Walton County tradition will afford you an oasis of peace, and a chance to step back in time to the late 1800s, to contemplate Christmas traditions of families in years gone by. In keeping with the style of the Wesley House, this year’s theme for decorating the rooms and exterior will be a Victorian Christmas. The house and all the rooms are open for tours from Thursday, November 14, 2024 – Jan. 6, 2025. The House is open for tours each hour Thursday to Monday each week, from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will be learning the history of the house, and getting a chance to enjoy the very creative ways in which each room has been decorated by an amazing group of dedicated volunteers.
The groups who have offered their time and talent to provide us with this glimpse into the past are:
- Coastal Seniors of South Walton
- Daughters of the American Revolution, West Florida Chapter
- Friends of Eden
- Grace Corradino and Family, FOE
- Green Thumb Garden Club
- Historic Point Washington Association
- Ladies of Impact 100
- Master Gardeners of Walton County
- Point Washington Medical Clinic
- Seaside Kids
- Seaside
- South Walton High School Community Garden Club
The Christmas Candlelight Open House at Eden Gardens will be held on Saturday, December 7, from 5 to 8 p.m., weather permitting. You will enjoy a ride through luminary lined pathways at Eden Gardens after sunset, and be able to tour the historic Wesley House at no charge. Live music, cookies, and hot beverages will be provided by the Friends of Eden in the Pavilion.
Make plans to come and to bring along any visitors you have during this celebratory time of year. It will be a visit to remember, and an interesting way to learn about the history of Walton County before we end its Bicentennial Year (1824-2024). This effort is sponsored by the Friends of Eden, the citizens support group that provides assistance to the state park staff to repair, maintain and enhance the park.
Learn more about the history of the Wesley House here.
The Park is opened from 8 a.m. to sunset each day, with a fee of $4.00 per vehicle.
Directions
Eden Gardens State Park is located in Point Washington, off U.S. 98 on C.R. 395.
For more information, call (850) 267-8320.
181 Eden Garden Road, Point Washington, Fl. 32459 ::MAP::