As the holiday frenzy subsides, gather your family and friends and visit Montpelier. Between December 26 and January 1, all kids ages 14 and under get free admission for any House tour.

The free tours make for an affordable and enriching winter experience. Admission to the House  includes the opportunity to explore the exhibition The Mere Distinction of Colour and join "Montpelier's Enslaved Community" walking tour. Montpelier also will be offering its “Discovering Montpelier: A Family Friendly Tour,” an interactive experience for families that involves discovering artifacts and documents, participating in kid-friendly activities, and touring the House and its surroundings. 

Tours will be offered every half-hour each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the family friendly tour will be offered each day at 11 a.m. The “Madison and the Constitution" will be offered at 10:30 a.m., and “Montpelier’s Enslaved Community” walking tour is at 1 p.m.

Purchase your tickets online and receive $2 off each ticket!

Bring your walking shoes and hike our 8+ miles of trails that wind through old-growth forests, horse pastures, and meadows. Stop by the archaeology lab to see and learn about the fascinating artifacts uncovered by our staff and participants in our public archaeology programs. Visit Mr. Madison's Temple, the Madison family cemetery, and the slave cemetery. At the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center, recharge with an award-winning barbecue sandwich or other delicious offerings at the Exchange Cafe. Browse the galleries, and do some post-Christmas shopping in the Museum shop, which features beautiful hand-crafted, locally-sourced items - wooden bowls, jewelry, pottery, scarves - and an impressive selection of books. 

James Madison said: "Let me recommend the best medicine in the world: a long journey, at a mild Season, thro' a pleasant Country, in easy stages." Plan an escape to the beautiful Piedmont area between Christmas and the New Year. Take in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain vistas and the pastoral landscapes. Relax at a bed and breakfast. Experience the quiet solitude of winter as you hike in Shenandoah National Park. Taste Virginia wines. Stroll along quaint town streets and enjoy fine dining and eclectic shopping. Explore Civil War sites and historic landmarks. Learn more about the many experiences that await you in Central Virginia.