Varner-Hogg Plantation by Candlelight

By Amanda McVay, Varner-Hogg Plantation Educator

Last month, Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site’s pathways were illuminated by twinkling lights and glowing candles as we welcomed visitors to the site for an evening celebration of the season.

In the charmingly decorated barn, guests were entertained by music as they nibbled on delicious cookies and sipped our signature wassail. Several visitors remarked that they look forward to our warm and wonderful wassail every year.

The Brazoria Militia set up camp near the pecan orchard, where guests visited with militia members and learned about military life in the 1800s. The militia also provided a unique experience for our event—a nighttime canon firing!

Guests toured the 1800s plantation house, where Varner-Hogg Plantation volunteers, dressed in period costumes, explained the holiday decorations placed throughout the house by our staff and volunteers.

Some of our favorite decorations included an example of a feather tree, children’s toys, and gilded walnuts—a popular Victorian tradition. Gilded walnuts usually hang on the tree until New Year's Day. The nuts were cracked open into two perfect halves. A fortune was placed inside the empty halves, which were then glued together and painted gold. Fortunes predicted your love life, wealth, or if you would be an artist or musician.

This year’s event was a great success thanks to our community, visitors, and outstanding volunteer group!

Varner-Hogg Plantation is located approximately 60 miles south of Houston and is part of the Texas Independence Trail Region.

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