Mountain Scene: Where Nostalgia Meets Magic – Christmas Comes to The Cedars

By Christina Edwards, RealWV

There’s something magical about the way Christmas feels in the mountains of West Virginia and this year, that magic is coming to life at The Cedars. Built in 1881 and nestled on a historic Alderson farm on 352 Hemlock Ave E, Christmas at The Cedars invites families to step into an old-fashioned holiday experience filled with warmth, wonder, and the kind of nostalgia that reminds us of our best childhood memories. From a 20,000-square-foot Kriskindlmarkt to sledding hills, bonfires, twinkling lights, and Santa himself, this two-day celebration transforms the farm into a cozy haven of tradition, community, and Christmas cheer. Purchase tickets now at https://thecedarsfarm.square.site and learn more about this event with our Q&A with owners Rachel and Jay Baker: 

What inspired you to turn your barn and historic farm into Christmas at The Cedars?

We have this giant barn that came with the historic property, and we were always wondering what we could use it for. We knew we weren’t going to have enough animals to fill it, especially since we already have a smaller barn for that, so we started tossing around ideas for hosting special events. Christmas has always been my favorite time of year, and one day while exploring the barn with friends (still finding hidden treasures!), we stumbled upon a 12-foot Christmas tree. Someone joked about turning the barn into a Christmas event… and the rest is history!

For those who have never visited, can you describe the history of The Cedars and what makes this property so special? Why is it important for you to share it with the community?

The Cedars is a historic mansion built in 1881 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s. The home is about 6,500 square feet and sits alongside a very old log cabin, a giant detached garage, a smaller barn, and the huge barn we’re now using as our events center. Over the years, The Cedars has housed families including authors and international diplomats. Today, we have 12 acres, though the property once included more than 100 acres.

Sharing this space feels meaningful because of its history and the beauty it holds. We want the community to experience the charm we fell in love with, especially during such a nostalgic season.

What do you hope guests feel the moment they drive onto the farm?

We hope they feel like CHRISTMAS. That magical, overwhelming, slow-down feeling you had as a kid… like when you were driving home from Grandma’s on Christmas Eve and the snow was falling, and you knew Santa was coming the next day. That’s what we want to create for every guest: the feeling of being a kid again.

This event features so many attractions, from a Kriskindlmarkt to bonfires and a snow maker. How did you choose these activities?

It was truly a group effort! We started brainstorming in the barn that first day, and then Jayson and I kept coming up with more and more ideas. At one point I told him I wanted a donkey for the petting zoo, and he said, “Well, if we’re going that far, we may as well get a snowmaker!” And… that’s exactly what happened. 

What part of the event are you personally most excited for guests to experience?

Everyone probably expects me to say the snowmaker, and it is pretty amazing. But honestly, it’s the lights. We’ve installed about a quarter-million individual light bulbs over the last two months. This project involved multiple electricians, nearly full-time light installers (besides myself), and three separate power meters. I’m tough to impress, but even I can’t believe what we’ve pulled off.

Tell us about the 20,000-square-foot barn. What will families find inside the Kriskindlmarkt?

We currently have more than two and a half dozen vendors and sign-ups are still happening daily! You’ll find everything from cottage bakers, beef jerky, woodworking, jewelry, kettle corn, soaps and candles, knits, honey and beeswax products, children’s clothing, 3D-printed items, magnets, and just about any craft you can imagine.

Most vendors are set up in individual stalls, each creating their own little “store,” but we filled them all and spilled over into an additional large room. This will be one of the largest winter vendor markets in the region, and we’re thrilled that so many talented makers chose to join us.

We also have The Cedars Mercantile, a charming shop filled with Christmas gifts, kids’ items, souvenirs, and more.

The snowmaker, sledding hill, and Santa’s log cabin sound magical. What went into creating these experiences?

A lot of time and a lot of work! The cabin was previously an Airbnb, so we had to completely empty it to transform it into Santa’s home. Inside, families will have the opportunity to take photos with Santa, and outside you’ll find his sleigh and reindeer setup. We’ll also have little items like combs and bows available for last-minute touch-ups before photos.

The snowmaker was probably a bit of a self-serving purchase. We love snow, so this was our excuse to enjoy our own sledding and skiing hill all winter.  We’ll have a dedicated play area and a separate sledding hill so kids of all ages can safely enjoy the snow.

How did you bring together the vendors, artisans, and makers for this market?

We made advertising the event a priority so vendors would feel confident it would be successful. I think they saw our dedication, and that’s why sign-ups have snowballed (no pun intended!) as we’ve gotten closer to the event. We understand how much time and money goes into what they create, and we feel genuinely honored that so many chose to be part of Christmas at The Cedars.

What do you hope children take away from Mrs. Claus’s Magic Kitchen, the games, and the petting zoo?

We hope kids feel like they’ve stepped into a whole different world, like something straight out of a Christmas movie. We want it to feel magical, memorable, and like something they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.

How has the Alderson and Greenbrier Valley community supported your vision?

The City of Alderson has been amazing from the beginning, helping us spread the word, offering ideas, and supporting us every step of the way. We’ve also had so many volunteers step in to help make this possible.

Our neighbors at The Pond House have dedicated countless hours helping us create beauty inside the barn, hang lights, prepare the property, and even fully take on The Cedars Mercantile renovation! We love our Alderson community. It’s truly a family-friendly, community-hearted town.

In just a few words, what makes Christmas at The Cedars different from any other holiday event?

Christmas at The Cedars was created straight from our hearts for the community. There is so much love poured into this event, and we believe guests will feel it throughout the weekend. We’ve tried to bring together experiences rarely found all in one place in the Greenbrier Valley, and certainly not at this scale.

What should families know before they arrive? Parking, admission, or tips to get the most out of the day?

There is a two-acre parking lot next to The Cedars’ front gate. Parking is free, and attendants will help direct you. The gate will be closed to vehicles to keep foot-traffic areas safe, so once parked you will walk through our light tunnels and pathways to the ticket booth.

Tickets can be purchased on-site or picked up if pre-bought. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for children ages 3–9, and free for kids 2 and under.

Because this is an agritourism event held outdoors and inside a barn, we highly recommend dressing warmly, wearing sturdy shoes, and planning to stay until evening to experience the lights. Guests may leave and return later in the day—just be sure to get stamped before exiting.

Do you see Christmas at The Cedars becoming an annual tradition? What might be added in future years?

Yes! As of now, we plan to open The Cedars every year for Christmas at The Cedars. We hope to continue expanding the light show, install a commercial kitchen, and eventually open more areas of the property for additional activities. We have a few big ideas up our sleeves… but you’ll have to wait until next Christmas to hear about those! =)

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

In addition to everything mentioned, we will also have an indoor Christmas movie area, a Santa letter-writing station with a special mailbox, axe throwing (with prizes!), picnic tables and concessions for lunch or dinner, tractor rides, photo ops, fire pits with classic s’mores kits and savory s’mores (mini charcuterie boxes with cheese you roast over the fire!), and probably a few surprises we’ve forgotten to mention.

As the lights glow across the farm and families gather for s’mores, hay rides, and holiday magic, Christmas at The Cedars is becoming more than an event. This is a place where new traditions are born. Your hosts hope all of you leave feeling a little lighter, a little brighter, and filled with the joy that only a true, old-fashioned Christmas can bring. Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 13th and Sunday the 14th, and come be part of a celebration that’s sure to become a cherished memory for years to come.

About the author: In 2012, Christina Edwards launched HashtagWV Art & Entertainment, a high-quality print and digital multimedia platform for all things West Virginia and the greater Appalachian region. The editorial focus was always local music, unique shopping, the arts, events, theatre, and food and drinks. In the Spring of 2023, she sold the publication to the Mountain Messenger. Today, Christina enjoys volunteering while offering insurance and retirement services as a State Farm agent. Her office is located beside Food Lion in White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986. Learn more at MyAgentEdwards.com.