Holiday Gatherings at Willowood: A Timeless Retreat for Thanksgiving and New Year’s
October 17, 2025
The Magic of the Holidays at Willowood WashingtoN
As the year winds down, some moments call for more than a table setting or a few hours spent together. They call for connection, quiet beauty, and spaces that feel both luxurious and deeply personal. At Willowood Washington, Thanksgiving and New Year’s transform into something extraordinary: a retreat where old traditions meet new memories.
Here are five reasons why hosting your holiday gathering at Willowood is an experience unlike any other.
1. A Setting Made for Storytelling
The holidays begin the moment you step through the doors of Willowood’s historic farmhouse. Fires glow softly, the air carries the scent of rosemary and baked apples, and laughter echoes through centuries-old beams. Whether arriving for Thanksgiving or New Year’s, the feeling is immediate. This is a place where time slows and stories take center stage.
2. Feasts that Celebrate the Season
Food is at the heart of every great gathering, and at Willowood, each holiday menu is designed to honor the season with a touch of indulgence.
For Thanksgiving, the feast features Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with potato purée and red wine demi, Butternut Squash Soup with nutmeg crème fraîche, and Flourless Chocolate Cake with cherry amaretto ice cream.
For New Year’s, guests welcome the year ahead with a tasting menu of Seared Hokkaido Scallops, Basil-Crusted New Zealand Lamb Chop, and Lemon Cheesecake with ginger caramel sauce. It’s a culinary celebration that pairs beautifully with handcrafted cocktails like the Ginger Old Fashioned or Pomegranate Gin Fizz.
3. An Estate to Call Your Own
With exclusive, private use of the estate, guests enjoy full access to 66 acres of historic farmland and five beautifully appointed suites, each with a king-sized bed and an ensuite bath. Mornings unfold with hearty country brunches and winter walks, afternoons bring quiet fireside moments, and evenings are for gathering beneath the stars.
For groups of up to ten guests, Willowood offers a rare balance of intimacy and grandeur… the feeling of home, wrapped in elegance.
4. Thoughtful Comfort at Every Turn
The details make the difference. Daily housekeeping keeps spaces fresh and inviting. A fully stocked beverage station offers local coffee, tea, and refreshments around the clock. High-speed WiFi, board games, and streaming create cozy downtime between celebrations. And for those who want to personalize their stay, premium experiences – from wellness to guided outdoor adventures – can be curated with care.
5. A New Tradition Begins
These holiday retreats are designed for connection. Thanksgiving brings a sense of gratitude, shared over good food and laughter by the fire. New Year’s invites reflection, celebration, and a toast to what comes next. Whether you’re gathering family or friends, Willowood offers a place where celebrations feel less like events and more like chapters in a story.
Holiday Booking Information
Thanksgiving at Willowood: November 27–30, 2025
New Year’s at Willowood: December 31, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Up to 10 guests | Private use of the estate | All meals included (excluding alcohol)
Boonsboro, Maryland – just 90 minutes from Washington, DC
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About Willowood: Willowood Washington is a private historic estate in the rolling hills of Maryland, offering luxury accommodations, exceptional event experiences, and a warm spirit of hospitality. Perfect for weddings, retreats, and gatherings, Willowood blends timeless heritage with modern comfort.