Historic Christmas Tour at Plum Orchard, Cumberland Island
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Casual walking and standing, suitable for most visitors
Overview
Step back in time and celebrate the holidays with a festive tour of Plum Orchard. Discover historic traditions, enjoy seasonal treats, and create holiday memories in a stunning island setting.
Plum Orchard Christmas Tour
Enjoy Christmas at Plum Orchard!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the charm of the early 1900s on the Plum Orchard Christmas tour. Enjoy a scenic ferry ride, explore a beautifully decorated mansion, and learn about historical holiday traditions from costumed guides. Delight in seasonal treats, play classic lawn games, and create a memorable souvenir during this festive island adventure.
Celebrate Holiday Traditions on the Plum Orchard Christmas tour.
Take a special ferry ride to Plum Orchard mansion and stroll through rooms decked in traditional early 1900's decorations. Learn about holiday customs of the time from volunteers and staff dressed in period costume. In addition to the tour, enjoy seasonal refreshments, play some old fashioned lawn games and create a souvenir of your visit.
Schedule the 9:00 am ferry and explore the Dungeness area in the morning then enjoy the Plum Orchard tour in the afternoon for a full island experience. Enjoy just the Christmas tour by taking the 11:45 am ferry to the island to catch the boat to Plum Orchard. Ferry to Plum Orchard will depart Sea Camp dock at 12:45 pm. Tours of the mansion will be from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm.
Tickets are $10 per person in addition to the ferry +$15 park entry fee. Purchase ferry tickets and reserve the tour at the same time.
Adventure Tips
Dress warmly and comfortably
Wear layers suitable for outdoor and indoor activities during the winter season.
Arrive early for the ferry
Getting to the ferry on time ensures a full experience and avoids missing the scenic ride.
Bring a camera
Capture the beautifully decorated mansion and scenic island views for lasting memories.
Reserve tickets in advance
Seats on the ferry and tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak holiday season.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Georgia ospreys
- Saltmarsh sparrows
History
The Plum Orchard estate was built in the early 1900s by the Du Pont family, representing the Gilded Age’s opulence and Southern hospitality.
Conservation
Cumberland Island is protected as a National Seashore, emphasizing preservation efforts and sustainable tourism to maintain its natural beauty.
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Adventure Hotspots in Nicholls, Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Good shoes are important for walking comfortably around the estate and ferry docks.
winter specific
Warm clothing layers
Dress in layers to stay warm during outdoor parts of the tour.
winter specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture scenic views and holiday decorations.
Small backpack or bag
Carrying essentials like water, gloves, and a camera keeps hands free.