Events

Can’t wait to get into the holiday spirit? Neither can we! Get ready for the most wonderful time of the year with our annual Holiday Open House event, which marks the opening of our beloved MGC Christmas Shoppe. Join Mike Westphal, the Garden Guru, and Green Team member, Carly Dilday, for a discussion on this year's 15-holiday themes, plants, and products that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

The soft glow of light warms the walkways, the fine fragrance of fir envelops the courtyard, and the iridescent sparkle of whimsy whispers across the greenhouse...it must be the McDonald Garden Center’s Christmas Shoppe Open House Weekend! 

Join us for this 3-day tradition of tidings at both our year-round locations in Virginia Beach as we celebrate, “Christmas in the Greenhouse.” Our over 15+ themes, from the enchantment of “Forest Friends” to the nostalgic beauty of “Sea Glass,” are not only inspirational pieces of art but also hand-selected offerings, tailored to bring the Hampton Roads community together for this magical season. Our Open House weekend whisks you into the holiday spirit with some of the best deals and widest selection of goodies all year, with our Green Team ready to share their insider tips and tricks to make your season merry and bright. Whether it’s making a custom bow, pursuing the perfect ornament, creating a festive porch pot, or just enjoying a cup of hot cider (which OMG, is amazing!), there’s something for everyone on Santa’s list….and maybe yours too.

The holiday season is not truly here without the strings upon strings of twinkling lights that decorate your home and garden. In addition to the classics, we offer creative additions to your holiday look with flameless candles, dangling decoratives, and so much more. Join Mike Westphal, the Garden Guru as he takes us through this year's stock of sparkling wonders sure to spark the season’s spirit.

Something we don’t always consider when breaking out our lifelike trees for the holidays is if we are giving them their full potential of shape and style before decorating with our beloved lights, ribbons, and ornaments. The Garden Guru, Mike Westphal is here to help impress your incoming family with tips and tricks on how to perfectly shape your lifelike trees this holiday season.

To some, picking out a fresh-cut tree, making sure it is set up securely, and knowing what ongoing maintenance you’ll need throughout the season can seem like a daunting task. Mike Westphal, the Garden Guru, is here to make things easy with his guide to fresh-cut trees. Learn how the process of fresh-cut trees work here at McDonald Garden Center, as well as how to care for your new holiday houseguest through the end of the year.

Finding creative ways to decorate your home and garden for the holiday season is always a fun task that can bring your friends and family together. Join Mike Westphal, the Garden Guru, as he shares his best methods for decorating your porch or patio. Using fresh greens, creative decor, and a little Guru magic, Mike will prepare you for all things silver and gold this holiday season.