Celebrate 45 Years of the Rocking Horse Gallery in Downtown Fredericksburg 

From Author appearances to teddy bear artists, enjoy two festive holiday events at this beloved Caroline Street Landmark

By: Jessica Trask 

The Rocking Horse Gallery in Downtown Fredericksburg is celebrating 45 years this holiday season with two special events: an adults only Tea for Two and a family- friendly Winter Wonderland Express. These festive holiday events are ones you won’t want to miss, so we rounded up the details for you. 

Tea for Two- Friday, December 5

Owner Faylee Hydorn will host an adult Tea for Two on Friday, December 5, from 6:30-8:30 pm with live music and light refreshments. Special guest John Lamb, author of A Bear Collector’s Mystery children's book series, will be in attendance. Drawing from his rich background as a former police detective sergeant, Lamb writes fast-paced and gripping novels with each book featuring a profile of an actual teddy bear designer.

Reservations are required for this event. To reserve your spot please call 540-623-2007

Winter Wonderland Express- Saturday, December 6 

Families are invited to celebrate the gallery’s anniversary at their Winter Wonderland Express event on Saturday, December 6, from 11am-2ppm., held in conjunction with Small Business Saturday in downtown Fredericksburg. Children of all ages are welcome and are encouraged to wear holiday- themed or their favorite costume (please no masks: face paint is ok) 

The celebration will continue with a magician and an Old Time Train Conductor. Richmond- based librarian and storyteller Julian Dudley will share her storytelling talents, and local Orange County author Lois Griffin Powell will display her picture books for ages 4-8 featuring the character Samantha, along with her fantasy-mystery titles for middle school and young adult readers. Local teddy bear artist Wendy Raaft, who creates felted, crochet, and plush vignettes, will have displays on view. Fellow teddy bear artist Shannon Lawton will showcase her handmade teddy bears and plush bunnies. 

The first twenty-four customers will receive a free Good Bears of the World teddy bear with purchase. Anyone who makes a purchase with a child in tow will receive a free gift while supplies last, and teachers visiting the Rocking Horse Gallery can enter to win a collectible Memories porcelain doll, “Emma”, along with her travel case and accessories. 

Supporting Good Bears of the World

Anytime you visit the Rocking Horse Gallery, donation to the Good Bears of the World (GBW) organization are welcomed. THis cause is especially meaningful to Faylee, who donates hundreds of bears each year to local groups that provide comfort to children in crisis. Her donations have supported the Ronald McDonald House in Richmond, Hope House in Fredericksburg, and the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Department. GBW helps soften the harshness of the world by making and distributing teddy bears. For more information visit Good Bears of the World 

Visit a Historic Fredericksburg Landmark 

If you are unable to attend either event, simply stopping into the Rocking Horse Gallery is a unique experience, Built in 1806, the building features purple-painted architectural details, high tin ceilings, and a charming fireplace. Many of the teddy bears on display are created by teddy bear artists, including Vicki Stepten, a TOBY Award winner: the highest honor in teddy bear design. 

The Rocking Horse Gallery is located at 803 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401