Here Are The Top 14 Christmas Towns In Virginia. They’re Magical.
When it comes to the holidays, we all have our own special traditions and ways of celebrating. Some of us may wish to hide away in a cabin in the mountains of Virginia until the last of the holiday ornaments are put away. Or, if you’re like me, your motto might be “the more lights, the better.” With that being said, there are some towns and cities in the state that just know how to do Christmas right. Without further ado, we’d like to present to you the very best Christmas towns in Virginia:
As the starting point (or ending point depending on which way you’re driving) of the 100 Miles of Lights extravaganza, Richmond offers spectacular light displays throughout the city. From Agecroft Hall to Carytown to the State Capital, the city literally twinkles with holiday cheer. Experience an old-fashioned Christmas at Maymont Park, see the Richmond Ballet perform The Nutcracker, or stop by The Jefferson Hotel to see the giant gingerbread house and elegant decorations. Or, and this is my personal favorite, head out for the Tacky Lights Tour and see Griswold-like light displays throughout local neighborhoods. Photographed above is Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens decked out for their annual holiday lights display. Find out everything you need to plan your Richmond Holiday by checking out this itinerary.
From historic streets to outdoor adventures, Abingdon brings together the best of Southwest Virginia. And during the holidays, it’s all the things you love about Abingdon- with a little extra sparkle. Check out holiday shows at the historic Barter Theater, shop at the countless local boutiques and galleries, stop by the famous Martha Washington Inn, or cozy up to the fire at The Tavern. Find out more about these locations and local events at Visit Abingdon.
It’s not hard to see why Williamsburg would come in #13 on Travel + Leisure Magazine’s national list of Best Towns for the Holidays. Williamsburg is known for its incredible attention to details, beautiful historic representation, and ability to make everything just a little more fun. The holidays are no different. From colonial Christmas reenactments to special performances, parades, and events, Williamsburg should definitely be on your holiday wish list. And, of course, don’t forget Christmas Town at Busch Gardens! Check out all of their upcoming holiday events at Visit Williamsburg.
Old Town Alexandria has long been celebrated for its rich history, beautiful streets, and quaint waterfront views. And the holidays are no different. There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to stroll the brick-paved streets of Old Town amidst holiday decorations, a huge selection of shopping options, and plenty of dining. For a list of all of the events available throughout the season, visit the events calendar at Visit Alexandria.
Hailed as The Christmas Capital of Virginia, Bedford takes on the holidays with style. Beginning with the Festival of Trees at the Bedford Welcome Center and reaching all the way to the lights spectacular at Liberty Lake Park, Bedford is a town that loves the holidays - and it shows. Take part in the many upcoming events, including the lights at the English Meadows-Elks Home Campus, Centertown Tree Lighting, and the annual Holiday Parade, as well as carriage rides, SantaLand, and much more. Visit Bedford Main Street to find out more information about these and other events.
Ranked as one of Travel + Leisure Magazine’s "Best Towns for the Holidays," Charlottesville's normal history and charm are only heightened during the holidays. The Downtown Mall is perfect for holiday outings with a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment. And, of course, you won’t want to miss the "Lighting of the Lawn" at the University of Virginia or Charlottesville’s Grand Illumination. For historic Christmas tours, visit Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello or travel to nearby Orange to see James Madison’s Montpelier. For other local events, check out Visit Charlottesville’s event calendar.
Fredericksburg's historic charm may be at its best during the holiday season - if not its best, then definitely its brightest. Make the most of the season with parades, holiday night walks, special holiday carriage rides, and much more. From local shopping and dining to special events and performances, Fredericksburg is never short on holiday cheer. Find out more about upcoming events at Visit Fredericksburg.
Front Royal offers charm and elegance throughout the year, and the holidays are just a good excuse to show it off with even more flair. From holiday parades to special events to local shopping, you won’t be sorry for spending the holidays in Front Royal. Check out their complete listing of upcoming events at Front Royal Events.
Never one to do things halfway, Virginia Beach goes ALL out for the holidays. Go Sailing With Santa at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, check out McDonald’s Holiday Lights on the Beach, shop at the Christmas Market (one of the best Arts & Crafts shows in the nation) and see other displays from the 100 Miles of Lights that stretch from Richmond to Virginia Beach (with stops in Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk and Portsmouth along the way). To view a complete list of events and to get more information about the activities listed above, visit Christmas in Virginia Beach.
If you’re looking for a place that's low on crowds and commercial craziness, but big on holiday spirit, then you need to celebrate "Christmas by the Bay" in the beautiful Northern Neck town of Kilmarnock. Take advantage of the small town festivities throughout the season, including the Holiday Lighting Contest for both businesses and residential homes. Visit them here to learn more.
As part of the DC Metropolitan Area, Manassas has access to all of the major events in the Washington, D.C. area, but with its own close community, it’s the perfect place to get your holidays started. You can look forward to spending the day shopping, enjoying traditional holiday activities, or visiting historic homes and buildings. There’s really no way to go wrong! Learn more about fun things to do at Visit Manassas.
Already one one of the coolest little towns in the Southwestern part of the state, the holiday season just makes Marion that much cooler. Be sure to enjoy lights, shopping with local businesses, holiday cocktails at the General Francis Marion Hotel, and other special events throughout the holiday season. Visit the Town of Marion to learn more.
Roanoke kicks off the holiday season with all kinds of annual events, such as the City of Roanoke Christmas Tree Lighting and all kinds of festivities. Other Roanoke holiday favorites include ice skating at Elmwood Park, special holiday events at local museums and businesses and the Hotel Roanoke’s classic Victorian-inspired decorations. Visit Downtown Roanoke to learn more.
For a true, good ol’ fashioned Southern Christmas, head down to Southside for South Hill’s holiday festivities. A visit to South Hill is the perfect way to support local businesses with holiday shopping and dining. Visit the South Hill Chamber of Commerce for more details.
South Hill, VA, USA
Do you agree that these are some of the best Christmas towns in Virginia? Of course, we know these aren’t the only places in the state that turn the holidays into something magical. Tell us about the towns, cities, or events that make your holiday special! Let us know in the comments below. To help make sure you visit as many of these Christmas towns in Virginia as possible, we have compiled the most magical of road trips to take you from town to town. You’ll want to hitch up your sleigh and start traveling immediately!
If you’re looking for more holiday magic, visit this winter wonderland in Virginia. You’re certain to have a magical adventure!
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best Christmas towns in Virginia
November 17, 2020
Beth C.
Should I visit Virginia during the winter?
Virginia enjoys relatively mild weather year-round. Of course, the winter can bring with it some intense cold and even snow at times. However, you'll find that Virginia can be a beautiful place to visit during the wintertime. There are plenty of trails that can be enjoyed year-round. In fact, some of the trails in Shenandoah National Park are even more dramatic during the winter, when the views are even clearer and the Blue Ridge Mountains are dusted in snow. Looking for a little winter inspiration? Check out 10 of the best places to visit in Virginia during the winter.
What is the best small town in Virginia to visit over Christmas?
If you're looking for charming Christmas towns to visit in Virginia over the holidays, the list above outlining the best Christmas towns in Virginia is an excellent place to start. Of course, there are many others that deserved a mention and didn't get a spot. One of those is the town of Lexington, Virginia. Traditionally, this town hosts all kinds of seasonal festivals in light of the holidays. Take a stroll down historic Main Street and you'll notice that the streets are decked out with wreaths and lights. Curious to learn more? Be sure to read all about these 7 small towns in Virginia that look like something out of a Hallmark movie during Christmastime.
Does it snow in Virginia?
While Virginia isn't known to be the snowiest state in the U.S., it does experience snowfall from time to time. On average, Virginia receives about 52 inches of snowfall per year. Of course, residents who have lived in Virginia for many years will probably recall at least a few blizzards that have fallen on the Old Dominion. One of the biggest blizzards in the past 30 years was the Blizzard of 1996. The central and western portions of the state received the most snowfall of all the regions in Virginia. There were snow drifts that measured up to 10 feet in some areas! When it snows in Virginia, residents enjoy sledding or sometimes even ice skating. Under a blanket of snow, Virginia is truly a winter wonderland.
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Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land.
