14 Virginia Christmas Towns Where The Holiday Spirit Transforms The Entire Town
Virginia transforms into a winter wonderland when December arrives, with historic towns and charming communities decking their streets in twinkling lights and festive decorations.
From the mountains to the coast, these destinations embrace the holiday season with tree lightings, parades, carolers, and events that bring neighbors and visitors together.
Whether you’re searching for colonial-era celebrations or small-town charm, the Old Dominion State offers magical Christmas experiences that create memories lasting far beyond the season.
1. Middleburg
Hunt country meets holly jolly in this picture-perfect village where horses wear jingle bells and boutiques sparkle brighter than champagne.
Middleburg sits in Loudoun County, Northern Virginia, where rolling hills and stone walls create a storybook backdrop for holiday magic.
The historic downtown district, located along Washington Street (US Route 50), transforms into a Currier and Ives scene each December.
Twinkling lights drape across storefronts while wreaths adorn every lamppost and doorway. Local shops stay open late for holiday shopping events, offering everything from equestrian gifts to gourmet treats.
The annual Christmas parade features horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping down historic streets lined with charming brick sidewalks and colonial-era buildings.
Carolers in Victorian costumes serenade shoppers outside the Red Fox Inn, Virginia’s oldest original inn dating back to 1728.
Hot cocoa flows freely at cozy cafes while bakeries tempt passersby with gingerbread and peppermint delights that smell absolutely heavenly.
2. Williamsburg
Time-travel to the 1700s where Christmas celebrations honor traditions predating electric lights and plastic ornaments.
Williamsburg in Coastal Virginia’s Historic Triangle recreates colonial-era holidays with authentic decorations made from natural materials.
Colonial Williamsburg, spanning 301 acres in the heart of the city, becomes an 18th-century winter wonderland.
Pineapples symbolizing hospitality crown doorways alongside pomanders and fruit arrangements. Candlelight illuminates windows in historic buildings along Duke of Gloucester Street, creating an ethereal glow after sunset.
Grand Illumination kicks off the season with fireworks, musical performances, and glowing cressets and bonfires lighting the historic area in a dramatic, period-inspired display.
Costumed interpreters demonstrate period holiday preparations, from cooking traditional feasts to crafting decorations by hand.
The Governor’s Palace dazzles with elaborate decorations showcasing wealth and status of colonial Virginia’s elite.
Taverns serve wassail and gingerbread while fife and drum corps parade through streets echoing with carols sung in period style.
3. Old Town Alexandria
Cobblestone streets and 18th-century architecture create an impossibly charming setting for Scottish bagpipers and candlelit tours.
Old Town Alexandria hugs the Potomac River just south of Washington, D.C., where King Street serves as the festive heart of celebrations.
The historic district bounded by the waterfront and Washington Street becomes a holiday destination drawing visitors from across the region.
The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend features kilted bagpipers, dancing terriers, and clans parading down King Street in early December.
Boutiques and galleries stay open late for holiday shopping while restaurants offer seasonal menus and warm libations.
Candlelight tours of historic homes reveal how Alexandria’s founding families celebrated centuries ago.
The waterfront sparkles with lights reflecting off the Potomac while boats decorated for the holidays cruise past.
Market Square hosts tree lighting ceremonies and visits from Santa arriving via fire truck.
Historic Gadsby’s Tavern serves traditional English Christmas feasts in dining rooms where George Washington once celebrated the season himself.
4. Fredericksburg
Civil War history blends seamlessly with Christmas cheer where gingerbread house competitions and carriage rides transport visitors to simpler times.
Fredericksburg stretches along the Rappahannock River between Richmond and Washington, D.C., with a downtown historic district that embraces Victorian-era holiday traditions.
Caroline Street and surrounding blocks become pedestrian-friendly wonderlands filled with festive energy.
The region’s annual Gingerbread House Contest is hosted at George Washington’s Ferry Farm near Fredericksburg, drawing families to admire elaborate edible creations each holiday season.
Horse-drawn carriage rides clip-clop past 18th and 19th-century buildings adorned with wreaths and garlands.
Small Business Saturday kicks off the shopping season with special promotions at independently-owned boutiques and galleries.
Historic Kenmore Plantation decorates rooms using period-appropriate natural materials, demonstrating how wealthy colonists celebrated.
Breweries and restaurants create seasonal menus featuring local ingredients and holiday flavors.
The Children’s Museum hosts Santa visits while downtown shops offer complimentary hot chocolate to cold shoppers bundled against December winds sweeping off the river.
5. Staunton
Shakespeare meets Santa in this artsy Shenandoah Valley gem where historic theaters and quirky shops create unexpected holiday magic.
Staunton nestles in the Shenandoah Valley where Beverley Street anchors a walkable downtown packed with personality and Christmas spirit.
The Wharf Historic District, centered around the restored train depot, hosts seasonal celebrations.
The American Shakespeare Center presents holiday classics with theatrical flair in the Blackfriars Playhouse, a recreation of Shakespeare’s indoor theater.
Local artists display handcrafted ornaments, pottery, and gifts in galleries lining downtown streets.
The historic Stonewall Jackson Hotel glows with elegant decorations befitting its grand 1920s architecture. Restaurants serve farm-to-table holiday menus featuring Shenandoah Valley ingredients prepared with creative flair.
The Staunton Creative Community Fund Holiday Market showcases regional makers and craftspeople selling unique gifts.
Victorian carolers stroll Beverley Street while twinkling lights reflect off historic storefronts, creating photo opportunities around every corner that Instagram absolutely adores.
6. Lexington
Military precision meets mountain charm where cadets parade in dress uniforms and historic campuses glow with thousands of lights.
Lexington sits in Western Virginia near the Blue Ridge Mountains, where Main Street connects Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute.
The downtown area, roughly bounded by Nelson Street and Washington Street, becomes a festive college town wonderland.
VMI cadets participate in holiday ceremonies wearing full dress uniforms that add military pageantry to celebrations.
Washington and Lee’s colonnade buildings draped in lights create stunning backdrops for evening strolls.
Independent bookstores, antique shops, and galleries offer unique gifts you won’t find in chain stores.
The historic Lenfest Center presents holiday concerts and performances throughout December.
Local restaurants serve comfort food perfect for cold mountain evenings spent exploring downtown.
The Natural Bridge, located nearby, hosts a special Christmas light display transforming the geological wonder into a glowing spectacle visible from viewing platforms below the magnificent stone arch formation.
7. Abingdon
Appalachian authenticity shines through in Virginia’s oldest town where theater traditions and mountain hospitality create unforgettable holiday experiences.
Abingdon anchors Southwest Virginia’s cultural scene, with Main Street (US Route 11) running through a historic district that’s been welcoming travelers since 1778.
The downtown area between Court Street and Cummings Street transforms into a mountain Christmas village.
The legendary Barter Theatre, Virginia’s State Theatre, presents beloved holiday productions in a venue where actors once accepted produce as payment during the Depression.
Galleries showcase Appalachian crafts including quilts, pottery, and woodwork perfect for meaningful gift-giving.
The Martha Washington Inn, an elegant Victorian hotel, decorates with sophisticated holiday flair befitting its grand history.
Local shops sell mountain-made goods from regional artisans keeping traditional crafts alive.
The Virginia Creeper Trail, a converted railroad bed, offers scenic winter hiking through forests dusted with snow.
Downtown restaurants serve Southern comfort food and Appalachian specialties that warm bodies and souls after chilly outdoor adventures exploring the mountains.
8. Roanoke
The world’s largest man-made star watches over this Blue Ridge city where urban energy meets mountain magic in spectacular fashion.
Roanoke sprawls across the Blue Ridge region as the “Star City of the South,” with downtown centered around Campbell Avenue and the historic City Market.
The famous Roanoke Star atop Mill Mountain, visible throughout the valley, shines extra bright during the holidays.
City Market, one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in Virginia, hosts holiday vendors selling crafts, baked goods, and seasonal treats.
The Center in the Square presents holiday performances and festivals in a renovated warehouse turned cultural complex.
Elmwood Park glows with festive seasonal light displays and holiday events that bring families downtown to celebrate beneath sparkling decorations.
Downtown restaurants ranging from farm-to-table bistros to international eateries offer diverse holiday dining options.
The Taubman Museum of Art hosts special exhibitions and events throughout December.
Mill Mountain Zoo decorates for the season, letting families visit animals while enjoying lights and hot cocoa in the crisp mountain air.
9. Leesburg
Country sophistication meets colonial history where tasting rooms pour seasonal vintages and historic buildings wear their finest holiday attire.
Leesburg presides over Loudoun County in Northern Virginia, with a historic downtown centered on King Street and the courthouse square.
The town, established in 1758, maintains its colonial character while embracing modern tourism.
The massive Christmas tree on the courthouse lawn serves as the focal point for tree lighting ceremonies and caroling events.
Independent boutiques, antique stores, and galleries line King Street offering distinctive gifts and holiday shopping.
Nearby wineries host special holiday tastings featuring seasonal blends and festive food pairings.
The historic Morven Park estate decorates its mansion rooms with period holiday displays showing how Virginia’s elite celebrated across different eras.
Restaurants serve everything from traditional American fare to international cuisine in historic buildings with original architecture.
The town’s proximity to Washington, D.C. brings visitors seeking small-town Christmas charm without traveling far from urban centers searching for authentic experiences.
10. Ashland
Trains rumble through the center of this quirky town where railroad nostalgia and Christmas spirit create uniquely charming holiday memories.
Ashland sits about 15 miles north of Richmond, where railroad tracks literally run down the middle of Center Street (US Route 1).
The downtown district flanking the tracks embraces its railway heritage during the holidays.
Shops and restaurants occupying historic buildings decorate with vintage railroad-themed ornaments and traditional holiday displays.
Watching freight and passenger trains roll past twinkling Christmas lights creates surreal photo opportunities found nowhere else.
Randolph-Macon College campus adds youthful energy with student performances and holiday concerts open to the public.
Local businesses participate in Small Business Saturday, offering special promotions and complimentary refreshments.
The Ashland Theatre, a restored 1940s movie house, screens classic holiday films in an authentic vintage setting.
Antique stores sell railroad memorabilia alongside Christmas collectibles, while cafes serve seasonal treats perfect for warming up between browsing the eclectic mix of shops lining both sides of the active railway corridor.
11. Kilmarnock
Chesapeake Bay breezes carry salt air and Christmas carols through this waterside village where maritime traditions color holiday celebrations.
Kilmarnock anchors Virginia’s Northern Neck in the River Realm region, with Main Street serving as the commercial heart near the Rappahannock River. The town, though small, embraces Christmas with genuine warmth reflecting the tight-knit community.
Local businesses decorate storefronts with nautical-themed holiday displays featuring anchors, boats, and maritime motifs alongside traditional wreaths. The mild coastal climate allows comfortable outdoor exploration of shops and galleries.
Holiday festivities in Kilmarnock focus on community events like the town’s beloved Christmas parade and Town Centre Park celebrations, with additional lighted boat parades taking place in nearby River Realm communities throughout the season.
Seafood restaurants serve oysters, crab, and fresh fish prepared with holiday flair and seasonal ingredients.
The Northern Neck’s rural character means less commercial hustle and more authentic small-town charm. Art galleries showcase regional artists and craftspeople creating gifts with local character, while the slower pace lets visitors actually relax and enjoy the season instead of rushing through it frantically.
12. Cape Charles
Victorian architecture meets beachside charm where Santa arrives by boat and historic homes wear holiday decorations like crown jewels.
Cape Charles graces Virginia’s Eastern Shore on the Chesapeake Bay, where Mason Avenue leads to a downtown historic district filled with restored Victorian buildings.
The town, located at the southern tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, offers unexpected coastal Christmas magic.
Cape Charles celebrates with its beloved Festive Fridays and a joyful holiday parade through town, with Santa making cheerful appearances to greet families throughout the season.
Victorian homes built during the railroad boom sport elaborate holiday decorations showcasing original architectural details.
The beach provides unusual Christmas photo opportunities with sand, waves, and holiday decorations creating surreal combinations.
Local shops sell coastal-themed gifts and decorations reflecting the bayside location.
Restaurants serve fresh seafood in historic buildings with water views and festive decorations.
The mild climate allows pleasant walks along the beach and through town without the bitter cold found in mountain regions, making Cape Charles perfect for those preferring gentler winter weather during holiday adventures.
13. Bedford
Officially designated the “Christmas Capital of Virginia,” this Blue Ridge foothills town takes its title seriously with over-the-top decorations everywhere.
Bedford nestles between Lynchburg and Roanoke in the Blue Ridge foothills, with downtown centered on Main Street (Business Route 460) and the historic courthouse.
The town earned its Christmas Capital designation through decades of enthusiastic holiday celebrations.
Homes, businesses, and public spaces compete to create the most spectacular displays, transforming the entire town into a twinkling wonderland.
The courthouse square features an enormous Christmas tree and nativity scene serving as gathering spots for community events.
Local churches host live nativity scenes with real animals and costumed volunteers recreating the Biblical story.
The National D-Day Memorial, Bedford’s most famous landmark, holds special remembrance ceremonies honoring veterans during the season.
Downtown shops offer Christmas merchandise year-round, but December brings special promotions and extended hours.
Restaurants serve holiday menus while bakeries create seasonal treats that locals swear taste better here than anywhere else, probably because they’re made with extra Christmas spirit.
14. Charlottesville
Jefferson’s hometown blends university sophistication and mountain beauty where the Downtown Mall becomes an outdoor winter wonderland with serious style.
Charlottesville spreads across Central Virginia at the Blue Ridge Mountains’ edge, with the historic Downtown Mall serving as the festive epicenter.
This pedestrian-only brick promenade, spanning eight blocks, transforms into an elegant outdoor Christmas celebration.
Instead of the former Downtown Mall ice rink that once operated here, today the area sparkles with holiday performances, seasonal shopping, festive lighting, and lively events that keep the downtown atmosphere merry all season long.
University of Virginia students add youthful energy to holiday shopping at independent boutiques and bookstores.
Restaurants ranging from casual cafes to upscale dining rooms offer seasonal menus showcasing Virginia local ingredients.
The Paramount Theater presents holiday concerts and classic film screenings in its restored 1930s Art Deco splendor.
Nearby Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s mountaintop home, decorates using historically accurate methods demonstrating 18th-century Christmas traditions.
The combination of history, culture, mountains, and university town energy creates sophisticated holiday experiences appealing to visitors seeking substance alongside seasonal sparkle and genuine intellectual stimulation during their festive travels.