The first established colony in the United States, “Old Dominion” is a beautiful stretch of creation, covered in breathtaking forests, fertile rivers, and charming towns nestled into deceptively cyan mountain ranges. For those looking for an escape this Christmas, there are plenty of nooks to hide in throughout Virginia.

The beauty of Virginia is in its varied environments, which range from awe-inducing mountain peaks to quaint, cozy port towns hidden away from the rest of the world. Whether you want to spend your time nestled into a cabin deep in the Appalachian Mountains or prefer your winter next to the historical landmarks of the Piedmont area, we will be scouring every inch of the Commonwealth to bring you all the holiday charm it has to offer.

A town that can’t seem to avoid its own repeated historical significance, Charlottesville is a college town nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and spread across and through the Rivanna river. Charlottesville regularly ranks as one of the best places to visit for the holidays — and deservedly so. It has a colorful and significant history, an illustrious college, and several locations for history nuts, outdoorsmen, and much more.

The town comes alive during the holidays, with “Magic on the Mall” covering Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall in enough lights to uplift any sour holiday mood. Through the arching tangles of illuminated garlands, you can find the Historic Paramount Theater which regularly offers seasonal shows, catch an event at The Jefferson, ice skate at the Main Street Arena, or fetch a drink at one of the many different restaurants throughout the outdoor mall. For those looking to rid themselves of the December chill, there are plenty of indoor activities and events inside of the shops.

If the hustle and bustle of Downtown Charlottesville prove too much for you, you can retreat into the Winter Wander at Boar’s Head Resort or the “Lighting of the Lawn” at the Rotunda at the University of Virginia. The Winter Wander is a yearly event that has people walk around a sparkling trail brought to life by several stunning lights that reflect off Heritage Lake beautifully.

The Lighting of the Lawn is held on the first day of December at the Rotunda, a building made famous by time, tragedy, and Thomas Jefferson that still houses several students in its brick perimeter. The event includes several light shows but also offers music and food if your eyes begin to hurt from the brilliance of visual Christmas cheer.

The city is home to around 150,000 people in and around its city limits and has several historical attractions including Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello. For those uninterested in the past, you can set your sight toward the stars every other Friday of the month at the McCormick Observatory.

Charlottesville prides itself on its breweries and wineries, of which there are far too many award-winning options to name on this list. Whatever your desire is this next holiday season, you can scratch every inch of it in the home of the Hoos.

 Virginia Beach is the largest city in the state, so for those that enjoy the quaintness of a small, well-lit mountain village – this stop may not be for you. For those that enjoy lively oceanside cities, there is so much to do in Virginia Beach you could waste a better part of the year trying to accomplish everything. To get into the city most will drive through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which has a decent portion that is entirely underwater and is the largest of its kind in the world.

No holiday trip through Virginia Beach would be complete without checking out the Virginia Beach Town Center which features incredible musicians, unconventional entertainers (mime enthusiasts will be thrilled), and several actors dancing all inside massive snow globes that are surrounded by varying archways enveloped in Christmas lights that flicker around you as you walk through. The event is great for kids of all ages and couples looking for a relaxed, romantic stroll.

For children and ocean enthusiasts, there are aquatic-themed events to fill your day with. You can spend your time in the evening enjoying the Virginia Aquarium which features a festive theme and several memorable moments and manta rays to impress the most cynical tourist. They have multiple events throughout December (most on Saturday and Sunday) that wrap up a week shy of the new year.

There are also several farmer’s markets and breweries that more mature couples can enjoy, with some markets even offering musical acts as well as various festive decorations. One of the most well-known spots is the Virginia Beach Christmas Market. The event has several handmade pieces from various talented creators that range from pictures and watercolors all the way to varnished wood furniture.

Wrapping up a town that has no shortage of distractions, the Holiday Parade that marches cheerfully through the boardwalk is something no visitor should miss. There is no price for admission and you are allowed to bring your own seating accommodations if your feet get sore from all the excitement.

If you’d prefer a nautical Christmas parade instead, check out the Virginia Beach Holiday Boat Parade.

The Military Aviation Museum has a free show that almost always features an impressive orchestra belting out traditional Christmas classics. If you prefer a more theatrical feel to your entertainment, the Sandler Center has Christmas musicals like the Nutcracker typically a week or two before the big day.

Nestled into the base of the Appalachian mountains, Abingdon is a breathtaking slice of southern charm. A town with just over 8,000 people, Abingdon offers a surprising amount of Christmas activity set in a town resplendent with Victorian architecture and surreal landscapes. If you feel the pressure of city life seeping into your daily well-being, few escapes are more revitalizing than this beautiful village hidden along the western tail of Virginia.

You can’t drive through Abingdon without noticing the historic Martha Washington Inn, originally constructed in 1812. A stunning souvenir of bygone times, the Inn & Spa is surrounded by a dazzling garden with a large tiered fountain sitting in the center. You can spend your time nestled into rooms that feel far too rich for anyone to exist in, take a dip in their pristine pool or look at the different holiday events they have throughout the property. Whether you want to dance in the ballroom or stuff yourself with sugar cookies, you can do it in luxurious comfort at the Marsha Washington Inn.

No Christmas town would be complete without a cozy downtown to waste away the afternoon in, and Abingdon is no exception. The sidewalks are made from brick and cobblestone and create a colorful Christmas aesthetic that is complimented by ribboned wreaths and small-town stores featuring numerous goods and curiosities.

A common favorite of passing travelers is Katbird’s Wine and Gourmet, a subtly charming brick building with a black border surrounding raised white lettering. This charming wine shop features many different options from surrounding vineyards as well as some delicious coffee roasts for the teetotalers, not to mention a few other sneaky snacks.

For those looking for southern antiques and decorations, you have several choices along the main strip of Abingdon. You can spend time in Wolf Hills Antiques, Fox Gloves Antiques, and The Gallery at Barr Photographics. If the kids get bored staring at vintage tools and kitchen appliances, you can load them up on sweets at The Candy Shed or stray for a healthier option at the Blue Hills Market.

If we had to narrow down Abingdon to its biggest attraction, it would have to be the Barter Theatre. A storied entertainment venue that recently hit its 90th birthday, the Barter Theatre offers incredible plays by talented actors that come from all over to perform. The building is small and intimate, eliminating the isolating feeling of watching a show from the nosebleeds. If you are a fan of the arts, you owe it to yourself and your skeptical children to visit this well-hidden luxury.

Williamsburg is one of the more interesting locations in the state, sitting just thirty minutes outside of Newport News near the eastern coast. Home to the biggest living-history museum in the country, Colonial Williamsburg, the location is a common tourist destination all year round. Though regardless of whether you take interest in the stores and trades of previous generations, there is something for everyone in the Historic town of Williamsburg.

We have to discuss Colonial Williamsburg before we get into the outer attractions. The museum is a huge stretch of buildings, cobblestone pathways, and markets that span well over a hundred acres. The town shifts to a colonial Christmas wonderland during the holidays with a subtle touch that doesn’t diminish its antiquated charm.

You can listen to brilliant holiday music at the courthouse, see the Grand Illumination (a series of fireworks and lights) throughout most of December, enjoy some of the best southern food you will ever taste, and even settle into the Williamsburg Lodge for a Christmas dinner. This is all accompanied by the usual immersive trappings of Colonial Williamsburg, which feature a myriad of shops, historic locations, and old-world architecture that would easily fill up anyone’s weekend.

Summarizing Colonial Williamsburg in a couple of paragraphs feels like a jailable offense, though in the interest of the several other wonderful parts of Williamsburg – we will wrap it here. Suffice it to say that it is one of the most enthralling attractions in Virginia and everyone should visit it at least once, regardless of the time of year.

For those thinking that Williamsburg is a one-trick pony, let’s talk about Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. For most of the year, Busch Gardens is a theme and water park for all ages, though it turns into a brilliant visual display of shimmering lights and European architecture during the holidays. The experience focuses on showing you how Christmas is traditionally celebrated in different European countries.

The event includes recreations of England, Ireland, France, and more. There is food, fun, festivity, and a few penguins – which are always welcome. While the experience can be done during the daytime, you would be missing out on the millions of lights draped and hung meticulously throughout the park. Some of the rides are still available for adrenaline junkies, but old Jack Frostbite ensures that the waterpark is closed down until warmer weather.

Bedford sits between two hub cities, in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, nestled into dense forests, rolling hills, and bubbling brooks. Its natural charm cannot be overstated and it stands as a shining example of how beautiful the state of Virginia can be. While some towns offer Christmas cheer, Bedford morphs itself into a wonderland for the holidays. This small town of little more than 6,000 people attracts tourists from all over to experience its brilliant December merriment.

Often considered the “Christmas Capitol of Virginia” Bedford takes the holidays very seriously. The most notable thing that is accessible to those of all ages is the annual Christmas Parade. It is typically on December 7th and runs through the heart of the town. The event starts in the daytime around three and fades into a dreamy December sunset as it closes around six. There is music, Santa (busy man), dancing elves, and enough lights to brighten up any winter depression.

Elks Home offers a visual experience of lights, wreathes, illuminated reindeer, carefully decorated firs, and much more in their drive-through light display. The nightly event begins on the 4th of December and continues until New Year’s Eve. If you are looking for a stunning holiday event that you can enjoy from the comfort of your sedan, the Elks Home is a must.

Going back to the natural beauty of its surrounding area, many folks would be forgiven for wanting to spend time in the mountains. If you feel the call of nature, there are quite a few trails, scenic views, and cabins nestled in and around the idyllic village. Be wary of inclement weather as icy roads are only made worse on winding, uphill backroads.

Finally, you can check out some of the several well-reviewed restaurants, taverns, and breweries inside and surrounding Bedford. The big name in town is Beale’s Brewery, which has quickly cultivated wide praise from citizens and tourists alike. You can also check out the D-Day Memorial which features the “Flames of Memory” as well as several holiday events and decorations.

Just a mere 35 minutes west of Bedford sits Roanoke, a mid-sized city of about 100,000 in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. It features a brilliant list of choices for the holidays to make sure all ages and interests are satisfied. You can go to one of its several parades, spend your time nestled into a cozy winter cabin with loved ones, eat some of the best southern food you can buy, or see one of the countless light displays, including the Roanoke Star.

The quietly eventful city is home to so many Christmas events we won’t be able to cover even half in this summary, though we will go over a few highlights as well as some broad-stroke ideas for curious travelers.

There are around five parades that take place in varying parts of Roanoke from the 19th of November until December 10th. These include the Buchanan, Grandin Village, Roanoke, Salem, and Vinton Christmas parades. Each offers a taste of Christmas with each community’s spin, showcasing the unique aspects of the differing neighborhoods throughout Roanoke.

If you trip and fall in Roanoke towards the end of the year, it is rumored that you will stumble into one of its countless light shows. From late November until the New Year, there are numerous displays that range from festivals of trees to old trains wrapped in color-changing lights. Nativity scenes, light festivals, brilliant evergreens draped in varying colors and decorations, and far more. All festivals sit under the Roanoke Star, which originated as a holiday landmark that looks out past the Shenandoah Valley city.

Speaking of, there are a number of candlelight tours as well as ice-skating events and shows throughout the city. You can check out the Holiday Candlelight Tour, the Flames of Memory, the Candlelight Christmas Tour, Fantasyland, and far more. For events taking a more glacial approach, you can visit the Berglund Center for bumper cars and ice skating throughout the holiday months.

No Christmas town would be complete without holiday cuisine and Roanoke is no stranger to great food. You can visit the Yuletide Market, enjoy incredible cappuccinos and confections at Chris’s Coffee & Custard, check out various breweries, tap houses, and taverns as well as indulge in several Holiday buffets, breakfasts, and brunches just to name a few.

The last larger city on the list, Alexandria is just a bit outside of the D.C. area and is often considered one of the best Christmas destinations in the country. The northern city is a wonderful fusion of holidays and history in the final months of the year. It offers beautiful walkways, Victorian buildings covered in ribboned wreaths, string lights, and more activities than anyone can manage.

No trip to Alexandria would be complete without stopping by King Street to tread along its pristine brick sidewalk to venture into warmly lit buildings, stores, restaurants, and craft shops. Regardless of the time of the year, King Street stands as the economic pulse of the city with window shoppers lining the beautiful downtown strip.

Taking advantage of their riverside property, the city has the Boat Parade of Lights which features dozens of boats draped in brilliant illuminated colors that reflect dreamily off the Potomac’s surface. The event takes place the 1st Saturday in December around 5:30 as the sun begins to set, though there are plenty of activities and food that start as early as 2 p.m. on the riverside. Every year a boat is picked as the winner by a group of judges.

The town pays homage to the Scots in its Scottish Christmas Walk Parade in early December. Few things scream “holidays” like music, so enjoy a colorful twist on tradition with leagues of kilt-wearing bagpipe players strolling through the town with accompanying drums. You may also spot a few dogs that originate from the home country, with Santa also taking part in the bagpipes.

Fans of American History can enjoy a firework show, candlelit tour, or both at George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon. The former president’s manor is open on several days throughout December, and allows you to buy various Christmas accessories and souvenirs. If the mesmerizing light display and insightful look into history don’t sell you, they also have Aladdin the Christmas Camel.

There are Christmas-themed musicals and shows that run throughout the December days at the Little Theatre of Alexandria. For a more active experience, you can skate through the Winter Village at Cameron Run which has a skating rink, several snacks, and meals to nibble on. There is music that permeates throughout the village and numerous light displays that could dazzle the most skeptical of scrooges.

Set in the breathtaking backdrop of Northern Virginia, Front Royal looks like the cover of a Christmas Card. A quaint city of little more than 15,000 – Front Royal is a blissful stretch of rural beauty situated along the south fork of the Shenandoah River. While it may not have all the events, activities, and boisterous bustle that a place like Alexandria prides itself on, it is dripping with a comfortable and warm Christmas ambiance that so many crave during the winter holiday.

Like all good Christmas towns, Front Royal has a parade that goes through the heart of the city. Strewn above the streets of the downtown are stringed white lights which compliment the warm lighting of post lights, orange-hued windows, and glowing post clocks. Throughout the main street are various restaurants, shops, and hidden treasures taking advantage of the increase in foot traffic.

There are numerous treats and trinkets to enjoy while in town, with the smell of baking bread, coffee beans, and hot food overwhelming the senses of passing patrons. Whether you want to enjoy the pastries at Down Home Comfort Bakery, sip a latte at the numerous mom & pop coffee shops, or enjoy comfort cuisine – Front Royal has all the trappings of a humble holiday retreat.

For the hearty winter sports junkie, there are numerous trails to enjoy during the holiday months. A personal favorite is the brilliant Skyline Drive, which features 105 miles of mountainous majesty and scenic views that will make you rethink the utility of city living. If you prefer to enjoy your views without the feeling of your legs giving out, there are numerous cabins, cottages, and Air B&Bs to rent in an area where you have to search to find an unsightly view.

Trains have become a sleeper staple of a comfortable Christmas with the image of vintage, snow-covered passenger trains firmly implanted in the minds of everyone and anyone during December. For the railway enthusiasts that want an easy way to stop in different towns while their kids get cocoa straight from the hands of Mrs. Claus – The Santa Train is not something you will want to skip.

You can buy tickets as early as the day after Thanksgiving, with the train leaving the station starting on December 9th. This event is clearly geared towards younger children with hot chocolate, coloring page companions, and candy being handed out to each child on board. So while your kid is mesmerized by the extraordinary event you can get easy access to several Christmas towns throughout the state.

Just twenty miles south of Williamsburg lies the port city of Newport News, which has one of the more impressive Christmas light shows in the state. The event takes place daily throughout the month of December and contains a million different illuminated Christmas decorations strewn through and above the serene brilliance of Newport News Park.

The event is a two-mile excursion through the bridges, trees, and rivers of the seaside attraction that is a must for anyone in the area. The cost is about $12 per car on the weekdays with an additional $3 cover charge added on for the weekend. Located very close to Virginia Beach and Williamsburg, it’s a stunning scenic view for anyone heading into either destination.

Built just outside of Madison is the old Mennonite country store, Yoders. A personal favorite of yours truly, Yoders is a well-hidden gem of the state that contains a petting zoo, fresh goods, a cafe, and obscure candies that you will desperately crave the second you leave. On an entirely related note, the chocolate-covered coffee beans are exceptional.

They have an entire section for those afflicted with food allergies, a series of pens around the outer perimeter of the store with several peculiar animals (the llamas are especially great), and a small cafe tucked away towards the back of the store. Their menu contains a delicious selection of stews, soups, sandwiches, ice cream, and a pretzel dog if you are feeling crazy. They also offer very good cuts of meat, cheese, and bulk cooking ingredients. If you need a fifty-pound bag of flour, they have plenty.

While the store is little more than an hour-long distraction while en route to a bigger destination, it is a pitstop anyone in the area should consider.

For those interested in the unimaginable opulence of some 19th-century southerners, Maymont is a majestic botanical triumph and impressive manor situated in Richmond. While the architecture is a worthwhile distraction that even comes with an audio tour, the real charm of the estate is in its brilliant gardens that look like something out of a Tolkien novel.

The 100-acre achievement is a must-visit for anyone near Richmond year round — it has a few Christmas events worth taking a look at if you find yourself near the capital come December. Outside of the audio tour, you can go take a walk through their Merry Market or even build a wreath to take back with you under the guidance of a professional. Just make sure you get a chance to sneak off into the gardens.

International Christmas Towns

Looking to travel abroad?