The Most Festive Christmas Towns in Virginia in 2025

If you’re looking for a classic Christmas town experience—the kind you might find in a Hallmark movie or a Charles Dickens novel—Virginia is the place to be! Virginia’s charming small towns take on a festive side as the streets become magical light displays, and holiday events draw eager crowds. It’s no wonder that two Virginia spots consistently rank within the nation’s top Christmas Villages.

Our guide highlights the 7 most festive Christmas Towns in Virginia, including notable attractions and local holiday events. Use our list to plan your next winter trip!

Related: Discover more Virginia attractions throughout the year, including Virginia’s passionate music scene and family-friendly fall festivals!

Nearly everyone we’ve asked about Virginia Christmas towns mentioned Middleburg, Virginia, and for a good reason. Country Living ranked Middleburg as the second-best Christmas town in the U.S. for its old-fashioned holiday charm and distinct traditions.

Middleburg is known for the iconic Middleburg Hunt, a foxhunting tradition dating back to 1905. As the story goes, Henry Higginson’s Middlesex hounds competed with Harry Worcester Smith’s Grafton hounds to see which breed was superior. The Middlesex hounds came out on top and have been celebrated since. Nowadays, the Hunt is more of a dog parade guided by costumed participants on horseback.

Besides the annual Christmas Parade and Middleburg Hunt, the town hosts several holiday events throughout the season. Visitors can enjoy carriage rides through historic Middleburg, listen to lively carolers while sipping hot chocolate, and experience recreations of scenes from classic Dickens tales.

Christmas Events in Middleburg, VA:

•Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade: (December 6) – This annual parade weekend features breakfast with Santa, the Middleburg Hunt, and the Christmas Pageant at Foxcroft School.

•Carriage Rides through historic Middleburg: (Weekends in December) – Experience historic Middleburg from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. It’s the perfect family activity or romantic date for two.

•Dickens of a Christmas: (December 17) – Middleburg transforms into classic scenes from A Christmas Carol, complete with performers, dancers, and storytellers. Come for the experience and stay for the holiday shopping.

•Dickens of a Dog Parade: (December 20) – Local dog owners showcase their dogs in festive costumes as they walk through Downtown Middleburg. Prizes are available for the best-costumed dog!

Related: Discover the benefits of living in rural Virginia.

One of the best Christmas towns in Virginia is Williamsburg, thanks to its historic setting and proximity to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens.

During the holidays, Colonial Williamsburg comes alive with festive décor along the Duke of Gloucester Street (also known as DoG Street). Shop owners update their displays to promote seasonal goods, and the colonial reenactors curate holiday-themed exhibits to educate visitors about Christmas traditions in early U.S. history.

The main event is the Grand Illumination, a free fireworks display held on three consecutive weekends each December alongside pop-up food and beverage vendors, musical performances, and the Yule Log Ceremony.

Christmas Events in Williamsburg, VA:

•Yule Log Ceremony: (December 6, 15, and 20): The Yule Log Ceremony is a procession hauling a yule log from Capitol Circle to Market Square. Guests are encouraged to toss a spring of rosemary into the bonfire and make a Christmas wish. The tradition draws from English and Scottish holiday rituals to ward off evil spirits and quell the “woes of the past.”

•Grand Illumination: (December 6, 13, and 20) – This annual fireworks display draws a crowd, with the best seats along the Palace green. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the show!

•Christmastide Tours & Workshops: (Throughout December) Learn about historical holiday traditions on guided tours through Colonial Williamsburg. Tickets required.

•Visit the College of William & Mary: Walk through the picturesque Sunken Gardens at William & Mary, the second oldest university in the U.S.

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA

We can’t mention Christmas in Williamsburg without talking about Christmas Town, a seasonal event hosted by Busch Gardens. It’s the largest North American Christmas light display with over 10 million lights adorning the European-themed amusement park.

Christmas Town tickets are sold separately from the main Busch Gardens rides, however, season pass holders may access the event as part of their membership. Other events include:

•Family-Friendly Shows: Guests can watch fan-favorite performances of ’Twas That Night and Gloria!

•Santa’s Workshop & Christmas Town Express: Visit Santa’s Workshop for a chance to speak to Old St. Nick himself!

•Thrilling Rides: Christmas Town ticket holders can access over 25 rides and roller coasters. Who said Christmas couldn’t be this exciting?

Lexington is often described as a Christmas parade straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Besides the picture-perfect storefronts (Sugar Maple Trading Company has one of the best), local organizations take holiday decorations to the next level with the Festival of Trees.

During this month-long tradition, each participating group decorates one tree to represent their cause. The public then votes for their favorite tree by placing donations underneath the branches or purchasing ballots. It’s the perfect way to support local organizations while encouraging charity!

Lexington is also a quick day trip to the Natural Bridge State Park, a 215-foot-tall limestone gorge with a naturally occurring bridge. The park glows in festive colors as park rangers set up lights to guide night-time strolls, campfires at warming stations, and a meet-and-greet with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Guests may purchase tickets in advance for carriage rides through the park on specific dates.

Related: Uncover Virginia’s beautiful national parks in the spring.

Christmas Events in Lexington, VA:

•Jingle Bell 5K Run: (December 6) – This Christmas-themed marathon raises funds and awareness for MSL. Participants run in holiday costumes with tiny bells attached to their feet, making for a memorable event.

•Late Night Shopping With the Dickens Carolers: (December 13) – Enjoy the strolling Dickens Carolers as they sing Christmas classics in Downtown Lexington. Participating stores will also extend their retail hours, encouraging shoppers to browse and take in the festivities.

•Festival of Trees: (Mid-November–December 31) – Throughout December, support local organizations and charities by placing donations beneath decorated trees. Organizations with the most donations will win a prize.

•Luminary Nights at Natural Bridge State Park: (December 19-21) – Stroll through the park at night along illuminated paths to experience nature like never before! Guests may purchase tickets for carriage rides in advance on specific dates.

Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton offers a cozy holiday atmosphere to satisfy any Christmas-lover. The town comes to life each weekend with relaxing carriage rides, memorable photo opportunities with Santa, and a holiday market filled with homegrown or homemade goods from local artisans. Visitors can even craft their own ornaments under the supervision of talented glassblowers.

What makes Staunton unique compared to other Virginia Christmas towns is their cultural arts scene. The Historic Staunton Foundation organizes several preservation events, including their annual Holiday House Tour, which guides the public through six historic homes and storefronts to peek into Staunton’s rich past.

History buffs with a paranormal streak are sure to love the Ghosts of Staunton’s Christmas-themed walking tour. This 90-minute event covers the spookier side of the holidays as participants explore historic buildings and their mysterious legends.

Christmas Events in Staunton, VA:

•Holiday House Tour: (December 6-7) – This annual event opens historic sites to the public, showcasing the group’s efforts to preserve the town.

•Christmas Walking Ghost Tour: (December 7 and 13) – The Ghosts of Staunton host regular walking tours, including holiday-themed events throughout December. Follow their Facebook page to see upcoming events or reach out directly to schedule a private tour.

•A Christmas Carol at the Blackfriars Playhouse: (December 4-27) – The American Shakespeare Center: Blackfriars Playhouse is performing A Christmas Carol throughout December (including weeknights). This is a perfect family-friendly tradition.

•Frontier Culture Museum: (December 19-21) – The Frontier Culture Museum hosts Lantern Tours, allowing guests to explore the Old World side of the museum. Watch historic performers enact holiday skits while enjoying hot cider and cookies! Interested in more events? The Museum also hosts holiday-themed workshops to teach guests how to create yule logs centerpieces, decorate Christmas stockings, and more.

•Santa’s Scenic Railway: (November 31–December 21) – Enjoy Virginia’s scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains on this Christmas-themed train excursion! Hot cocoa, holiday cookies, and a visit from Santa help make this trip a must-see experience.

Named one of the most festive Christmas towns in Virginia by Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide, Fredericksburg’s holiday calendar is full of inclusive events and activities! Our list ranges from gift shopping at historic holiday marketplaces and classic theater performances to a cookie crawl—one of Fredericksburg’s newest holiday traditions!

Christmas Events in Fredericksburg, VA:

Craft shows and holiday markets are the places to be when searching for the right gift. The most popular local Christmas shopping events include:

•Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show: (December 5-7) – With 350 vendors across the region, the Holiday Craft Show is an impressive marketplace that promotes the larger creative community.

•Grassroots Artisan Collective Holiday Market: (December 5) – Local artisans gather in Downtown Fredericksburg to showcase homemade gifts, perfect as stocking stuffers.

•Winter Kids’ Market: (December 13) – Part of the City of Fredericksburg’s Farmers Market, this event allows children aged 8–15 to sell their homemade items.

•FAMFaire: KrisKringlMarkt: (December 13) – Browse a German-style outdoor shopping experience in the beautiful, historic Market Square.

Visitors interested in cultural arts and performances may find the museum exhibits and theater shows more enticing! We’re looking forward to these events:

•Gingerbread House Exhibit & Contest: (December 1-30) – The annual gingerbread house exhibit and contest returns for its 38th year at Ferry Farm! Peruse the entries and vote for the submission that best represents this year’s theme, “Holidays: Past, Present, and Future.”

•Wee Christmas Dollhouse & Miniatures Exhibit: (December 1–30) – Hosted at the Historic Kenmore and Crowninshield Museum, this exhibit features immaculately detailed replica dollhouses. Challenge yourself to a game of iSpy or simply appreciate the craftsmanship!

•A Christmas Carol: (December 12-28) – The Stage Door Productions team will perform A Christmas Carol alongside references to Charles Dickens’ entire work.

In addition to commerce and cultural events, visitors can look forward to several community events to celebrate the holidays. Christmas in Virginia wouldn’t be the same without these experiences:

•SantaCon: (December 5) – SantaCon is dubbed the jolliest pub crawl in Downtown Fredericksburg! Participants must purchase tickets in advance, which will go toward drinks and appetizers at several participating vendors, a Christmas-themed raffle, and non-stop live music. Get your Santa suit on and explore the city!

•Downtown Cookie Crawl: (December 13) – For the third year in a row, sweets enthusiasts are gathering to collect seasonal cookies from Fredericksburg’s most popular bakeries.

•Holiday Lights Night Walk 5k/10k: (December 27) – Join the Fredericksburg Walking Club for their annual holiday walk, which includes a lit exploration of the city (leashed dogs and strollers welcome). End the year bathed in Christmas lights!

Old Town Alexandria is the epitome of Christmas in Virginia. The town blends elements of traditional holiday atmosphere with modern city sensibilities, given its proximity to Washington, D.C. It’s clear why Alexandria has earned the title, “The Perfect Town for a Hallmark Christmas Movie” by Southern Living.

A big part of the festive feel is due to how much Alexandria invests in holiday décor. The historic King Street comes alive with twinkling lights and holiday displays alongside brick streets. Visitors often compare the town to a European Christmas village. Strolling, eating, and shopping are the main activities in Alexandria. Local shops feature a thoughtful selection of potential gifts, including home goods, stationery, and clothing.

Christmas Events in Alexandria, VA:

•Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade: (December 6) – Witness over 50 boats covered in holiday lights as they traverse the Potomac River shore. Feeling peckish? Try one of many local pop-up eateries and beer gardens while you watch the parade.

•Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade: (December 6) – 2025 marks the 54rd year of the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. Clad in stylish tartan kilts, several Scottish clans parade through Old Town Alexandria while playing the bagpipes and drums. Guests can also greet terriers and hounds trotting alongside the participants.

Known as a quaint, cozy town in Southwest Virginia, Abingdon goes all out for the holidays, making it the perfect weekend or day trip. The historic Downtown Abingdon is lined with brick sidewalks and old-fashioned lamps. Garland-wrapped shop displays entice visitors to explore extensively curated antique shops, often run by local artisans.

Christmas Events in Abingdon, VA:

•A Christmas Carol: (November 19–December 28) – The Barter Theatre is showing performances of A Christmas Carol throughout December. Visit their website to find the full list of available shows.

•Holiday Brunch at Sisters at the Martha: (All December) – Dine and relax at the Sisters at the Martha Washington Inn & Spa, a historic site that once functioned as a women’s college in the early 19th century.

•Food City Speedway in Lights: (Mid-November–January 4) – Drive 15 minutes from Abingdon, VA to Bristol to see one of the largest light shows in the South. The four-mile Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway glitter with over 3 million lights in this immersive drive-through holiday experience.

•Birthplace of Country Music Museum: (Year-round) – This award-winning museum documents the history of country music, including incredible recordings and performances that solidified the genre as pivotal to Southern U.S. culture.

Virginia’s Christmas towns offer something for everyone, from historical celebrations to dazzling light displays. Middleburg and Williamsburg are nationally recognized holiday destinations, but it’s hard to beat the packed event calendar in Fredericksburg. For those looking for an intimate, relaxed Christmas vibe, Old Town Alexandria and Abingdon deliver on historic charm.

Virginia is full of history, culture, and incredible living perks. Explore On Board Virginia’s resources to see why Virginia is a great place to live!