10 small Virginia towns that become real-life winter wonderlands

Discover festive charm in 10 Virginia towns this holiday season, featuring magical light displays, artisan markets, and historic celebrations.

The holiday season transforms Virginia into a magical display of lights, garlands, and stunning seasonal decor, with towns and cities across the commonwealth putting on vibrant shows. But some destinations go above and beyond, offering holiday charm that feels straight out of a storybook. If you’re looking to hit the open road and soak in the spirit of the season, these 10 small Virginia towns and cities are a must-visit for an unforgettable winter wonderland experience.

1. Suffolk

Suffolk is a charming destination to celebrate the holiday season, packed with festive events that bring the community together. Kicking off the festivities on Nov. 22, the Grand Illumination lights up downtown Suffolk, featuring crafts, music, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. From Dec. 1-31, visitors can enjoy “ice” skating at Downtown Festival Park, creating memorable moments on a synthetic ice rink.

The first weekend in December showcases “A Hometown Holiday Weekend,” complete with a historic holiday tour and an artisan gift fair. The tour invites guests to explore beautifully preserved buildings and festive decorations while enjoying holiday music and seasonal beverages. Meanwhile, the artisan gift fair offers a chance to shop for unique crafts and treats, perfect for crossing things off your Christmas list. With a holiday parade lighting up the streets on Dec. 14, Suffolk promises a delightful celebration filled with Southern charm and holiday cheer.

2. Williamsburg

Williamsburg radiates holiday cheer with events that capture the spirit of the season. Start with nearby Yorktown’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 6, a cherished tradition since 1945. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. with live music by the Fifes and Drums of York Town, the celebration moves to Riverwalk Landing for the lighting of a towering 24-foot tree, topped off by Santa and Mrs. Claus’s arrival.

Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination, held every Friday in December, brightens the historic district with fireworks and elaborate decorations as entertainers stroll Duke of Gloucester Street. Williamsburg Campground joins in the festivities with themed weekends, s’mores, and outdoor fire pits.

Photo courtesy of Josh Harrison/Unsplash.

3. Leesburg

Leesburg truly shines during the holiday season with an array of festive events for all ages. The celebrations begin with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Dec. 7 at Town Green, where live music and holiday characters spread cheer. The same weekend, shoppers can explore the Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show, showcasing handcrafted goods from local artisans. On Dec. 14, the Christmas and Holiday Parade winds through historic downtown, delighting viewers as Santa and friends make their way along King Street. Other festive activities include tree lightings, parades, a winter lights walk, and family-friendly events at the Village at Leesburg and Leesburg Animal Park.

4. Middleburg 

Middleburg transforms into a holiday haven, offering a blend of tradition and charm that draws over 10,000 visitors each December. Known as “the South’s most charming Christmas town,” Middleburg’s seasonal festivities kick off with the tree lighting and culminate in the Christmas in Middleburg event on Dec. 3. Highlights include the iconic Middleburg Horse & Hound Revue, followed by a mile-long Christmas parade, caroling, and shopping in Middleburg’s cozy boutiques.

The holiday magic continues all month with A Dickens Christmas, bringing carriage rides, carolers, street performances, and a production of “A Christmas Carol.” The Salamander Resort & Spa and Boxwood Estate Winery add festive experiences, from tastings to family-friendly events. Middleburg’s array of activities, from toy drives to artisan shopping at Emmanuel’s Christmas Shop, ensures a season rich in tradition and joy. 

5. Ashland 

From Nov. 23 to Jan. 1, Downtown Ashland transforms its historic district into a magical holiday wonderland with the Light Up the Tracks celebration. This free mile-long light display features over 10,000 dazzling lights, creating a twinkling spectacle that visitors can enjoy by walking, cycling, or driving through the area. Each night, the lights illuminate at dusk, adding to the festive atmosphere of the “Center of the Universe.”

On Dec. 7, the Ashland Christmas Market will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Historic Downtown Ashland. Inspired by global open-air holiday markets, this event features sidewalk sales, displays, and specials from local shops and businesses alongside a crafts fair showcasing over 100 local artists and makers. With 18 local eateries, festive music, and food trucks, this family-friendly event promises holiday cheer, rain or shine!

6. Farmville

Farmville normally kicks off the season in late November, when the town lights up with a traditional tree-lighting ceremony. Visitors can savor hot chocolate, sing Christmas carols, and let children write letters to Santa. Following this, locals can indulge in sweet treats at nearby cafes, setting the tone for a joyous weekend.

7. Staunton

Staunton shines brightly during the holiday season with a variety of festive events. The charming downtown area features unique boutiques and artisan shops perfect for gift-giving. Saturdays in December come alive with shopping specials, Santa visits, and holiday performers. Experience a horse-drawn carriage ride and explore the R.R. Smith Center for History and Art’s Art for Gifts market, showcasing works from local artists.

Families can enjoy Santa’s Scenic Railway rides, and the Historic Staunton Foundation’s Holiday House Tour opens the doors to beautifully decorated historic homes on Dec. 7 and 8. Don’t miss the Old World Holiday Tours at the Frontier Culture Museum from Dec. 18 to 22 and Gypsy Hill Park’s Celebration of Holiday Lights, which illuminates the park nightly. Join in the cheer with performances of “A Christmas Carol” at the American Shakespeare Center through Dec. 29.

Photo courtesy of Marcia Conner/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

8. Bedford 

Bedford embraces the holiday spirit with a robust lineup of festive events and activities that highlight the charm of this small town. As the “Christmas Capital of Virginia,” Bedford invites visitors to participate in meaningful traditions, starting with the Flames of Memory at the National D-Day Memorial from Dec. 6-8, where thousands of luminaries honor fallen service members.

The downtown area dazzles with holiday decorations, featuring unique shops and the interactive Train Exhibit at the Bedford Museum, perfect for families. Residents and visitors can enjoy stunning light displays at English Meadows Elks Home Campus and Liberty Lake Park, which remain open until New Year’s Day. Bedford’s festivities culminate on Dec. 7 with the Christmas Classic 5K, Christmas Parade, and a vibrant Christmas Market, showcasing local artisans and their handmade creations.

Photo courtesy of Kipp Teague/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

9. Galax

Galax knows how to celebrate the brightness of the holidays by transforming downtown into a festive wonderland that captures the heart of Appalachian Christmas traditions. On Dec. 14, from 12 to 6 p.m., the Old Time Appalachian Christmas Festival brings the streets to life with handcrafted gifts, baked goods, heritage demos, live music, s’mores, wagon rides, and photo ops with Santa. This annual celebration is perfect for immersing yourself in the spirit of the season.

Adding to the magic, Galax hosts High Country Lights, a dazzling show featuring 250,000 synchronized lights in Felts Park. Running nightly from Nov. 23 through Jan. 1 at 6 p.m., this free attraction includes carriage rides, food trucks, and Santa visits, creating a joyous atmosphere for all ages. 

Photo courtesy of High Country Lights.

10. Abingdon

Experience the charm of a classic small-town Christmas in Abingdon, where festive activities await from mid-November to late December. Start your holiday adventure at the William King Museum of Art, adorned with lights and garlands, where you can enjoy warm cider and cookies. Stroll along the brick sidewalks of the historic district to admire charming decorations and unique shops like Holston Mountain Artisans and the Abingdon Olive Oil Company. Savor a meal at the Peppermill, located in a Victorian home, before catching a holiday-themed production at the Barter Theatre, a cultural gem dating back to 1830. Wrap up your trip with a holiday brunch at Sisters at The Martha, a historic inn. 

Also, don’t miss the Merchant Open House on Nov. 23, where local businesses showcase unique holiday gift ideas. Santa will make appearances throughout the day, adding to the festive spirit of this delightful small-town getaway.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.