Reporting by Bill Atkinson, Petersburg Progress-Index/Staunton News Leader
Virginia shoppers will have two places to experience Spirit Christmas when the seasonal retailer makes its debut in the state in 2026.
Spirit Christmas stores are planned for Colonial Heights and Manassas, according to a statement from Spirit co-owners Spencer Gifts LLC and Spirit Halloween Superstores LLC.
The Colonial Heights store will open Nov. 6, days after Spirit Halloween closes Oct. 31 in the same Southgate Square space.
The company describes Spirit Christmas as a holiday destination combining seasonal merchandise with interactive displays and family activities. The Virginia stores are among 44 locations planned across 15 states in 2026.
Where will Spirit Christmas open in Virginia?
Spirit Christmas will have stores in Colonial Heights and Manassas, marking the first time the seasonal concept has operated in Virginia.
The Colonial Heights store will be in the former Conn’s location at Southgate Square. The store is next to Burlington and behind Southpark Mall.
The statement did not provide an address or opening date for the Manassas store, but the company website states it will open in November.
When will the Colonial Heights Spirit Christmas open?
The Colonial Heights location is scheduled to open Nov. 6.
Spirit Halloween will close at the same location Oct. 31 before the space changes over to Spirit Christmas.
What will the stores sell?
The stores will carry holiday décor, apparel and gifts, along with merchandise intended for family activities, game nights and white elephant exchanges.
Spirit describes the shopping experience as “a festive adventure filled with interactive experiences, larger-than-life displays, and thousands of joyful, unexpected finds.”
What attractions will shoppers find inside?
The in-store experience will include the “Candy Cane Express,” which takes shoppers into the store and toward “Inflatable Land.” That display will feature Frosty the Snowman and other characters from vintage holiday cartoons and television programs.
“The holidays are so much more than what’s under the tree. They’re about the traditions families return to year after year and the magic of creating new ones,” Kym Sarkos, executive vice president of Spirit, said in a statement.
“From decorating your home and trimming the tree to family game nights and white elephant exchanges, we’re proud to offer a holiday destination where guests can discover new favorites and create memories that become part of their own holiday traditions.”
How many stores are opening in 2026?
Spirit Christmas plans to operate 44 stores in 15 states in 2026, including the two Virginia locations. The other stores will extend from the Great Lakes and New England into Florida.
This will be the third year Spirit Christmas has operated and its first year with stores in Virginia.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader.
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