Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, it’s seasonally appropriate to dive head first into the most wonderful time of year. Whether you consider yourself a holiday enthusiast or not, there’s no denying that Virginia is a state that lends itself to the magic of the season. Twinkling lights, a dusting of snow here and there, and that intangible feeling of being in the place we love most. And what’s the best way to celebrate? We think these activities will help make the holiday season in Virginia all the more memorable.
- Get the family together for a Christmas lights outing and see how the neighborhoods have transformed.
Taber Andrew Bain/flickr
- Attend at least one small town Christmas and holiday parade.
Mellydoll/flickr Photographed above is the annual Lexington Christmas Parade, which takes place this year on December 2nd.
- Witness a local tree-lighting ceremony.
Via Tsuji/flickr Nothing brings communities together quite like a beautiful tree lighting.
- Take a candlelight tour of Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon By Candlelight/Facebook From November 25th until December 18th, visitors can take a scenic candle-lit tour of Mount Vernon led by 18th century characters.
- See a performance of the Nutcracker ballet.
Southwest Virginia Ballet/Facebook Photographed above is a presentation by the Southwest Virginia Ballet, taking place this year on December 9th.
- Bake your favorite holiday cookies.
Moyan Brenn/flickr These homemade treats shouldn’t be just for Santa to enjoy!
- Take a ride on Virginia’s very own Polar Express.
Holidays in the Burg/Facebook This magical experience is for passengers of all ages and takes place on December 10th. For more information, check out the VRE Santa Train of Fredericksburg.
- Experience Richmond’s “Maymont by the Moonlight.”
Maymont On December 13th or 20th, experience the romantic event known as “Maymont by the Moonlight” in Richmond.
- Take a festive lighted boat tour of Old Town.
Old Town Alexandria Alexandria has never seemed more magical. The festive lighted boat tour takes place on December 3rd at the waterfront.
- Order your favorite seasonal beverage and stroll through town.
Kamille P./Yelp The delicious combo photographed above can be found at Whisk Bakery in downtown Richmond.
- Attend the Grand Illumination at Colonial Williamsburg.
Donnie Gladfelter/flickr This magical, family-friendly event takes place on December 4th this year.
- See what treasures or gifts you can find at your local holiday store.
The Christmas Store/Facebook Who needs chain stores when you’ve got amazing local crafts and shops here in Virginia. Photographed above is the Christmas Store in Smithfield.
Which activities or traditions would you add to this holiday bucket list? We’d love to hear from you!
Taber Andrew Bain/flickr
Mellydoll/flickr
Photographed above is the annual Lexington Christmas Parade, which takes place this year on December 2nd.
Via Tsuji/flickr
Nothing brings communities together quite like a beautiful tree lighting.
Mount Vernon By Candlelight/Facebook
From November 25th until December 18th, visitors can take a scenic candle-lit tour of Mount Vernon led by 18th century characters.
Southwest Virginia Ballet/Facebook
Photographed above is a presentation by the Southwest Virginia Ballet, taking place this year on December 9th.
Moyan Brenn/flickr
These homemade treats shouldn’t be just for Santa to enjoy!
Holidays in the Burg/Facebook
This magical experience is for passengers of all ages and takes place on December 10th. For more information, check out the VRE Santa Train of Fredericksburg.
Maymont
On December 13th or 20th, experience the romantic event known as “Maymont by the Moonlight” in Richmond.
Old Town Alexandria
Alexandria has never seemed more magical. The festive lighted boat tour takes place on December 3rd at the waterfront.
Kamille P./Yelp
The delicious combo photographed above can be found at Whisk Bakery in downtown Richmond.
Donnie Gladfelter/flickr
This magical, family-friendly event takes place on December 4th this year.
The Christmas Store/Facebook
Who needs chain stores when you’ve got amazing local crafts and shops here in Virginia. Photographed above is the Christmas Store in Smithfield.
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