🎄The Most Festive Towns in Virginia to Visit This Holiday Season

Virginia is the perfect state to visit for the Holidays. From Colonial streets to mountain towns, the Commonwealth shows off every December. So if you're looking for the most magical places to shop, sip cocoa, stroll under twinkle lights, and soak up some serious vibes - I’ve got your covered.

Let’s jump into the merriest destinations across Virginia (including a few of my personal faves!).

⭐ Richmond, VA: Capital of Christmas Magic

Richmond literally nails Christmas, with all of it's tacky glory. Some highlights:

• The Richmond Tacky Lights Tour - Either take a self-guided tour to these addresses:

3307 Kensington Ave

3330 Hanover Ave

408 S Laurel St

9606 Asbury Ct

9716 Wendhurst Dr

9410 Apple Blossom Dr

10256 Radford Mill Terrace

7396 Kelshire Trce

Or book a tour through one of the tour companies that has them:

RVA Paddlesports here: https://rvapaddlesports.com/rva-tacky-light-tours/

RVA Tuk Tuk here: https://rvatuktuk.com/seasonal/

• Dominion Energy Christmas Parade - Sat. Dec 6 at 10:15am, https://www.richmondparade.org

• The Jefferson Hotel Xmas Decor - Visit the Lobby any time, https://www.jeffersonhotel.com/holidays

• Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights - Nov 17 - Jan 4, https://www.lewisginter.org/visit/events/dominion-energy-gardenfest-of-lights/

• The Fan Holiday Home Tours - Dec 13 & 14 from 12-5pm, https://www.fandistrict.org/event-5875441

• Xmas Bar Overlays - soooo many good ones! Full list here: https://www.laurenzray.com/post/20-holiday-things-to-do-in-richmond-va

⭐ Alexandria, VA: Colonial Christmas Perfection

We love visiting Old Town Alexandria for the decorations and vibes during Xmas. Some highlights:

• Cobblestone streets lit by lanterns

• Boutique shops dressed up with greenery

• Waterfront fireworks at the Boat Parade of Lights, https://visitalexandria.com/holidays/boat-parade/

• Mount Vernon by Candlelight Tours, https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/mount-vernon-by-candlelight

• Scottish Xmas Walk Parade, https://visitalexandria.com/holidays/scottish-walk

It’s classy, traditional, and so beautifully done.

⭐ Williamsburg, VA: Old World Holidays

Williamsburg throws you straight back to Colonial America. Some highlights:

• Grand Illumination fireworks, https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/through-the-seasons/grand-illumination/

• Wreaths made with apples, pineapples, and fresh greens all over!

• Fife & drum performances

• Horse-drawn carriages trotting past candlelit windows

• But also: Busch Gardens Christmas Town nearby, https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/events/christmas-town

It’s one of the most enchanting and historically rich holiday destinations in the U.S.

⭐ Staunton, VA: A Cozy, Mountain-Town with Christmas train

We love visiting during Christmas to shop in their boutiques and ride their Christmas Train and visit Santa. Some highlights:

• A charming downtown full of independent shops

• The Holiday Home Tour, https://www.historicstaunton.org/events-2/holiday-house-tour/

• Warm, old-fashioned holiday markets

• The Santa Express, meet Santa aboard a train with cookies: https://www.virginiascenicrailway.com/rides/santa-express

It’s sweet, timeless, and perfect for cozy winter wandering.

⭐ Middleburg, VA: Holiday Horse Country

Middleburg is where Christmas goes equestrian. Some highlights:

• The legendary Christmas in Middleburg Parade features horses, hounds, and riders in red jackets, https://christmasinmiddleburg.org/

• Boutique shopping

• Wreaths and garlands on every historic brick building

• Luxurious countryside inns for the ultimate getaway

• Leesburg nearby with their historic downtown

It’s high-style, high-holiday, and very Virginia.

⭐ Leesburg, VA: Festive Downtown & Wineries

Leesburg is historic, walkable, beautifully decorated, and surrounded by rolling countryside and wineries. Some highlights:

• Leesburg Christmas and Holiday Parade, https://www.leesburgva.gov/departments/parks-recreation/events/holidays-in-leesburg

• Holiday Fine Arts & Crafts Show

• Downtown Leesburg Holiday Stroll

• Morven Park & Oatlands Historic House, both offer gorgeous holiday tours, wreath workshops, and seriously cozy historic estate vibes. https://oatlands.org/admission-hours/plan-your-visit/

https://www.morvenpark.org/

• Loudoun County Wineries - Bluemont, Willowcroft, Hillsborough, Casanel

• (nearby) Lucketts Store & Holiday House, https://www.luckettstore.com/

Leesburg blends historic downtown charm with wine-country sparkle.

⭐ Charlottesville, VA — Wine, Lights & Mountain Magic

A little classy and a little cozy. Here are some highlights:

• Holiday shopping on the pedestrian mall

• Festive events at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, https://www.monticello.org/visit/visit-holiday-season/

• Nearby wineries decked out with greenery and fireplaces

• A backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains = perfection

The vibes? Elegant but approachable.

⭐ Fredericksburg, VA: Small-Town Charm With a Historic Vibe

Fredericksburg has tons of cute things going on. Some highlights:

• Christmas Nights of Lights, https://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/events/major-events-festivals/holiday-lights/

• Colonial-style decorations downtown

• Light the Night Christmas Parade, https://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/events/light-the-night-christmas-parade/

• Ab Astris Wintery Winter Market, https://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/events/ab-astris-winery-annual-christmas-market/

• Carriage rides through the historic district

• Tons of holiday shopping & local craft markets

It’s a gem for anyone who loves classic Christmas vibes.

⭐ Yorktown, VA: Colonial Christmas on the Waterfront

Yorktown is historic, charming, and sitting right on the York River like it was made for twinkle-light reflections. Here are some highlights:

• Mistletoe Market, https://www.visityorktown.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=4061

• Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade, https://www.visityorktown.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=4763

• Christmas Tree Lighting at Riverwalk Landing, https://visityorktown.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=5077

• Festive strolls through the Colonial National Historic Park

• Shops at Riverwalk Landing

Yorktown has that coastal-colonial blend that’s peaceful, picturesque, and full of holiday spirit.

⭐ Virginia Beach, VA: Coastal Christmas

For those who want holiday cheer but also an ocean. Here are some highlights:

• Holiday Lights at the Beach, https://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/event/holiday-lights-at-the-beach/7019/

• Festive events at The Cavalier, https://www.cavalierresortvb.com/holidays

• Coastal markets, giant sand snowmen, and palm trees in lights

• Winter Wonderland at The Shack, https://www.theshackvb.com/winterwonderland

• Holiday Boat Parade, https://vbboatparade.com/

It’s Christmas, but make it seaside.

Whether you want the refined splendor of Alexandria, the colonial glow of Williamsburg, the mountain coziness of Staunton, or Richmond’s full-tilt festive energy, Virginia has a town that will match your holiday vibe perfectly.

I hope you found this post helpful! There are more blogs on my website about other spots around Virginia, as well as Richmond tips.

You can also follow me on YouTube for my travel videos or Instagram for daily updates. Feel free to DM me with any questions! Happy Holidays!!🎄

💚Lauren Z Ray