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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

7 Christmas Towns In Virginia That Will Fill Your Heart With Holiday Cheer

Published Nov 9, 2023

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

Christmas in Virginia is a magical time of year. Nowhere is that truer than in our small towns, which seem to come alive with the holiday spirit. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of the best Christmas towns in Virginia that promise to enchant residents and visitors alike. So bundle up in your coziest winter jacket and prepare to be absolutely charmed!

1. Williamsburg

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Visit Williamsburg / Facebook

Long considered one of the most festive Christmas towns in Virginia, Williamsburg offers endless seasonal activities for all to enjoy. Whether you're fascinated by historic holiday traditions or curious to check out Busch Gardens Christmas Town and its 10 million lights, you'll be positively enchanted by your visit.

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2. Fredericksburg

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Visit Fredericksburg, Virginia / Facebook

Another historic town in Virginia, Fredericksburg knows how to embrace the holiday magic. Some seasonal events you'll want to check out include the annual Fredericksburg Christmas Market and the holiday parade downtown, which kicks off the beginning of the holiday season.

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3. Richmond

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Visit Richmond VA / Facebook

The capital of Virginia sure knows how to celebrate all things holiday-related, and Christmas is no exception! There are so many things to do in Richmond over Christmastime, including the Dominion GardenFest of Lights and Kings Dominion Winter Fest. Or, simply take a stroll and admire the houses all decked out in lights.

4. Roanoke

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Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge / Facebook

Next up on our list is a southwestern Virginia town that never disappoints this time of year. Roanoke offers lots of family-friendly holiday activities, including Illuminights at Explore Park (photographed above) and the annual Roanoke County Christmas Tree lighting.

5. Alexandria

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Visit Alexandria VA / Facebook

No list of charming Christmas towns in Virginia is complete without a mention of Alexandria and specifically, Old Town Alexandria. A charming place to explore year-round, this destination is absolutely enchanting during the holiday season. Stop by Market Square to admire the 40-foot tree or enjoy visiting the small businesses selling all kinds of unique gifts.

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6. Lexington

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Lexington, Virginia and the Rockbridge Area Tourism / Facebook

Lexington exudes small-town charm, and that's especially true during the holiday season. From the annual tree-lighting ceremony to the Christmas parade, there's no shortage of ways to engage in some small-town holiday festivities. And don't forget to check out the Festival of the Trees at nearby Natural Bridge State Park!

7. Charlottesville

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Experience Charlottesville / Facebook

Last but not least, Charlottesville is another must-visit holiday town in Virginia. A stroll along the downtown mall is bound to put you in the Christmas spirit, not to mention that it's a fantastic place to get your holiday shopping done. From touring Monticello all decked out in holiday decor to participating in one of the town's many festivals and parades, there's a lot to love about Charlottesville this time of year.

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So, there you have it: the most charming Christmas towns in Virginia. Whether you've been researching Christmas Festivals in Virginia, places to go for Christmas in Virginia, or have even been wondering about the Christmas capital of Virginia, we hope this list has come in handy! What are some of your favorite places to celebrate the holidays? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below -- we would love to hear from you!

And don't forget to check out our ultimate gift-giving guide this season. You'll find something for everyone on your list!

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

There’s Nothing More Enchanting Than a Winter Getaway to This Virginia Small Town

Plan a winter getaway to the small town of Luray, VA and discover the Luray Caverns winter tours. It's one of the best winter attractions in Shenandoah Valley.

Updated Nov 7, 2024

Written by 

Chris Muras

When the holidays come around, we are always looking for enchanting winter getaways. Luckily, Virginia is a magical mountain state in the wintertime and there is no shortage of things to do in Shenandoah Valley in winter. Some of our favorite attractions to explore in winter in Virginia include ski resorts, hiking trails, waterfall hikes, unique cabin rentals, and cozy cafes. Not to mention exploring one of the nation’s best underground cave systems on a Luray Caverns winter tour. Let’s go on a little adventure to one of the best small towns in Virginia to enjoy your next winter getaway.

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We can’t help but to love Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shenandoah National Park. They rise to a whole new level of beauty in the winter. With 500 miles of trails to explore in Shenandoah National Park, this protected wilderness is the perfect destination for nature lovers. And the small town of Luray, Virginia is smack dab in the middle of all that Shenandoah Valley action.

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Ruth Hartnup/Flickr

If you love winter activities, Luray's Massanutten Resort offers 6,000 acres of skiing and snowboarding fun - it's just outside Luray in Massanutten, VA.

Skiers descend a snowy slope with a scenic view of mountains and valleys under a clear sky.
Management/VRBO

Perhaps Luray's biggest attraction is the beautiful Luray Caverns which was discovered in 1878. One of its many stunning features is the wishing pool. A tradition began in 1954 to toss coins into the shimmering aquamarine pool in exchange for a wish come true. While we don't know for sure how many individual wishes have actually come true, we do know every year the coins are collected and donated to various charities. Since 1954 that equates to well over a million dollars worth of wishes - so in a way the wishing pool has granted thousands of wishes over the years.

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m01229/Flickr

After a day of skiing, exploring the national park, or spelunking in underground caverns, ask any local and they will tell you to stop at GG's. The Gathering Grounds Patisserie & Cafe is a French-style bistro that is well known for its amazing baked goods, scrumptious lunches, and even mouth-watering steak dinners.

After enjoying all that Luray has to offer, a stay at a unique mountain cabin is in order. You are completely surrounded by the Shenandoah Valley in this "Bougie Bunker." It is an earth home originally built by a doomsday prepper, but now is a wonderful cabin rental in the woods.

A cozy, round house with a wooden porch, surrounded by nature and sunlight shining through the trees.
Management/VRBO

With cozy modern furnishings in an eco-friendly home, you can enjoy a chilly Virginia winter while staying nice and toasty for a romantic weekend getaway or a family vacation. This unique rental property makes for a fun and memorable stay on your enchanting winter getaway in Luray, Virginia. Be sure to book your stay soon!

Would you like to see inside the Luray Caverns? It’s one of the best attractions during the winter in Virginia. What are some of your favorite things to do in Virginia? Let us know!

With so much to explore in the Shenandoah Valley in winter, you are bound to find plenty to keep you busy and entertained. Be sure to read more about the many attractions in Luray, VA in this article.

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Trip Ideas|Day Trips

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Virginia, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

The small town of Lynchburg, Virginia, has incredible attractions, historical sites, and restaurants. Must-see attractions include the Old City Cemetery, Monument Terrace, the Lynchburg Community Market, and Amazement Square. Fantastic restaurants include The Water Dog and the Depot Grille.

Published Nov 6, 2024

Written by 

Kelly Carroll

When you think about spending one day in Virginia, you might picture a day in Virginia Beach, Richmond, or Charlottesville. But these cities aren't the only great spots in Virginia; the state has many hidden gem small towns. Lynchburg, Virginia, is one of them. In the central part of the state, near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lynchburg has many awesome restaurants, attractions, and historical sites. If you only have one day in Lynchburg, a few places top the must-see list.

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Lynchburg, Virginia, USA downtown skyline.

One of Lynchburg's must-see attractions is the Old City Cemetary, a historic cemetery established in 1806, making it one of the oldest public cemeteries in America. The cemetery, located on Taylor Street, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearly 20,000 people are buried there, about two-thirds of whom were African American. Many of the people buried in the cemetery died between 1875 and 1925. The 27-acre property is also a public garden, home to about 600 trees. Visitors are welcome at the cemetery year-round, from dawn to dusk, and the site hosts numerous events each year, including candlelight tours and historical reenactments.

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Sunset Over Old City Cemetery in Lynchburg, VA.

Another fantastic Lynchburg attraction is Monument Terrace, commemorating people who served in the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. There is also a Purple Heart Monument and a POW-MIA Monument. Visitors can walk along the terrace, stopping to enjoy each memorial. The terrace connects two bustling streets, Court Street and Church Street, and the area is excellent for strolling on a nice day.

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Lynchburg, Virginia, USA cityscape at Monument Terrace.

Near Monument Terrace is the Lynchburg Community Market, which is worth checking out. The market started in 1783 and is the third-oldest market in the U.S. Visitors can shop for food, artisan wares, and art. The market emphasizes local foods, and Virginia farmers and local artisan food vendors sell there. Hungry shoppers can buy produce, baked goods, coffee, and tea.

Amazement Square is another great spot in Lynchburg, especially if you're visiting with children. The award-winning children's museum has four floors of unique exhibits, including Bee in the Know, where visitors learn about bees, and Raceways and Voltageville, where visitors learn about scientific concepts like gravity and electricity.

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Riverside looking at downtown Lynchburg city center early morning light

After browsing the historic market, the next stop is one of Lynchburg's fantastic restaurants. Near the James River are two great spots to eat. The Water Dog serves oysters, nachos, wings, burgers, tacos, salads, and soups in a relaxed, lively environment. The Depot Grille serves steak, chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes. Trains are a significant part of the restaurant; the grill's kitchen was crafted from two railroad freight cars, diners can watch trains pass on the nearby tracks, and a hand-built model train is displayed on-site.

Lynchburg is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Consider staying in this two-bedroom Airbnb with river and park views.

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