It's the most wonderful time of the year, especially if you happen to visit a small town this holiday season. While the larger cities certainly know how to celebrate in style, there's nothing quite like a small town for a healthy dose of Christmas cheer. That's especially true for these Hallmark towns in Virginia, which all fully embrace the holiday season. You'll spot thousands of twinkle lights, festive storefronts, carolers, and perhaps even Old Saint Nick himself when you visit the following towns:
1. Lexington
Charming any time of year, Lexington might just take the cake for the most festive small town during the holidays. Not only will you find the historic downtown district lined with lights and wreaths, but there's an annual tree-lighting ceremony that draws nearly every resident to the main square for this candlelit tradition.
2. Alexandria
Not far from the nation's capital, you'll find the town of Alexandria, one of the best places to spend Christmas in Virginia. This town embraces its waterfront culture with an annual boat festival as well as the tree lighting ceremony. The shops in Old Town are also notorious for their holiday decor. To read more about Christmas in Alexandria, click here.
3. Charlottesville
Annual traditions like the Lighting of the Lawn on the University of Virginia's campus bring hundreds to Charlottesville each season. Yet there are plenty of other ways to fall into the spirit in Albermarle County. Visit any number of the nearby wineries and you're bound to find a wintery scene much like the one photographed above.
4. Abingdon
There's a reason Abingdon is considered to be one of the most picturesque small towns in America. Its beautiful natural surroundings and lively culture are all the more magical in the wintertime. Whether you're out for a quick shopping trip or are delighting in the hundreds of lights, you'll feel ready for your Hallmark close-up. Plus, you can head to the Barter Theatre for a Christmas show, one of the most beloved holiday events in Virginia.
5. Front Royal
The town of Front Royal is perhaps best known as being the gateway to Virginia's famous Shenandoah National Park. This time of year, it's also the gateway to the holiday season and one of the best towns in Virginia to visit during Christmas. This beloved town in the Shenandoah Valley offers impeccable Christmas decor and looks positively perfect under a blanket of snow.
6. Fredericksburg
One of the most iconic Hallmark towns in Virginia, it doesn't get much more classic than the town of Fredericksburg during the holidays. Santa and his full sleigh make a trip down Main Street each year in an unforgettable parade. Plus, each storefront and small business is decked out for the occasion.
7. Winchester
With horse-drawn carriage rides, a trimmed Christmas tree, wreaths on light posts, and countless lights, the town of Winchester pulls out all the stops for the holiday season. One of the best towns to spend Christmas in Virginia, head to Old Town this time of year and you won't help but feel like you're in your very own Christmas movie.
What are some of your favorite small towns in Virginia to visit during the holidays? We'd love to hear from you! For related content, learn about how you can Skate Under A Canopy Of Lights At This Magical Rink In Virginia.
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