Weekend Warrior: Magical Christmas Towns in Virginia

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Williamsburg

It’s not hard to see why Williamsburg would come in #13 on Travel + Leisure Magazine’s national list of Best Towns for the Holidays. Williamsburg is known for its incredible attention to details, beautiful historic representation and ability to make everything just a little more fun. The holiday are no different. From colonial Christmas reenactments to special performances, parades and events, Williamsburg should definitely be on your holiday wish list. And of course, don’t forget Christmas Town at Busch Gardens!

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As the starting point (or ending point depending which way you’re driving) of the 100 Miles of Lights extravaganza, Richmond offers spectacular light displays throughout the city. From Agecroft Hall to Carytown to the State Capital, the city literally twinkles with holiday cheer. Experience an old fashioned Christmas at Maymont Park, see the Richmond Ballet perform The Nutcracker or stop by The Jefferson Hotel to see the giant gingerbread house and elegant decorations. Or, and this is my personal favorite, head out for the Tacky Lights Tour and see Griswold-like light displays throughout local neighborhoods.

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Old Town Alexandria has long been celebrated for its rich history, beautiful streets and quaint waterfront views. And the holidays are no different. There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to stroll the brick-paved streets of Old Town amidst holiday decorations, a huge selection of shopping options and plenty of dining.

 

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Ranked as one of Travel + Leisure Magazine’s “Best Towns for the Holidays,” Charlottesville’s normal history and charm are only heightened during the holidays. The Downtown Mall is perfect for holiday outings with a wide variety of shopping, dining and entertainment. And, of course, you won’t want to miss the “Lighting of the Lawn” at the University of Virginia on Thursday, December 3 or Charlottesville’s Grand Illumination on Friday, December 4. For historic Christmas tours, visit Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello or travel to nearby Orange to see James Madison’s Montpelier.

Fburg-Santa-Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg’s historic charm may be at its best during the holiday season – if not its best, then definitely its brightest. Make the most of the season with parades, holiday night walks, special holiday carriage rides and much more. From local shopping and dining to special events and performances, Fredericksburg is never short on holiday cheer.

 

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Front Royal offers charm and elegance throughout the year, and the holidays are just a good excuse to show it off with even more flair. From holiday parades to special events to local shopping, you won’t be sorry for spending the holidays in Front Royal.

 

 

Virginia-Beach-living-the-life--700x525Virginia Beach

Never one to do things halfway, Virginia Beach goes ALL out for the holiday. Go Sailing With Santa at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, check out McDonald’s Holiday Lights on the Beach, shop at the Christmas Market (one of the best Arts & Crafts shows in the nation) and see other displays from the 100 Miles of Lights that stretch from Richmond to Virginia Beach (with stops in Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk and Portsmouth along the way).

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As part of the DC Metropolitan Area, Manassas has access to all of the major events in the Washington, D.C. area, but with its own close community, it’s the perfect place to get your holidays started. With special Christmas events happening all month, you can spend the day shopping, enjoying traditional holiday activities or visiting historic homes and buildings. There’s really no way to go wrong!

*Information courtesy of http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/top-christmas-towns-va/