Want to feel like you’re in your own version of a Hallmark Channel holiday film? These cozy Virginia towns will transport you to the cheery set of your dreams.
Alexandria
Hallmark needs to check out Old Town’s festive vibe. There’s no doubt you could build a great plot around the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade or the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade, both of which are on December 2, the city’s biggest holiday weekend. With King Street decked out with holiday greenery and white lights, romance abounds as you stroll along the main shopping thoroughfare down to the Potomac River waterfront. And for those looking for the perfect presents for their Hallmark sweethearts, the Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square on December 9 may be the opportunity they need to seize.
Bristol
If you’re drawn to Hallmark films featuring race car drivers, this is the town for you. The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights at the Bristol Motor Speedway allows guests to drive through the speedway, taking in three million lights along the 4-mile course. There’s a Christmas Village infield and an ice rink open for the season also. In addition, the town of Bristol offers a Christmas parade, a downtown shopping event, and performing arts including The Nutcracker.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg packs the holiday calendar with events like Ferry Farm’s annual gingerbread contest and exhibit through December 2, and a “Happy ‘Paw’lidays” event that offers pet photos with Santa and ornament-making for their humans. There’s even a Frosty 5K and Reindeer Run, a wine festival highlighting Virginia wine, a spectacular downtown parade, and a German-style holiday market with food and crafts vendors in historic Market Square.
Lexington
Lexington has one of the most picturesque holiday main streets in the state. Lampposts are adorned with giant red bows. Shops create cheery window displays. And there are multiple events perfect for a weekend getaway. Who knows? You may meet your true love at the Home for the Holidays parade, Jingle Bell Run, or after-hours shopping with the Dickens Carolers.
Middleburg
This quaint Loudoun County town, with a population of under 1,000 people, has small-town charm in spades. Visit in December for events including a tree lighting ceremony with caroling, a “hunt and hounds” review, breakfast with Santa, a much-anticipated Christmas parade, and more. The weekend culminates in a Christmas pageant (with live animals!) at Foxcroft School.
Williamsburg
This historic town has more than 2,500 wreaths decorating its town center. It even came in No. 6 on a list of Hallmark Christmas towns — ranking high for cheer and friendliness, as well as plenty of small businesses. Many of those businesses place a single candle in their front windows, making for a serene holiday scene. Don’t miss a stroll through Busch Gardens too — the amusement park is home to one of the biggest Christmas light displays in North America.
Feature image by Evan Michio for Visit Alexandria
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