There’s nothing quite like comfort-watching a Hallmark holiday movie. Sure, they may be formulaic — and oftentimes more than a bit cheesy — but there’s just something about the twinkling lights, holiday markets, carriage rides, and ice skating. Feel transported to a movie set of your own at these nine jolly NoVA locations this holiday season.
Old Town Alexandria
Where to Eat/Drink
Warm up with a Belgian hot chocolate at Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee on King Street before you stroll down the festively decorated, lantern-lined streets. Grab a bite to eat at Chadwick’s — it’s been serving its housemade clam chowder for more than 40 years. The restaurant decorates for the holidays and (who knows!) could be a perfect place for a cute Hallmark movie–style meetup.
What to Do
Alexandria hosts an annual holiday boat parade where dozens of vessels donned in twinkling lights cruise 1 mile of the Potomac River shoreline. There are typically dockside activities and plenty of food and drinks. This year’s parade is Saturday, December 7. Before or after the parade, be sure to make time to stroll Old Town’s cobblestone streets. The area’s festive decor and sparkling lights make it easy to get caught up in the holiday magic.
Reston
Where to Eat/Drink
Before visiting Reston Town Center, fuel up with a family-style brunch at Makers Union. Once at the Town Center, take a break from the fun at Sixty Vines, which offers eco-friendly wine on tap as well as charcuterie boards, hand-tossed pizzas, and more.
What to Do
The Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion opens in November (an ice-skating scene is a must in a Hallmark holiday movie!), and the town typically hosts horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the season, too.
Middleburg
Where to Eat/Drink
Middleburg has an entire weekend devoted to all things Christmas. Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 7, for Christmas in Middleburg, which features “Spirits of Middleburg,” from 3–6 p.m. with progressive wine and cider tastings, food, and distilled spirits at restaurants like King Street Oyster Bar, and wineries and cideries like Boxwood Winery and Wild Hare Cider.
What to Do
Other Christmas in Middleburg events worth attending include the 2 p.m. Christmas parade, and to add to the Hallmark-like cuteness, there’s a Christmas pageant at Foxcroft School on December 8.
Old Town Manassas
Where to Eat/Drink
If you’re meeting an old friend who is back in town for the holidays (one of Hallmark’s popular movie formulas), head to Carmello’s. Enjoy delicious Italian and Portuguese fusion fare and sample one of the more than 75 Portuguese wines offered at Carmello’s of Old Town Manassas.
What to Do
Lace up your ice skates at Harris Pavilion, which is open November 15 through January 5, 2025. Get your holiday shopping done December 14 while you support local artisans at the annual Historic Manassas Holiday Market. Relish in the captivating Hallmark atmosphere with Christmas carols, hot coffee and cocoa, s’mores, and more.
Old Town Fairfax
Where to Eat/Drink
Hamrock’s is a charming spot take the family for a meal. Maybe a fried chicken sandwich or a burger and then a slice of gluten-free chocolate delight cake? Grab a cup of java or hot chocolate at De Clieu Coffee & Sandwich Shop. For some fun with your gal pals, stop by The Wine House for a glass of vino.
What to Do
Old Town Fairfax holds its Festival of Lights and Carols on December 7. The daylong affair starts at noon with youth choirs, handbell ringing, a tuba ensemble, and more quaint performances that just create that warm Hallmark feeling. The tree lighting in Old Town Square and the caroling are at 5:30 p.m. You can also head to the 2024 Fairfax City Holiday Market the first two weekends of December.
Historic Herndon
Where to Eat/Drink
Amphora’s Diner Deluxe serves breakfast all day and night for a wholesome, retro (dare we say it, Hallmark?) feel. The “Pancakes Deluxe” is a customer favorite and includes a choice of ham, bacon or sausage with two eggs, any style.
What to Do
One of the best parts of Hallmark holiday movies is gazing at the gorgeous homes featured in the films. You can get a peek at Herndon’s spectacular houses at its Holiday Homes Tour on December 7.
Fredericksburg
Where to Eat/Drink
Don’t miss The Nutcracker Tea at the Richard Johnston Inn on December 8, with a themed menu and the opportunity to stroll through the property, taking in the decorations.
What to Do
Fredericksburg is home to many holiday-related activities. On December 14, the heartwarming Winter Kids’ Market invites children ages 8 to 15 to sell their homemade items at the Dorothy Hart Community Center. Throughout the season, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents the Riverside Christmas Spectacular: Home for the Holidays, which includes singers, dancers and a live orchestra.
Finally, find the love of your life (or just spend a fun evening with family or friends) on December 28 at the Holiday Lights Night Walk 5K/10K. Leashed dogs and little ones in strollers are welcome to attend the event as well.
Winchester
Where to Eat/Drink
Winchester has dozens of dining options suitable for that cheery, Hallmark movie feel. Visit 50/50 Taphouse for a burger and beer, Benny Meleto’s for a slice of piping hot pizza, or Big L’s Bagels for a tasty bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel.
What to Do
Every year, Winchester hosts a delightful European holiday market-themed event called the Winchester Old Town Winter Village. This year’s event will be December 6–8, and will likely include carriage rides, traditional European food, and appearances by Santa and The Grinch.
Vienna
Where to Eat/Drink
Caffé Amouri is a wonderful place to savor the spirit of the season. The café prides itself on working with the community, regularly hosting free in-shop events. The honey cinnamon latte is an ideal complement to the chilly weather, too!
What to Do
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is hosting its Winter Walk of Lights, a joyful experience for the whole family, where you can stroll through a garden trail lit up with thousands of sparkling lights.
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Feature image of Old Town Alexandria courtesy Visit Alexandria
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