10 Reasons to Visit Virginia during the Holidays

The holidays are here, and you may be looking forward to spending some down time with your friends and family during this special season. Turn that quality time into memories that'll last a lifetime on a memorable day trip or overnighter to a Virginia destination. 

Here are ten reasons we think you'll LOVE the holidays in Virginia. 

10. Get Cozy at a Winery

Nothing warms you up quicker than a crackling fireplace, but a great glass of Virginia wine is a close second. With over 300 wineries around the Commonwealth, you’ll forget the bitter chill of winter in no time. 

Start sipping with our list of 35+ Cozy Wine Tasting Rooms in Virginia. 

9. See Your Favorite Bands Perform at a Live Music Venue

Dancing is another way to stay warm during the winter — and what better place to dance than at a live music venue where your favorite bands perform? Virginia has plenty of live music during the winter months, from shows in large music halls to intimate performances. 

Make a weekend of it and visit one of our favorite music destinations in Virginia. 

8. Visit a Winter Resort with the Family

If you are one of those people who actually enjoys the cold weather, embrace it at one of Virginia’s winter resorts or parks. Places like Wintergreen and Massanutten offer skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, with slopes for every experience level. Finish up the day with a cup of hot cocoa at the lodge, and you’re on your way to creating some unforgettable family memories.

Smaller parks like Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre or ice skating rinks throughout Virginia let you get a taste of ice and snow without committing an entire weekend to the winter sports.

7. Take in Iconic History without the Crowds

Virginia’s rich history draws thousands and thousands of people each year to famous destinations like Monticello, Mount Vernon, Montpelier, and Colonial Williamsburg. Winter may be the off-season for most historic sites, but that makes it prime time to get out and explore while avoiding the crowds. Many of the historic destinations have indoor buildings that keep you out of the cold, but wrap up in a few extra layers to tour the grounds with plenty of warmth and comfort.

Get your trip back in time started with our guide to 13 Iconic Virginia History Sites. 

6. Enjoy Breathtaking Mountain Views

The mountains of Virginia have been memorialized in well-known poems, songs, and novels, but visiting in winter is your chance to write your own mountain story. Take in magnificent panoramic scenes from monumental peaks after an inspiring hike, or journey up one of Virginia’s epic mountain roadways like Skyline Drive or the Blue Ridge Parkway to reach scenic views that will leave you breathless.

If you plan on taking the hiking route through the mountains, consider following a portion of the legendary Appalachian Trail. Whether you complete two miles or twenty miles, you’ll still have traveled along one of the most illustrious trails in America.

5. Sample the Abundant Holiday Beverages

You may be thinking that traveling for a refreshing holiday brew seems like a lot of work — but the payoff is worth it, since most of these beers aren’t sold outside of the brewery locations. Craft beer fans will love sampling holiday beers from places like Hardywood Park Craft Brewery in Richmond, Back Bay Brew House in Virginia Beach, or Crozet’s Starr Hill Brewery. 

If you prefer a cocktail, make a trip to one of Virginia's holiday pop-up bars. These seasonal sites are often decorated top to bottom and feature creative seasonal drinks and bites. 

4. Shop in the Big City, or Support Local

Pick up all your holiday gifts when you shop at Virginia’s outlets and malls, or get local and handmade items when you head to a small town main street. Your shopping adventure can be about more than just buying gifts — check out our guide to holiday shopping destinations to see nearby places to eat and things to do at malls, outlets, and shopping districts around the Commonwealth. 

3. Eat at World-class Restaurants with Friends or Family

No matter where you are in Virginia, you’ll discover a tasty meal is just around the corner — sometimes quite literally! Whether you're looking for an award-winning restaurant, a table on the waterfront, or a farm-to-table favorite, savoring Virginia’s finest flavors is a great way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family.

Use our local dining guides to see the eateries Virginians love. 

2. Go on a Romantic Retreat

Even with all the time spent together during the holidays, it is not always easy to feel the romance at your own home. Plan a romantic weekend getaway with your significant other and head to one of Virginia’s upscale resorts, quaint inns, or charming bed and breakfasts for a break from the everyday. You could also keep it simple with a delicious meal at a romantic restaurant.

1. Because Every Season in Virginia is Beautiful!

Some states boast that it is summer all year round — but we think that's a little boring. We love that Virginia has four distinct seasons, showcasing its natural splendor differently during each. From the mountains to the lakes, rivers, and beaches, the landscapes change with the seasons to create a full year of beauty, which is put on full display at the national and state parks found in every corner of the Commonwealth.

Don’t let the winter blues hit you or your family this year. Visit a few of these Virginia destinations to boost your holiday cheer and create unforgettable memories of the season.