The holiday season is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Virginia, with lights, garland, and stunning seasonal decor going up all around the Commonwealth. But while every town and city puts on a show, some go above and beyond with their decorations. These destinations are a must if you're looking to hit the open road and enjoy a spirited road trip during the holiday season.

Our festive picks include everything from charming small towns to urban centers illuminated by countless holiday lights. You don't have to spend big to have a memorable holiday getaway in Virginia. Plan a road trip to a few of these 15 decked-out destinations to fill your holidays with unforgettable cheer this year! 


JUMP TO: Shenandoah & VA Mountains | Northern Virginia | Coastal Virginia | Central Virginia
 

SHENANDOAH VALLEY & VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS

Downtown Staunton

Downtown Staunton

Staunton

During the holidays, downtown Staunton decorates the shop windows with festive touches, and holiday lights are wound along the city’s roadside light posts, creating a picturesque scene that brings to mind a Norman Rockwell piece.

The city also hosts a must-see light event — the free two-mile drive-by or walk-by Celebration of Lights at Gypsy Hill Park. If staying overnight, book a room at the historic Blackburn Inn, which is decked out with festive lights and decor during the holiday season. 

Where To Grab Delicious Holiday Treats

Where to Snap Holiday Photos

  • The Marquis Building
  • You Belong Here Mural (on the corner of Beverly Street and S Central Avenue)

Where to Shop Local 

Lexington

Cocoa Mill Chocolate Co.

Cocoa Mill, Lexington

Photo Credit: Jamie Goodin

Downtown Lexington offers the perfect spot for a festive holiday outing. The lamp posts don wreaths with big red bows while local shopkeepers create beautiful displays in their front windows. And that's just the outside!

Fuel up at local eateries with holiday fare before hitting the shops, then reward yourself with a craft beer or creative cocktail after you've crossed everyone off your list. Plan an overnight stay at The Georges for their Cookie Decorating & Holiday Movies event for a holiday-inspired weekend getaway. 

Where To Grab Holiday Goodies

Where to Snap Holiday Photos

Where to Shop Local 

Roanoke

Dickens of a Christmas

Dickens of a Christmas

Photo Credit: Shannon Terry

Many local shops in Downtown Roanoke display their holiday spirit with extravagant storefront window displays, especially on Market Street.

For the first three weekends in December, Dickens of a Christmas brings charming holiday traditions to the heart of Downtown Roanoke. Don't miss chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Dickens-esque carolers, and local artisan vendors at the Historic Roanoke City Market.

Where To Grab Holiday Goodies

Where to Snap Holiday Photos

Where to Shop Local

  • Historic Roanoke City Market: Open 363 days a year and features local, handmade goods from artisans around Virginia’s Blue Ridge. 
  • Black Dog Salvage: Premiere salvage warehouse filled with salvaged architectural antiques and home of the DIY Network's television series, Salvage Dawgs.
  • Chocolatepaper: Gourmet chocolate shop and a quirky selection of gifts and cards. 
  • 310 Rosemont: Fun boutique with trendy men's and women's fashion and accessories. 
  • Crafteria: Houses a collection of maker's shops that offer vintage and handmade wares such as records, jewelry, artwork, artisan foods, and home decor. 
  • Mast General Store: Old-fashioned general store with a wide selection of clothing, kid's gifts, and home goods. 

Keep planning your Star City holiday getaway with our complete guide to visiting Roanoke. 
 

Narrows

Narrows Duck Pond

Narrows Duck Pond

A small rural community on the banks of the New River in Southwest Virginia, Narrows has all sorts of holiday fun, from a festive parade to a farmers market with seasonal activities, murals, and locally made goods.

The holiday decorations in Narrows span the Route 460 bridge and line the streets with lights and vignettes. The Narrows Duck Pond, in downtown and across the street from the Farmers Market, is uniquely decorated for the holidays, with lights strewn amongst the trees and islands of Wolf Creek.

Where To Grab Holiday Goodies

Where to Snap Holiday Photos

Where to Shop Local 

  • Narrows Farmers Market: Shop locally-made goods at the variety of booths. Seasonal events posted on social media and held throughout the holiday season. 
  • Pearis Mercantile: In the neighboring town of Pearisburg, Pearis Mercantile has fun gifts for all occasions, including seasonal items, home decor, and jewelry.
     

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Holidays in Leesburg

Leesburg

Photo Credit: Hannah Armstrong @hannahelizarmstrong

Leesburg

The postcard-worthy streets of Downtown Leesburg in Northern Virginia come alive during the holidays. A Christmas tree shines bright in the Town Square, while the chic boutiques, restaurants, and bars on King and East Market Streets glow with the sparkle of decorative lights and the historic street lamps shine bright with red ribbons and greenery.

Be sure to get tickets to the Lucketts Store Holiday House, where the famed antique store transforms into a Winter Wonderland. All decorations are available for purchase and the shop is a great place to get holiday photos with your loved ones! 

Where To Grab Delicious Holiday Treats

Where to Snap Holiday Photos

Where to Shop Local 

  • Muz and Rose: Boutique that features items from local artisans. 
  • Brick & Mortar: This trendy shop features a variety of home décor items as well as unique finds like whiskey-flavored toothpicks. 
  • Very Virginia Shop: From Virginia peanuts to Virginia is for Lovers swag, this shop is a must to pick up a Virginia souvenir. 
  • Lucketts Store: Antique shop carrying goods from over 20 different dealers. 
     

Middleburg

Middleburg Hunt on Parade

Middleburg Hunt on Parade

Middleburg is well known for their famous annual holiday parade, led by dashing horses and hounds that are part of the region’s Hunt Country vibe. But Christmas in Middleburg is just the start of the seasonal fun. 

When it comes to holiday decor, Middleburg’s picturesque historic downtown looks like a scene straight from “A Christmas Carol.” Washington Street is decked out with twinkling lights, antique wooden Christmas ornaments adorn the light posts, shop windows are dressed to the nines as part of a holiday window decorating contest, and the town’s gorgeous Christmas tree glistens outside the local visitor center. Couple the holiday decor with the crisp December air and it’s just plain magical.

Where To Grab Holiday Goodies

Where to Snap Holiday Photos

Where to Shop Local 

Keep planning your Hunt Country holiday getaway with our complete guide to visiting Middleburg. 
 

Alexandria

Holidays in Alexandria

Holidays in Alexandria

Photo Credit: Hannah Armstrong @hannahelizarmstrong

Strolling down King Street in Old Town Alexandria feels as if you’re in a real-life Dickens Village, complete with European flair. The cobblestone streets are alight with lights strung from almost every shop. Stop into a few of the boutique shops that line King Street for some holiday shopping.

Be sure to check the Alexandria events page before you visit to see if the Del Ray and Carlyle neighborhoods are hosting any holiday markets, where you can sample local baked goods and peruse handmade gifts. While in Alexandria, don’t miss Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run, which will have an ice rink, over a dozen holiday light displays, food, and seasonal music. 

Where To Grab Holiday Goodies

Where to Snap Holiday Photos

Where to Shop Local 

  • Old Town Books: Independent book store in Old Town Alexandria. 
  • The Hive: Women’s designer clothes, shoes, accessories, & jewelry. 
  • She’s Unique Jewelry & Gifts: Carefully curated selection of modern and elegant jewelry. 
  • Red Barn Mercantile: Family-run boutique specializing in home furnishings, accessories, linens, and other home decor and unique gifts. 
  • Pippin Toy Co.: Too-cute toy shop with games, gifts, and a selection of unique candies.

Keep planning your Northern Virginia holiday getaway with our complete guide to visiting Alexandria. 
 

Fredericksburg

Downtown Fredericksburg

Downtown Fredericksburg

The holidays are absolutely magic in historic downtown Fredericksburg, especially along Caroline Street. The street runs through the center of a 40-block National Historic District that is lined with original 18th and 19th century buildings.

Each shop along Caroline Street puts their all into their holiday decorations, creating bright and beautiful displays that are sure to wow visitors. If you’re staying into the evening, book an Olde Towne Jingle Bell Carriage Ride to see the holiday decorations and enjoy a romantic ride through downtown Fredericksburg.

Where To Grab Holiday Goodies

Where to Snap Holiday Photos

Where to Shop Local 

  • Monkee’s of Fredericksburg: Trendy women’s clothing & accessories boutique.
  • Made in Virginia Store: Shop that carries all sorts of Virginia-made goods and products, from gift baskets filled with Virginia foods to clothing and home decor. 
  • Jabberwocky Children’s Books & Toys: Children’s bookstore that also has an array of unique games and toys.
  • Latitudes Fair Trade Store: Virginia-based shop that sources handmade goods from all over the world while supporting third-world countries through fair trade practices. 
  • Sugar + Spruce: Skincare and soap shop that crafts clever products in the shape of your favorite candies and sweets such as bath bombs in the shape of colorful donuts. 

COASTAL VIRGINIA

BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach

Holiday Lights at the Beach

Photo Credit: Alexander Smith

Virginia Beach

Want to see the lights safely from your car? Head to Virginia Beach and follow along Atlantic Avenue to see the Boardwalk’s festive, nautical-themed holiday lights display. You can even pair the lights with a customized holiday soundtrack that plays on the radio. Seasonal decorations include illuminated fish, musical crabs, and elves joining the surfing Santa, as well as a new 40-foot tall dancing Christmas tree. Advanced tickets required.

After enjoying the lights display, head to The Alley in the ViBe District for a little holiday shopping and some festive treats. 

Where To Grab Holiday Goodies

Where to Snap Holiday Photos

Where to Shop Local 

  • Virginia Beach Christmas Market: Over 250 artisans showcasing their locally made goods. Happening November 28-30, 2025 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. 
  • North End Bag Co.: Handcrafted canvas and leather goods company specializing in totes, purses, duffel bags, wallets, and more. 
  • Jars of Dust: High-quality functional stoneware ceramics including mugs, wall tiles and soap dishes as well as hand blown glasses and vases. 
  • Igor’s Custom:  Virginia Beach artist Igor handpaints special Christmas ornaments for sale at his studio. 
  • Glow Apothecary: Pampering wellness gifts, cleansing skincare, and beauty products plus gift sets and a kid-friendly Littles section.  
  • Mrs. Bone’s: Custom handmade dog collars and leashes that will make sure your pet enjoys the holidays in true festive style. 

Keep planning your coastal holiday getaway with our complete guide to visiting Virginia Beach. 
 

Kilmarnock

The Wild Bunch

The Wild Bunch

Photo Credit: Hannah Armstrong @hannahelizarmstrong

Located in Virginia’s River Realm, Kilmarnock was chosen as Eastern Virginia’s Favorite Main Street by Virginia Living Magazine. During the holidays, Kilmarnock is filled with seasonal cheer. Main Street businesses get creative in the shop windows and festive accents are seen throughout the town. A Main Street LOVEwork is decked out in holiday garb, and Kilmarnock’s Christmas in the Park event at Town Centre Park features the tallest Christmas tree in Lancaster Town as well as thousands of holiday lights strung through the park. 

Where To Grab Holiday Goodies

Where to Snap Holiday Photos

  • Christmas LOVEwork
  • Holiday Selfie Station at Town Hall

Where to Shop Local  

  • Steptoe's District: An open-air shopping mall featuring 50+ businesses. 
  • The Wild Bunch: Local florist with custom made bouquets, dried flowers, and vases. 
  • The Rivah: Women’s clothing store and gift shop carrying brands like Simply Southern, Kendra Scott, and Lilly Pulitzer. 
  • Pearl Boutique: Artsy, comfortable women’s apparel, jewelry, and artisan gifts.
  • Burkes Jewelers: Hometown jewelry store on Kilmarnock’s Main Street.  
  • Ross's Jewelers: Locally owned fine jewelry shop. 
     

Cape Charles

Cape Charles

Cape Charles

Photo Credit: Hannah Armstrong @hannahelizarmstrong

On the southwestern side of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Cape Charles is a small bayside town that celebrates the holidays with coastal flair. Every Friday beginning the last weekend of November, the town hosts Festive Fridays, with discounts at restaurants and stores, family-friendly entertainment like a holiday choir, a live magician show, and balloon artists. 

Carriage rides are offered through downtown Cape Charles, and outdoor holiday movies are projected in the evenings on the side of Bailey’ Bait & Tackle on Mason Avenue. Kids can see Santa and Mrs. Claus in their workshop and write letters from a magical mailbox that goes straight to the North Pole. 

Where To Grab Holiday Goodies

Where to Snap Holiday Photos

Where to Shop Local 

  • Voiajer: Eco-friendly gift shop carrying fair trade goods made all around the world. 
  • Moonrise Jewelry: Unique handmade jewelry incorporating stunning materials like exotic orchid blossoms or colorful fish leather. 
  • Chuckletown Productions: Creative shop with a wide array of apparel, jewelry, glassware, souvenirs, and kids toys and games. 
     

Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg in the Winter

Colonial Williamsburg

Photo Credit: Wayne Reynolds @life_in_the_757

Williamsburg will have holiday lights and decorations spread all over the city, but a great place to get a walking tour filled with seasonal touches is to head to Colonial Williamsburg’s Duke of Gloucester Street (also referred to as DoG Street). This historic attraction serves festive treats at their colonial-era restaurants, including warm spiced cider, and during the holidays, the stately colonial homes are decked out with traditional holiday touches, such as fresh greenery and fruit.

In addition to stunning classic decorations, Colonial Williamsburg hosts several historic seasonal events, such as a Grand Illumination Holiday Feast at Chownings’ Tavern, a Holiday Decoration Workshop, and guided Christmastide Tours. Their biggest event, the Grand Illumination, occurs on December 6, 13, and 20, 2025, and features the new Procession of the Yule Log and holiday songs and stories on Market Square as well as firework displays.

Where To Grab Holiday Goodies

Where to Snap Holiday Photos

Where to Shop Local 

  • Merchants Square: Explore over 40 shops and restaurants to find gifts. 
  • Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop: The region’s largest selection of candy, offering gourmet items like fresh-dipped caramel apples, artisan chocolates, and handmade fudge. 
  • Prentis Store: 18th-Century gifts and goods by tradesmen, like handcrafted leather goods, iron hardware, tools, reproduction furniture, pottery, and writing instruments. 
  • Brick & Vine: Homemade furnishings, craft beer, wine, gourmet food and seasonal decorations all in one stop.
  • The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg: Virginia peanuts and peanut products in dozens of flavors. 

Keep planning your historic holiday getaway with our complete guide to visiting Williamsburg. 
 

CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Birdie's Holiday pop up

Birdie's Holiday Pop-Up

Photo Credit: Hannah Armstrong @hannahelizarmstrong

Richmond

The capital city goes all out for the holidays, with most neighborhoods putting up their own display of lights and decor. If you're looking for a one-stop shop for all of your holiday gift needs in the Richmond region, visit Carytown. Most shops offer holiday-themed gifts, items, and sales, and the street is lined with decorations, including window displays and lights strewn through the trees along the road. Order a few to-go holiday cocktails from The Jasper’s seasonal pop-up bar, Miracle on Cary Street, for merry drinks that are sure to add to your holiday cheer. 

After shopping, strolling, and dining in Carytown, head to Downtown Richmond and catch the city skyline illuminated by holiday lights, or drive out to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, where the trees, bushes, and other plants are strung with millions of glittering lights that illuminate the entire garden. 

Want to catch even more holiday lights? Get tickets to the Illuminate Light Show at Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Central Virginia’s largest drive-thru light show that is synchronized to holiday music. 

Where To Grab Holiday Goodies

Where to Snap Holiday Photos

Where to Shop Local

  • Mongrel: Boutique shop that carries everything from birthday cards and books to home decor and unique trinkets. 
  • Plan9 Records: Locally-owned music shop carrying vinyl records, CD’s, and music-related gear. 
  • World of Mirth: Eclectic toy shop.
  • Bygones Vintage: Vintage clothing shop carrying women’s and men’s clothing that spans decades. 
  • Beasties: Unique, quirky, and snarky finds. Carries an assortment of gifts for any occasion.
  • Ashby: Trendy women’s and men’s consignment clothing store.
  • Ladles & Linens: Home goods and kitchen shop in Carytown. 

Keep planning your River City holiday getaway with our complete guide to visiting Richmond. 
 

Ashland

Holidays in Ashland

Ashland

Located about 15 miles north of Richmond right off Interstate 95, Ashland is a small town with a big personality. Train tracks run the length of Ashland’s main street, which is lined with boutiques, restaurants, a historic inn, and a brewery. 

Each December, Ashland puts on the Light Up the Tracks event, where the main street and train tracks transform into a vintage holiday village. Visit this pristine small town during this holiday event and take in the magic of the nostalgic decor. 

Where To Grab Holiday Goodies

Where to Snap Holiday Photos

Where to Shop Local 

  • Tiny Tim’s Train & Toys: Toy store that carries a huge selection of model trains.
  • Ashland Meat Company: Butcher shop offering all sorts of meat cuts, both prepackaged and cut fresh for customized orders, as well as an array of gourmet food products. 
  • Origin Beer Lab: Local craft brewery; grab a six pack for all your beer-loving friends and family members! 
     

Charlottesville

Charlottesville Downtown Mall

Charlottesville Downtown Mall

The shops along Charlottesville’s Historic Downtown Mall get into the holiday spirit with lots of lights, garland, and seasonal decor. Take it all in as you walk along this outdoor pedestrian mall, which is lined with excellent boutique shops perfect for finding that holiday present as well as restaurants serving all sorts of festive treats. Shop, eat, and enjoy the merriment before exploring even more of what Charlottesville has to offer. 

Where To Grab Holiday Goodies

Where to Snap Holiday Photos

Where to Shop Local

  • Pawprints Boutique: Gifts and apparel for dog and cat lovers; treats, collars, and other goodies for their pets. 
  • BitterSweet: Trendy women’s fashions and accessories. 
  • Low: Vintage records, clothing, and antiques. 
  • New Dominion Bookshop: Oldest independent bookseller in Virginia — perfect for finding a gift for the bookworms in your life. 
  • C’Ville Arts Cooperative Gallery: Storefront featuring handmade works by many Virginia artists and craftspeople.
Keep planning your Cville holiday getaway with our complete guide to visiting Charlottesville. 
WinterFest on the Wisconsin — Nauticus

WinterFest on the Wisconsin, Norfolk

Photo Credit: Oscar Acevedo @fotogoscar

More Festive Towns in Virginia

Looking for more holiday cheer in Virginia? Here are a few more towns and cities that go big for the season!