Your Guide to Visiting Virginia in December

December brings the holiday season to the Commonwealth, with everywhere from the smallest charming towns to the largest cities decked out in their finest decor. From parades and seasonal events like “Breakfast with Santa” to festive hotels and brilliant lights tours, this is a magical time to visit the Commonwealth. 

You’ll find all of these when you visit the Northern Virginia area, especially in destinations like Leesburg and Alexandria.

For a more small-town feel, head to Leesburg, filled with boutique hotels, locally-owned shops, delicious restaurants, and plenty of wineries and breweries, all within a short drive of downtown. Alexandria boasts dozens of shops and restaurants along the historic cobblestoned King Street, located in the Old Town Alexandria neighborhood. Just across the Potomac from the nation’s capital, Alexandria is a convenient getaway for those looking to explore Virginia from the Washington, D.C. area, but Leesburg is also close by, roughly a one-hour drive from D.C. 

Where to Stay

If staying in Alexandria, opt for the Morrison House, Hotel Indigo, or The Alexandrian.

The Morrison House, the only AAA Four Diamond Hotel in Alexandria, is a 45-room hotel inspired by the city’s rich history and landscapes. Amenities include fireplaces in select rooms, pet-friendly lodging, and a wine hour every evening from Sunday to Tuesday. Guests can enjoy a meal at The Study, the on-site restaurant and bar that focuses on elevated Modern American plates and cocktails or book a private dining experience for special events. 

Conveniently located just a block from the Potomac River and two blocks from all the shopping and restaurants on King Street, the pet-friendly Hotel Indigo boasts modern, bright decor, with carefully curated touches both inside and out. Consider dining at Hummingbird, the hotel’s restaurant, which serves up American fare including an array of seafood options. 

Another option near Alexandria’s waterfront is The Alexandrian, a Marriott property that also caters to their four-legged guests with pet-friendly accommodations. The menu at King & Rye, the Alexandrian’s restaurant, leans into Southern American cuisine with dishes like fried chicken and shrimp and grits. 

Leesburg’s Lansdowne Resort is a luxurious lodging option for those staying further west of Washington, D.C. Sitting on 500 pristine acres along the Potomac River, Lansdowne is a AAA Four-Diamond property that includes tons of upscale amenities, from a relaxing spa and wellness center with two indoor and three outdoor pools to 45 holes of golf and several on-site restaurants.

Where to Eat

There is no shortage of critically-acclaimed restaurants in Alexandria. Mia’s Italian Kitchen, The Majestic, and Virtue Feed & Grain are all mainstays in the culinary community and great options for foodies visiting this Northern Virginia city. 

Head to the popular Del Rey neighborhood for a variety of flavors along Mount Vernon Avenue, from delectable Indian fare at Spice Kraft to charcuterie bites at Cheesetique. 

Sample some of Virginia’s award-winning craft beers at Port City Brewing Co. The longest-operating brewery in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area, Port City’s tasting room is only a few miles west of Old Town Alexandria and is both family-friendly and pet-friendly. 

Still hungry? Peruse our Alexandria and Arlington dining guide. 

While Leesburg is a smaller city than Alexandria, there are still a wide variety of restaurants within the downtown area worth a visit. Order Virginia oysters and other fresh seafood from King Street Oyster Bar, or experience an upscale meal at a restored grain mill at Tuscarora Mill — known by locals as "Tuskies." 

For fine dining in Leesburg, make reservations at The Conche. Named for the chocolate machine invented in the late 1800s to produce smoother, more luxurious chocolate, the restaurant specializes in sweet and savory dishes made with cocoa in all forms. This is not the place to count calories; the restaurant features a chocolate lab where diners can watch the chocolate-making process unfold as they sample decadently delicious fare, so dessert is a must.

What to Do 

While in Downtown Alexandria, stop by the Torpedo Factory Arts Center to peruse works created by local artists. Pick out presents for friends and family at the boutiques lining King Street, from home goods and high-end fashion to locally-made artisan goods and antiques. 

If you're in need of some pampering and a little R&R, head to Balian Springs, a peaceful three-story spa retreat where a day pass includes a bevy of therapy options, from light therapy and hydropools to saunas and wellness eateries. Sample zero-proof mocktails made with adpatogens and cannabidoil at the spa's non-alcoholic bar, get healthy bites from one of the three on-site eateries, or imbibe in adult beverages at the Hideout, a rooftop oasis with an infinity pool and a Hinoki Bath (both are heated and open year-round to allow for a dip even in the cooler months!). 

Make reservations at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the historic home of the first President of the United States. While you can book the standard day tours, consider reserving tickets for Mount Vernon by Candlelight, a Christmas-themed night tour with light refreshments, seasonal music, and historic interpreters in holiday garb. 

Named by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “Best U.S. Cities to Visit at Christmas,” Alexandria packs quite a festive punch during the holiday season. Visit during the first weekend of December to experience Alexandria’s biggest holiday weekend. Festivities include a parade of Scottish clans and Scottie dogs down the cobblestoned streets, a boat parade on the Potomac River, and countless homes decked out with seasonal lights and garland. 

Keep planning your Old Town getaway with our complete guide to visiting Alexandria. 

Leesburg offers boutique shopping opportunities in the Historic Downtown District, as well as deep discounts on high-quality brands at the Leesburg Premium Outlets. Surround yourself with the spirit of the holidays at Lucketts Store, a restored general store dating to 1879 that carries home goods, antiques, and furnishings. The store goes above and beyond for the holidays, with decor bursting from every corner of the spacious shop. 

Get a feel for local history at Oatlands Historic House & Gardens, a preserved estate and National Historic Landmark, or Morven Park, a 1000-acre park with formal gardens, three museums, and miles of walking trails open to the public.

No visit to Leesburg is complete without at least one winery on the itinerary — and there over 50 wineries to choose from in Loudoun. A few favorites close to Leesburg include Stone Tower Winery, The Barns at Hamilton Station, and Walsh Family Wine.  

More Virginia Vacation Ideas for December

Virginia is jam-packed with exciting holiday events in December, so no matter where you go, there are plenty of activities to fill your schedule with holiday cheer.  

Your Home for the Holidays

There's plenty to explore in Virginia, whether you're looking for affordable holiday festivities, want to experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip, or on the hunt for ways to entertain family and friends.

Here are our recommendations for the best of the best in Virginia during the holidays: 

• Affordable Holiday Getaways
• The Most Festive Towns in Virginia
• Spectacular Light Shows
• Free Things To Do 
• Holiday Pop-Up Bars
• Ultimate Holiday Checklist in Virginia
• Unique Virginia Holiday Traditions

And in case you need help gifting, check out our guides: 

• The Made in Virginia Gift Guide
• Virginia Experiences Gift Guide
• Virginia Wine Gift Guide

Winter Outdoor Fun

Finally, no winter in Virginia is complete without a getaway to a mountain resort. For a luxury stay in the mountains, consider booking a weekend at the Omni Homestead or Primland Resort, or take the entire family to either Wintergreen Resort, Massanutten Resort, or Bryce Resort for adrenaline adventures on the slopes that the whole family will love.