Virginia Christmas Celebrations that Nod to the Past

Many of Virginia’s unique experiences pay homage to the Commonwealth’s old-world roots and the Christmas season offers excellent opportunities to witness how the holidays were celebrated in years past.

Step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living history museum, with Grand Illumination every December. The colonial Christmas festivities feature unique 18^th-century decorations, music, and stories – as well as Father Christmas – and celebrations are punctuated each night with an amazing fireworks display above the Governor’s Palace.

Grand Illumination – Colonial Williamsburg

Experience Thomas Jefferson’s estate as it is rarely seen when you attend the Monticello Holiday Evening Tours. The Founding Father’s home is richly decorated for the season, and special tours share the stories of how the residents of Monticello, both enslaved and free, celebrated the holidays during Jefferson’s era.

Alexandria, right across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. is recognized as One of the Most Magical Christmas Towns Across the World and George Washington’s Mount Vernon is just down the road, with its Winter Glow, cheerful carolers, and Aladdin, the Christmas Camel.

Alexandria is also home to the Campagna Center’s Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, which acknowledges the city’s distinct Scottish heritage. See the parade in action and take a listen to those lovely bagpipes here.

Campagna Center’s Scottish Christmas Walk – Alexandria

In Middleburg, the nation’s horse and hunt capital, Christmas in Middleburg draws thousands of visitors, who line the streets each year to watch the parade and the Middleburg Hunt & Hounds Review. Come along with us on this video tour of the event!

Middleburg Hunt & Hounds Review

Check here for more ways to experience a Colonial Christmas in Virginia. And when the time is right, we look forward to welcoming you for a truly historic holiday experience.