Picture the scene: dozens of scarlet-jacketed riders and their foxhounds, vintage horse-drawn carriages and a 1.5-mile-long procession of drummers, bagpipers, bikers and more- welcome to the annual Christmas in Middleburg parade. While the parade takes place the first Saturday of December, events will continue all month long as the town transports you back to the era of “A Christmas Carol” with the new A Dickens of a Christmas. Stroll by painted storefront windows, take a carriage ride, enjoy theatrical performances and stop by – or stay at- the Forbes 5 Star Rated Salamander Resort & Spa, which will be decked out for the holidays. Travel northwest from Middleburg for the Lighting of the Vines at Bluemont Vineyard. Thursdays-Sundays in December, more than 10,000 grapevines at the winery will be illuminated in twinkling lights.
Holidays in Leesburg
This postcard-worthy historic town is decked out for the season with ribbons and greenery on lampposts and twinkling lights along brick-lined streets. New this year, visit Morven Park for Holiday Road. This west coast light festival makes its east coast debut at the historic mansion in Leesburg. Through January 2, walk the trail featuring glimmering illuminations and iconic holiday scenes. Guests of all ages are transported to a snow-carpeted fantasy land replete with North Pole, Elf Village, Gingerbread Lane, light tunnels, Christmas tree forests and more. Back in town, check out Loudoun Museum’s historic toy collection and letters to Santa. Spend the night at Lansdowne Resort & Spa in order to visit another new light festival, Tinsel!, happening in eastern Loudoun. Featuring exclusive activations with the Washington Capitals, Tinsel! is an open-air winter showcase with interactive light displays, holiday music, themed light trails (Candy Lane, Stargazer Square, Snowflake Street) and a 120-foot tinsel tunnel.
Photo by Jim Poston