Pride Journey Holiday Spotlight Loudoun County, Virginia

Celebrate the season in historic Middleburg and with a stay at the Forbes 5-star Salamander Resort & Spa.

Middleburg’s picturesque historic downtown looks like a scene from a Christmas Carol during the holidays. Washington Street is decorated with twinkling lights, antique wooden Christmas ornaments adorn the light posts and a town tree glistens outside the local Visitor Center. Couple the holiday décor with the crisp December air and its magical.

While Middleburg is known for its famous holiday parade led by the dashing horses and hounds that call hunt country home, this year the town is celebrating in a new way to accommodate safety guidelines. Visitors can partake in a family-focused scavenger hunt around town, enjoy free hot cocoa at various stops, drop letters for Santa at the local post office and partake in carriage rides. Shop windows will be dressed to the nines as part of a holiday window decorating contest.

At Salamander, enjoy Brunch with Santa and Holiday Cookie Decorating. In addition, guests have the chance to meet the sweetest member of the team, Cupcake the miniature horse and admire beautiful holiday décor and a gingerbread house display crafted by pastry chef Jason Reaves. https://www.salamanderresort.com/play/event-calendar/

For more small town charm, consider a visit to historic Leesburg

The postcard-worthy streets of downtown Leesburg comes alive during the holidays. A Christmas tree shines bright in the Town Square, 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.

On December 5th the town hosts the Holiday Fine Arts & Crafts Show. This show features over 40 local and regional artisans selling hand-made items including candles, stained glass, carved wood, jewelry, table linens, and more. Find something for everyone on your shopping list and a little something to brighten your home this season. The show will take place outdoors at Freedom Park in Leesburg, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While in town, sign up for a chocolate making class with celebrity chocolatier Santosh Tiptur at The Conche or visit the live nativity at Leesburg Animal Park. http://www.the-conche.com/ or https://www.leesburganimalpark.com/christmas/

Stay just outside town at Lansdowne Resort & Spa. The resort will host its annual tree lighting on November 29 as well as several breakfast with Santa opportunities through December and beautiful holiday décor. https://www.lansdowneresort.com/

Known as DC’s Wine Country, no trip to the region would be complete without a stop at a vineyard. Visit Bluemont on the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which will feature holiday lights on 10,000 vines. The vines will be lit on Black Friday (November 27) and stay lit through the end of the year.