The Christmas List
A Breakdown Of Our Favorite Holiday Festivities Around Hunt Country
Written by Lia Hobel
Feel the holiday spirit come alive this season with festivities to enjoy with family and friends.
It’s the most wonderful, magical time of the year again. Streets are transformed into winter wonderlands, with tree lighting ceremonies and parades to celebrate the joyous season. Many of these events are making their return for the first time since 2019.
To make the most of December, we’ve gathered a list of holiday experiences. There’s something for everyone – no matter if you’ve been naughty or nice.
Parades
What: Christmas in Middleburg
When: December 4,11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Where: Washington Street, Middleburg, and nearby
Details: Christmas in Middleburg is an all-day celebration. Start your day with a breakfast with Santa at 8 a.m. at the Middleburg Community Charter School (advanced tickets required) and watch the mounted foxhunt riders and hounds parade down Washington Street at 11 a.m. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Christmas parade beginning at 2 p.m. and finish your day by attending the Spirit of Middleburg, an event which celebrates food and wine from 3 to 6 p.m.
What: Leesburg Holiday and Christmas Parade
When: December 11, 6 p.m.
Where: Downtown Leesburg, King Street
Details: The annual parade returns to historic Leesburg with Santa and his friends leading the way. The parade will begin at Ida Lee Park and end at Fairfax Street. Parade participation is open to the public.
What: Warrenton Christmas Parade Hosted by First Responder’s Mutual Aid, a Non-Profit Organization
When: December 3, 6 p.m.
Where: On Main Street in Warrenton, from Fifth Street to Courthouse Square
Details: The Warrenton Christmas parade returns this year to Old Town Warrenton. The parade is Fauquier County’s largest community Christmas parade of the season.
Christmas Tree Farms
Christmas tree farms make the perfect backdrop for taking photos and creating family memories. From fraser firs, to white pines, to blue spruces, here’s where you can find the perfect tree for your decorations and presents this year.
Snickers Gap Tree Farm
34350 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill
This family-owned Christmas tree farm has been in operation for 41 years and is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. While searching for your tree, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Loudoun Valley. Fir and spruce trees are available.
Loudoun Nursery
16463 Short Hill Road, Purcellville
Loudoun Nursery has been growing Christmas trees since the early 1970s. At Bellwether Farm in Purcellville, Loudoun Nursery has close to 40 out of 175 total acres planted in Christmas trees.
Country Loving Christmas Tree Farm
40856 Red Hill Road, Leesburg
Country Loving has been in business since 1999. In addition to Christmas trees, the farm offers a variety of quality organic products to decorate your home for the season.
Milltown Creek Tree Farm
38757 Householder Road, Lovettsville
In addition to the tree cutting experience, farm guests can stop by the holiday shop for unique handmade ornaments, cider, and more. Adding to the experience are the life-size Charlie Brown caricatures which are great for photo opportunities.
Middleburg Tree Farm
Christmas Tree Lane, Round Hill
The Christmas tree farm has acres of beautiful trees. Come enjoy the scenery and tree-picking experience.
Moose Apple Christmas Tree Farm
2425 Wickliffe Road, Berryville
For 2021, the farm is only allowing those who pre-tagged trees to cut their own tree. Pre-cut trees will be available for purchase as well as custom, fresh wreaths that are made daily.
Christmas Tree Lightings
Middleburg, Friday, December 3 at 5 p.m.
Downtown Leesburg, Friday, December 3 at 6 p.m.
One Loudoun, Ashburn, Saturday, December 4 at 6 p.m.
Warrenton, December 3 following the parade at 6 p.m.
Christmas at the Salamander
The Salamander Resort & Spa is an exquisite sight during the holiday season. In addition to decking the halls, the resort hosts numerous family festivities from brunch with Santa to gingerbread house decorating.
What: Brunch with Santa
When: December 4 and December 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The ballroom welcomes families to visit with Santa and his helpers and feast on a delicious brunch and savory sweets. Children also get to make their own craft and take a photo with Santa. Reservations are required.
What: Santa Experience
When: December 5, 12, 19, 23, 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Round up the family and enter the magical world of Santa’s workshop. You’ll ride a wagon with elves to the workshop where you can take photos, make crafts, and share Christmas wishes. Once you arrive back to the equestrian center, children will receive a special stuffed animal as a keepsake. Additionally, guests will receive hot cocoa and s’mores will be available for roasting. Advanced reservations required.
What: Gingerbread House-Making
When: December 5, 12, 19, 12 to 2 p.m.
Here’s your chance to learn to design a gingerbread house like a pro. The Salamander pastry team will guide guests and share the secrets of creating the most magical holiday gingerbread house. Advanced reservations are required.
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea
Sip on an afternoon tea in holiday style. Here are a few opportunities to consider for a reservation this month.
What: Nutcracker Tea at the Tea Cart
When: The entire month; Thursday – Sunday
Where: 16 W. Main St., Berryville
Enjoy tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Guests will be treated to a three-course tea. Champagne and mimosas available for purchase.
What: Afternoon Holiday Tea at Oatlands Plantation
When: December 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane
Celebrate the joyous season with English tea at Oatlands Historic Home and Gardens. The afternoon tea takes place inside the historic Carriage House with traditional sweets, scones, and tea sandwiches. Advanced reservations are required.
Experience Holiday Light Shows New This Year
Twinkling lights and holiday displays truly make the holidays brighter. Here are two newcomers to the area worth checking out this year.
Holiday Road at Morven Park
This premiere holiday event will illuminate the grounds at historic Morven Park in Leesburg. Visitors will be treated to a true winter wonderland experience complete with the North Pole, an Elf Village, Gingerbread Lane, light tunnels, Christmas tree forests, and more.
This event is open through January 2.
More About Holiday Road
Hours: 5 to 11 p.m.
Tickets and additional info: holidayroadusa.com
Address: 17195 Southern Planter Ln, Leesburg
Price: $29.99 and up depending on day (Two years and under are free admission)
Tinsel! Holiday Drive in Sterling
Tinsel! is another Loudoun holiday festival that provides an immersive experience with light displays, entertainment, and fun activities for the entire family. Joining the excitement are official sponsors Inova Health Foundation and Capital One Hall.
In addition to illuminating lights, guests will enjoy firepits on “Snowflake Street,” holiday-themed music and plenty of photo opportunities at every turn. There will be a #gettinseled tent where you can stop for a warm drink and Insta-worthy dress-up moments with Santa, carolers, and more.
Food and drink from popular local food trucks and Loudoun wineries and breweries will also be onsite.
For each ticket purchased, a $1 donation will go to the Inova Health Foundation to support the growing healthcare needs of the community, including caring for those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
More About Tinsel!
Address: Holiday Inn Dulles, 45425 Holiday Drive, Sterling
Hours: Tinsel! will be open Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m and Friday through Saturday 5 to 10 p.m. For more information on Tinsel! visit tinselva.com or call (703) 480-7454. ML
This article first appeared in the December 2021 Issue.