The Town of Middleburg to Host Dickens-Themed Holiday Celebration
Month-long celebration features family-friendly events
MIDDLEBURG, VA — During the month of December, the Town of Middleburg will transform into the ultimate holiday destination. The historic town, located in the heart of Virginia’s horse country, will sparkle with festive decorations during the holiday season. The town will also host family-friendly activities including a dog parade, a Dickens-themed festival, and much more! For more information, visit middleburgva.gov/holidays.
On Saturday, December 7, visit the Town of Middleburg for Christmas in Middleburg. At 11 a.m., the Middleburg Hunt takes to the streets, creating a spectacular sight as approximately 150 horses, riders in hunting attire, and dozens of hounds come through the town. The Middleburg Christmas Parade begins at 2 p.m. as spectators line the sidewalks along Washington Street (Route 50) to watch a unique assortment of floats, antique fire trucks, animals, and musical groups march by in a mile-long parade.
On December 8 and 15, local musicians Hunt Lyman, Mark Maggiolo, Stormie Keating, and Steve Chase will perform live bluegrass Christmas carols starting at 1 p.m. at the corner of Washington and Pendleton streets.
On Saturday, December 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the town will host Dickens on Madison, on South Madison Street, which will be closed to vehicular traffic. Throughout the day there will be carriage rides, storytelling, carolers, street performers, and a holiday market featuring local vendors.
During the event, members of the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Era Dancers will present “Dance Like the Dickens.” The group will perform dances from the Victorian era. The dancers will also demonstrate steps and invite attendees to participate.
The Goose Creek Players will present short excerpts from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Students from The Hill School will present “St. George and the Dragon.” Jubilee Performing Arts will have performances around the Town of Middleburg from 10 a.m. until noon.
A Dickens of a Dog Parade will be held on December 21. At 1 p.m., dogs and their humans will parade from the National Sporting Library & Museum (102 The Plains Road) through downtown Middleburg. Prizes will be awarded for the best holiday costume, best costume with a Middleburg theme, and best-dressed dog and human pair. The event will be followed by a “yappy hour” at Nomad at 14 S. Madison Street, featuring treats for dogs. Participants may register on the day of the event from noon until 1 p.m. at the National Sporting Library & Museum. Proceeds benefit Pet Connect. Visit Eventbrite to register.
On Saturday, December 21, Painted Trillium Celtic Band will perform music of the season from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Washington and Pendleton streets.
Horn’s Punch and Judy Puppet Show will be held on Sunday, December 22, on the patio at Nomad. At 1 and 3 p.m., 10 hand-carved puppets will entertain you in an interactive comedic performance. The show has a runtime of 20-25 minutes. After the show, every child will receive a free 12-page booklet filled with optical illusions, games, and mazes.
Holiday carriage rides through downtown Middleburg will be offered on December 28 and 29. Visit Eventbrite to purchase tickets.
Sponsored by the Middleburg Business and Professional Association, complimentary cups of hot cocoa will be available at Scruffy’s Ice Cream Parlor (6 W. Washington St.) each weekend from December 1 through 31. Complimentary cups of hot cocoa will not be available on December 7 and 8.
Visitors to Middleburg can also vote in the Middleburg Holiday Window Contest. Vote for the best holiday shop window décor by using the QR code on display at each shop.
Visit middleburgva.gov/holidays for a full schedule of events. For additional information, please visit facebook.com/townofmiddleburgva or contact the Middleburg Town Office at (540) 687-5152.
Photo courtesy of the Town of Middleburg.
Posted on: December 4, 2024