ABINGDON, VIRGINIA–NOVEMBER 2023– There’s nothing like a Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas. Now, imagine celebrating the holidays by stepping back in time through centuries of holiday customs, history and ambiance, from Colonial to Appalachian to the Civil War to the present. Nestled between the soaring peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Great Appalachian Valley, Abingdon is the ultimate costumed and sparkling backdrop for a magical winter vacation.
Abingdon is one of the oldest English-speaking settlements west of the Blue Ridge, founded in 1778. An enthusiasm for historic preservation and passion for the contemporary makes Abingdon a holiday treat: a walkable, bike-able and drive-able town to fall in love with.
During Christmas in Abingdon, the brick sidewalks and ancient oak trees are lined with lights and street vendors sell fragrant roasted chestnuts and Christmas crafts each weekend. Carolers add to the romance. Virtually every historic structure in town is decorated in period style or in a contemporary fusion, from The Tavern (ca. 1779), the oldest bar in Virginia; to the porches and interiors of the grand old Martha Washington Inn & Spa (ca. 1832); to early settlers’ cabins.
Artisan, boutique and antique shops help customers choose one-of-a-kind gifts while offering refreshments and extended hours. Santa appears in some unique places in this town to delight the young and young at heart. To build an itinerary around interests and activity levels, go to www.VisitAbingdonVirginia.com/christmas-in-abingdon-itinerary
Abingdon’s over 30 independently owned restaurants welcome theatregoers, busy shoppers and leisurely diners, and some offer live music. Sample the famous curried mushroom soup at The Peppermill or treat the family to a cup of hot cocoa and baked goods at Anthony’s Desserts.
Stay in accommodations that are festive during the season. At The Martha Washington Inn & Spa immerse in total pampering without having to leave for breakfast, lunch or dinner. A glass of wine by a warm fire, an atrium-enclosed heated saltwater pool and specialty spa treatments add to the relaxation (www.TheMartha.com). More places to stay: Check in to one of Abingdon’s numerous bed and breakfasts or cottages. Get off-season rates at national chain hotels or enjoy a cozy Virginia mountain cabin. See a full list of lodging options, here.
Check out the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace, an artisans’ gallery, visitors center and a gathering place for food and entertainment, is the gateway to mapped trails of Appalachian music, craft and outdoor recreation. Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace hosts open jams, music series, artisan demonstrations and café specials along with a Santa visit.
Here are just a few of the not to miss holiday happenings in Abingdon. Check the Visitors Center website often for updates and a complete list of holiday events: https://visitabingdonvirginia.com/highlights/destination-christmas-historic-downtown-abingdon.
- November 16-December 27- Barter Theatre “Miracle on 34th Street” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”
- Mid November-early January, Festival of Trees at the Abingdon Visitors Center
- November 17-19, November 24-26, December 1-3-Holiday Market on the Barter Green
- November 19-Full Bloom Holiday Cow Photos
- November 19-Abingdon Town Wide Merchant Open House, 1-5 p.m.
- November 19-Tree Lighting for Festival of Trees, Santa, Virginia Highlands Community College Choir and Hot Apple Cider at the Abingdon Visitor Center
- December 2- Abingdon Kiwanis Christmas Parade, 5:30 pm
- December 2-Wreath Making Class at the Full Bloom Farmhouse
- December 2-VHCC Women’s Choir at The Arts Depot, 1-2 p.m.
- December 3-Holiday Tractor Photos at the Full Bloom Farmhouse
- December 3-Christmas Greenhouse Photos at the Full Bloom Farmhouse
- December 4-Holiday Herbal Mixology Class at the Full Bloom Farmhouse
- December 7-The Arts Depot 34th Annual Holiday Open House, 6-8 p.m.
- December 9-Holiday Centerpiece Class at the Full Bloom Farmhouse
- December 11-Tea and Taro at the Full Bloom Farmhouse
- December 16-Cookie Decoration Class at the Full Bloom Farmhouse
- December 18-Botanical Ornament Class at the Full Bloom Farmhouse
- The Abingdon Farmers Market opens each Saturday morning with baked goods, crafts and gifts.
- Self-guided walking tours of the charming brick sidewalks and eye-catching architecture of downtown Abingdon, named a Virginia Historic Landmark. Pick up a brochure at the Visitor’s Center,208 West Main Street, 276-676-2282.
- Extended hours for downtown merchants and the Abingdon Arts Depot