Christmas in Abingdon, VirginiaIt's the most wonderful time of the year!
There’s something magical about Christmas in Abingdon, Virginia.
Historic downtown glows with twinkling lights, storefronts welcome holiday shoppers, Festival of Trees comes to life, and the holiday calendar fills with traditions old and new. From festive performances at Barter Theatre to handmade gifts at Mistletoe Market, there are plenty of ways to make a holiday visit to Abingdon part of your Christmas tradition.
Plan your holiday getaway and experience Christmas in Abingdon, Virginia.
Holiday Events & Traditions From November through December, Abingdon comes alive with festive events for visitors of all ages
Mistletoe MarketNovember 6 - 8 | Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
Start your holiday shopping at Mistletoe Market, where you’ll find special gifts, crafts and unique holiday treasures from a variety of vendors.
Festival of TreesNovember 21 - December 31 | Abingdon Visitor Center
Walk around and step inside the Abingdon Visitor Center and enjoy a collection of decorated Christmas trees. Browse the displays and vote for your favorite tree with a donation of nonperishable food, pet supplies, school supplies, or a monetary donation. Proceeds will be distributed to local charities.
Merchant Open HouseNovember 21 | Downtown | 11 AM - 5 PM
Kick off the holiday shopping season by visiting Abingdon’s local businesses during the annual Merchant Open House. Discover special gifts, seasonal finds and plenty of reasons to shop small.
Town Tree LightingNovember 21 | Abingdon Visitor Center | 5 - 6 PM
Gather at the Abingdon Visitor Center lawn as the Town Tree comes to life for the holiday season. The annual tree lighting is a favorite way to officially welcome Christmas to Abingdon.
Annual Christmas ParadeDecember 5 | Downtown | 5:30 PM
Bundle up and head downtown for Abingdon’s Annual Christmas Parade. Enjoy festive floats, candy and a special appearance from Santa Claus as the parade makes its way down historic Main Street.
Barter Theatre Holiday Productions A holiday visit to Abingdon wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Barter Theatre. This season, the stage comes alive with three holiday productions offering something for all ages.
Elf: The Musical | Gilliam StageNovember 14 - December 27
Follow the hilarious adventures of Buddy the Elf in this holiday musical based on the beloved Christmas story.
Wooden Snowflakes | Smith TheatreNovember 22 - December 27
Experience an original holiday production by Barter resident playwright Catherine Bush. Certain events have left their mark on Eve Lawson. She has renounced her faith in Love and anything to do with America’s favorite winter holiday. Then, on December 24th, Eve’s car slides off an icy Kentucky road and she finds herself seeking shelter at the home of Simon Peter Whitaker, a woodcarver who wholeheartedly embraces the magic of the season. As the night unfolds, Simon and Eve, believer and skeptic, find themselves clashing time and time again as long-suppressed old wounds struggle to the surface, only to be healed by the Love that is Christmas.
Here Comes Suzy SnowflakeNovember 24 - December 24
This musical holiday tale featuring the Barter Players is the perfect way to introduce younger audiences to theatre. Of all the residents in Wintertown, no one looks forward to the first Christmas snow more than seven-year-old Maggie Rose Tuggle. The first snow means that her best friend – a snowflake named Suzy – will be coming to play all Christmas long. Then tragedy strikes when Maggie Rose’s parents decide to spend the holiday season in sunny Florida. Will Maggie Rose and Suzy survive being apart during the most wonderful time of the year? This brand-new musical tale of an unlikely friendship will set your heart aglow.