Christmas in Abingdon

February 9, 2024

Written by Visit Abingdon

Treat your family to a picture-postcard Christmas in Abingdon

Historic downtown Abingdon is full of charms during the holidays. Escape to Abingdon for a winter getaway, and take care of your holiday shopping while you take in the twinkling lights and cozy eateries on Main Street.

"A Southern version of It's a Wonderful Life."

Abingdon is so enticing at Christmas that it almost looks like a movie set. Southern Living wrote “If Frank Capra had made a Southern version of It’s a Wonderful Life, he might have set it in Abingdon, Virginia, with its tree-lined Main Street, scenic Blue Ridge setting, historic Martha Washington Inn & Spa, and legendary Barter Theatre.”

Abingdon’s quaint downtown is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with carolers, magical storefront displays, and special events to celebrate the season. There are plenty of opportunities to find the perfect gift, as Abingdon’s merchants stay open late to accommodate shoppers.

Holiday Events in Abingdon

Abingdon’s holiday calendar is packed full of family-friendly events. You’ll find plenty of ways to safely enjoy the holiday season, from the Christmas Parade to outdoor holiday markets and performances at Barter Theatre.

The holiday season in Abingdon kicks off in November with the opening of Barter Theatre’s holiday offerings. Barter is a tradition for many regional families, and that’s true even today!

Shopping in a Winter Wonderland

Abingdon is known for its charming mom-and-pop stores, which offer unique gifts you won’t find in the mall. This holiday season, Abingdon’s merchants invite families to spend the entire day in Abingdon.

Browse the storefront displays downtown. Grab a bite at one of Abingdon’s locally-owned restaurants, and enjoy the festive decorations downtown. You might even run into Santa while in town!

The Abingdon Farmers Market will be open on Saturdays, with baked goods, crafts, wreaths and produce. Holston Mountain Artisans highlights handmade crafts from the region, with unique offerings and holiday décor items. Browse for something really special with holiday open houses at local merchants.

Shop for unique hand-crafted gifts at Holston Mountain Artisans

Satisfy a sweet tooth at Anthony's Desserts in downtown Abingdon

Christmas Activities for Families

Kick off the Holiday Season with Mistletoe Market at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. This is the region’s largest holiday shopping event and the biggest annual fundraiser for the William King Museum of Art!

The annual Festival of Trees starts the Saturday before Thanksgiving and runs through December 31st. Join us a dusk on that Saturday for the Lighting of the Trees. An event complete with carolers, hot coco and Santa at the Abingdon Visitor Center. Vote for your favorite tree by donating needed items to local charities. Check the calendar to learn what items are needed this year.

Support local by shopping during the Abingdon Merchant Open House. Abingdon is charming all year long, but the town shines at Christmas. Each year, Abingdon’s businesses go all out to compete for bragging rights for the most over-the-top window display. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping in downtown Abingdon!

Skip the Black Friday madness and head to downtown Abingdon for Small Business Saturday, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This national campaign encourages shoppers to support small businesses. Stroll along the adorable brick sidewalks and enjoy the window displays and support Abingdon’s small businesses.

Also, don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Abingdon Christmas Parade! Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Abingdon since 1967, the festive evening parade takes place the first Saturday of December.

Abingdon has added even more holiday fun with weekend activities (and some weeknights). We hope you’ll join us for Christmas time!

Christmas in Abingdon

Treat your family to a picture-postcard Christmas in Abingdon