Highlights

A Destination Christmas in Historic Downtown Abingdon

There’s too much noise in the world today. Too many distractions, and too much chaos. Settle down and settle in with a destination Christmas in Abingdon, Virginia. With plenty of holiday events, and a culinary scene that was named "Best Small Town Food Scene in the Country," Abingdon has plenty to offer your family .

Abingdon is a small town that’s big on culture and hospitality. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle and focus on what’s important: your loved ones. Let us show you the way.

Delightful Stays for the Whole Family

The Martha Washington Inn & Spa is the grand dame of Abingdon. Steeped in history, this hotel was originally the home of the Preston family but has seen life as a dorm for Barter Theatre actors, a women’s college, a makeshift Civil War hospital, and eventually a hotel.

The Martha’s appeal for families are numerous: an on-site restaurant where kids under 12 eat free, the spa and heated pool, the fire pit, the beautiful decorations, the history, and of course, the ghost stories! Depending on the number of family members getting away with you, your accommodation options range from Martha’s Residence, a two king suite with fireplace seating areas and an optional connecting Deluxe King room, to the Family Friendly Suite, a two bedroom apartment with a king and two double beds.

“Our family, as well as other relatives, recently stayed at the Martha. We all had a fabulous time! This hotel is elegant, charming, and beautiful both inside and out. We found the rooms spacious compared to other historic hotels we've stayed in. The pool is also quite large for a hotel and it was so relaxing to sit in a jacuzzi outside in the middle of the winter. We also enjoyed the library and could have spent hours inside reading all the interesting books.” – TripAdvisor user Jennifer S.

Abingdon’s bed and breakfasts are stunning. Inquire with an innkeeper about renting the whole house if your family wants a private, more intimate environment.

While breakfast is not served at A Tailor’s Lodging, morning beverages are available and the location is top-notch. Tucked away within the historic downtown, the property offers three queen suites with fireplaces and en suite.

“This is a great place to stay - have stayed here several times over the last few years. This is a place you can rent the whole house for you and your guests. Very quiet and close to the Barter Theaters.” – TripAdvisor user M7735XUgregb

Have you considered a cabin or cottage? It’s the ultimate “away from it all” Christmas destination, and we happen to have a few options within historic downtown Abingdon.

Creeper’s End Lodging is two new cottages built in a Colonial style and offering two rental spaces in one of them and three in the other. Each cottage can sleep up to 10 guests and each unit has its own kitchenette, which means everyone gets a turn at cooking!

“What a fabulous place for a family reunion! We took over the place and were in heaven. Lovely furnishings and very comfortable. They thought of everything a traveler might need. Close to trail, park, good food, the Barter, and a wonderful yard to play in!!”- TripAdvisor user Cathryn T.

Another excellent collection of cabins is that of Crooked Cabin Properties, a trio still within the historic downtown of Abingdon. The largest and most accommodating for a full-family getaway is The Brook House with sleeping arrangements for eight in 3,000 square feet. Need more room? The Creekside Hatch is an adjacent two-bedroom cottage that sleeps four more people.

“A wonderful experience in a lovely historic town. We had a 20 year reunion at the Brook House and it could not have been more perfect. Spacious, clean, we had everything we needed for a perfect weekend.” – TripAdvisor user Alice P.

Holiday dining for all tastes

With more restaurants per capita than New York City, Abingdon's dining scene is excellent - and diverse. 

Enjoy the unparalleled ambiance at The Tavern, dining in front of the fireplace inside Abingdon's oldest building. Other top-rated dinner spots include 128 Pecan

For family dining, there are plenty of options, such as The Peppermill on Main Street, Greeko's, and the ever popular JJ's Restauarant and Sports Bar. 

Everything You Need to Make it Memorable

Abingdon's walkable downtown is full of charm at the holidays. Christmas in Abingdon means plenty of photo opportunities. Don't miss Abingdon's iconic LOVE letters, right next to Barter's fountain and sculpture, "A Midsummer Night's Dream." 

Abingdon is so enticing at Christmas that it almost could be 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."

Every weekend, Abingdon’s quaint downtown is transformed in to 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.