Highlights
Christmas in 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."
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.
Holiday Events
With holiday concerts, free family movies, breakfast with Santa and the first annual Holiday Hustle 5K, Abingdon is bustling during the holiday season. View Abingdon's event calendar for help in planning your family's visit.
The holiday season in Abingdon kicks off in November with the opening of Barter Theatre’s holiday offerings. With four plays on two stages, there's something for everyone.
Barter is a holiday tradition for many families in the region, lavish productions of holiday classics, family-friendly plays for young people, as well as cheeky productions best suited for adults.
Barter Theatre's holiday musical is Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, the story of Bob and Phil, two showbiz buddies putting on a production in a picturesque Vermont Inn after World War II. In the bargain, these two meet their perfect mates, who happen to be sisters and honor their beloved army general.
Full of romance, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, including “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Happy Holiday,” “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” “Snow,” “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,” and the unforgettable title song, Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas," the show is a merry and bright experience for the entire family.
See Barter's holiday scheduleShopping 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 in to Santa while in town!
The Abingdon Farmers Market will be open each Saturday morning with baked goods, crafts and gifts.
Kick off the holiday season with the Abingdon Merchants’ Holiday Open House in mid-November. Abingdon is charming all year long, but the town really shines at Christmas. Each year, Abingdon’s businesses compete for the most over-the-top window display. Extended shopping hours help you get a jump start on your holiday shopping.
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. Abingdon celebrates Small Business Saturday with free family activities and extended merchant hours. Stroll along the adorable brick sidewalks and enjoy the window displays.
Christmas Activities for Families
The lighting of the Abingdon Christmas Tree, and the Abingdon Christmas parade are beloved family traditions, but this year Abingdon has added even more holiday fun, with activities every weekend (and some weeknights).
Join in to sing your favorite holiday carols with a free sing-along at Town Park on Main Street. Have breakfast with Santa at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace, or create a Christmas craft with the Elves Workshop at William King Museum of Art.
