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."
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.
Plan a destination Christmas in Abingdon
Holiday Events in Abingdon
Abingdon's holiday calendar is packed full of family-friendly events. In 2020, you'll find plenty of ways to safely enjoy the holiday season, from a reverse Christmas Parade to outdoor holiday markets, and touchless drive-in shows from 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 families in the region, and that's true even in 2020! The state theatre of Virginia continues its socially distanced series of live shows at the Moonlite Drive-In, offering two fantastic holiday shows for all ages: Frosty the Snowman and A Christmas Carol.
New in 2020, the Virginia Highlands Festival comes home to The Martha for the holidays, with a special holiday craft market. The market runs for five weekends November 20 – December 20, 2020, each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Visitors can shop for unique holiday gifts, home décor and edible treats, while enjoying live entertainment and hot beverages for sale from The Martha.
See all Christmas eventsShopping 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 for extended hours on Saturdays, with baked goods, crafts, wreaths and produce. Holston Mountain Artisans highlights handmade crafts from the region, with unique offerings and holiday decor items. Browse for something really special with holiday open houses at local merchants.
