Middleburg

The Christmas sleigh

This equestrian town sparkles with joyful festivities. Visitors can watch The Nutcracker at the Middleburg Community Center (November 17), dinner with Santa at Middleburg Community Charter School (December 7), and listen to the Jingle Jam singers (December 11 and 18). The riders in red coats are accompanied by dogs for the annual “hunting review” on Dec. 7, and dogs are in the spotlight at the National Sporting Library & Museum’s Holiday Dog Parade on Dec. 21.

Distance from DC: 45 miles.

Where to shop: The Christmas sleigh is stocked from floor to ceiling with European imports, from hand-blown glass ornaments and glittering Advent calendars to scene-stealing nutcrackers and traditional German and Austrian clothing, including dirndls and lederhosen.

Williamsburg

Christmas Shop

The Christmas spirit lasts for weeks in this city rich in history. HAS Christmas Town at Busch Gardensmillions of twinkling lights cast a joyful glow over holiday-inspired restaurants, rides and roller coasters (From November 15 to January 5). Warm up with a mug of hot cider by the The York River as a parade of boats sparkles by (December 7) or marvel at Great illuminations fireworks over Colonial Williamsburg, accompanied by concerts in the streets below (December 7, 14 and 21).

Distance from DC: 152 miles.

Where to shop: Bring home some bling for your tree in the Christmas Shop, featuring locally made Williamsburg-themed ornaments, nutcrackers, German-made incense smokers and collectible figurines.

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Snow and Ice Christmas and Gift Shop

Gourmets will delight Winter Wonder Festival Visit cookies (December 7), a carb tour visiting a dozen bakeries across the decorated Shenandoah Valley town. After you’ve let your hair down, explore the rest of the Wonderfest lineup by riding a horse-drawn carriage, saying hello to Santa, and enjoying the tree lighting and holiday parade. End your visit by voting in the gingerbread house competition.

Distance from DC: 130 miles.

Where to shop: Get fully festive at the Snow and Ice Christmas and Gift Store, a sprawling store filled with Christmas wreaths, trees, lights, figurines, ornaments and flags.

Smithfield, Virginia

Christmas store

Christmas in this ham-obsessed village begins with tree lighting on Main Street Square, complete with musical performances (November 22). Stock up on gifts at mistletoe market (November 23), featuring more than 80 vendors along Main, or try the bustling Christmas Spirits Holiday Market (November 30) at Blue Sky Distillery, with 45 vendors, live music and a visit from Saint Nick.

Distance from DC: 178 miles.

Where to shop: Explore 5,000 square feet of decorating at the Christmas Store, home to a huge selection of glass ornaments as well as handcrafted angels and snowmen.

Garrett County, Maryland

Christmas Cottage

In the northwest of the state, this outdoor recreation destination embraces the spirit of Christmas in its small towns, starting with Festival of Trees at the Garrett County Fairgrounds (November 29 and 30), where you can stroll through a forest of ornate trees, centerpieces and wreaths created by local designers. “From Grantsville”Christmas in the village» (December 6 and 7) includes tree lighting, live music and children’s art workshops, while the “A great Christmas in a small town» (December 14) offers sleigh rides, treats from Santa and a ride for shoppers.

Distance from DC: 174 miles.

Where to shop: Filled with joy, the Christmas cabin is overflowing with nativity scenes, aromatic candles, Elf on the Shelf memorabilia, festive figurines and ornaments inspired by picturesque Deep Creek Lake.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Dear Santa

The town known as Christmas City USA is abuzz in the weeks leading up to the big day, starting with Christ Market (From November 15 to December 22), a market presenting artisanal products. Next step: high spirits Annual Holiday Cocktail Trail (November 16 and 23) and cozy carriage rides to see the lights (From November 17 to January 13). HAS Central Moravian Churchattend the traditional “putz”, a Nativity scene featuring sculpted figurines in a bucolic setting forged from moss, rocks and driftwood (From November 29 to December 31).

Distance from DC: 195 miles.

Where to shop: You’ll think you’ve reached the North Pole when you visit Dear Santa, a chic boutique featuring eye-catching ornaments, Moravian stars, and nostalgic holiday decor. Bring the kids to visit Santa in his workshop to make toys, decorate cookies, and paint ornaments.

This article appears in the November 2024 Washingtonian question.

Parenting writer

Nevin Martell is a parenting, food and travel writer whose work has been published in the Washington Post, New York Times, Savior, Men’s Journal, Fortune, Travel + Leisure, The world of runnersand many other publications. He is the author of eight books, including It’s so good: 100 real cooking recipes for children, Red Truck Bakery Cookbook: Reference recipes from America’s favorite rural bakeryand the smash of the small press Finding Calvin and Hobbes: The Unconventional Story of Bill Watterson and His Groundbreaking Comic Strip. When he’s not working, he loves spending time with his wife and their six-year-old son, who already runs faster than him.