Local Brief
The best small town Christmas celebrations near D.C.
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The annual hunt country Christmas parade in Middleburg. Photo: Courtesy Hugh Kenny
Small towns within an easy drive of D.C. celebrate the season with holiday markets, Christmas parades and Main Street charm.
Why it matters: Nothing says Christmas like a big small-town celebration.
All the charmers listed here are under 80 miles from the city (closest to furthest).
Alexandria and Mt. Vernon, Virginia
Nearby Old Town feels a world away during the holidays — especially during the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Holiday Boat Parade, both on Dec. 6.
- Festivities continue throughout the season: Take in the giant tree at historic City Hall, skate through Ice & Lights park or check out holiday markets.
- Nearby, George Washington's Mt. Vernon goes all-out for the holiday season with candlelight tours, fireworks displays and meet-and-greets with Aladdin "the Christmas Camel."
Distance: Alexandria (8 miles); Mt. Vernon (23 miles)
Annapolis, Maryland
Maryland's charming capital hosts holiday events throughout the month, including the justly famous Eastport Yacht Club boat parade (Dec. 13), "midnight madness" shopping and plenty of waterfront sparkle.
- Sandy Point State Park (a 15-minute drive from Annapolis) is aglow during Lights on the Bay. The two-mile drive-thru light display runs through Jan. 1
- Passes start at $20 per vehicle.
Distance: 32 miles
Middleburg, Virginia
Holidays in hunt country aren't complete without Middleburg's famous Christmas parade on Dec. 6, with a must-see procession of mounted hunters and hounds.
- Festivities continue through December with carriage rides, free cocoa and terrific shopping (e.g., German holiday finds at The Christmas Sleigh), plus a "Jingle in the Burg" Christmas festival on Dec. 13.
Distance: 43 miles
Washington, Virginia
Christmas in Little Washington, the tiny Rappahannock County town made famous by The Inn, is a big affair. On Dec. 7, horses and hounds parade with Santa in the streets, kids ride ponies and get face paintings, shoppers browse a holiday market and bonfires keep things cozy.
- And it's all free!
Pro tip: The Inn at Little Washington's gift shop is a personal favorite for stocking up on luxe treats and home goods, as is R.H. Ballard Shop & Gallery down the road.
- Nearby Sperryville is another delight for foodies and shoppers — from teas and tinctures at Wild Roots to local Copper Fox whiskeys, and incredible wood-fired, local dining at Sumac (weekends only).
Distance: 70 miles
St. Michaels and Easton, Maryland
Charming decorations and shops are always a draw here, but don't miss Christmas in St. Michaels (Dec. 12-14). The harbor town's packed weekend includes ticketed tours of historic homes, parades by boat and land and church-hosted holiday meals with local oysters.
- Nearby Easton boasts chic eateries and shops, light displays and holiday events.
Distance: Under 80 miles