Small Town Holiday Magic

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Small Town Holiday Magic

Virginia Small Town Christmas Guide

THE PERFECT SMALL TOWN HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE

Spending the Holiday Season in our 8 Great Small Towns feels a little bit like stepping into a Hallmark movie. Charming village streets filled with happy faces and beautiful holiday decor. Light displays that take your breath away. Unique Boutique shopping without the crowds, and cozy cottages & inns to spend weekends by a fire with friends, family, and loved ones. Take it all in & experience the ultimate small town holiday.

12 Ways To Experience Holiday Magic In Virginia’s River Realm

Virginia Small Town Christmas Guide

1. Snap a selfie with the big Santa at W.F. Booth & Son’s in Kilmarnock’s Steptoes District or maybe you’d like a photo of the Grinch at Allure Art Center.

2. Immerse yourself in a unique Christmas light experiences at Stephen Blue’s Deltaville Lights or at Kilmarnock’s Town Centre Park.

3. Catch a small town Christmas parade in one of our 8 Great Small Towns. 

4. Get your holiday shopping done at our holiday markets and shopsExplore our business directory of shops and boutiques.

5. Pretend you stepped into a Hallmark Christmas movie as you stroll the decorated streets of our 8 Great Small Towns.

6. Feast on fresh Virginia oysters from one of our many seafood retailers.

7. Catch a ride on Urbanna’s Polar Express and see the lights and decorations from aboard the trolley. 

8. Settle in with a cup of hot cocoa at the Tides Inn, a boutique inn like Hope & Glory Inn, or one of our vacation rentals. They’re all decked out for the holidays!

9. Snap a family photo in front of the Christmas LOVE sign on Kilmarnock’s Main Street 17 S. Main Street.

10. Visit Santa during one of his many stops to the River Realm.

11. Pick up your Christmas tree from one of our Christmas tree farms or shops, like Camp Irvington or Country Cottage.

12. See the beautifully lit homes along Jackson Creek while aboard the Jackson Creek Christmas Cruise

Holiday Shopping

Virginia Small Town Christmas Guide

Make Your List & Check It Twice

Skip the hustle & bustle of the city & mall, and come catch your breath, while you shop the quaint streets of our 8 Great Small Towns. Slip into a boutique or shop and find a perfect, unique gift for everyone on your list.

Need a little bit of gift inspo? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide!

Holiday Shopping Events & Markets

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Christmas in Urbanna
December 2, 2023 -  
12:00am
All Day
Sat 2
good luck cellers holiday sip and shop
Holiday Sip & Shop @ Good Luck Cellars
December 9, 2023 -  
12:00pm
Sat 9

Holiday Decorations & Lights

Virginia Small Town Christmas Guide

Bright Lights, Small Towns

Virginia’s River Realm is the perfect spot for a Christmas Light Tour with the kids, and be sure to make Stephen Blue’s Deltaville Christmas Lights one of your stops! This light display boasts thousands of twinkling lights, as well as a few interactive displays like a maze, and giant trees for the optimal photo op.

During the day, take a stroll to view the charming holiday decorations of each town, with every light post and storefront adorned in garland & bows. Christmas House Tours, Parades, & Tree Lighting ceremonies are also a must-do this time of year and you never know when “you know who” will make a Jolly appearance at some of his favorite local spots.

Christmas Parades & Events

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Santa's Many Stops Throughout The River Realm

Virginia Small Town Christmas Guide

Where To Meet Santa

Everyone’s favorite jolly fellow makes many stops throughout the River Realm this time of year!

Here are all of the fun events where you can take the family to meet the big man himself!

Santa's Stops

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Cozy Lodging

Virginia Small Town Christmas Guide

Christmas Cottages & Inns

There’s nothing quite like a cozy retreat to the River Realm this time of year, and our boutique inns & cottage rentals just seem to elevate the experience. The crackle of a warm fire, the crisp air of the outdoors, and the beautiful Christmas trees awaiting presents are all so inviting. Escape to the River Realm this holiday season.

Holiday Escapes

Tides Inn >>
The Chesapeake Inn >>
Southern Sighs Bed & Breakfast >>
Hope and Glory Inn >>

More Ways To Experience
Virginia's River Realm This Holiday Season

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Discover Your Perfect River Realm Adventure!

Are you the type that loves an outdoor adventure? Or are you looking to spend quality time with your loved ones splashing along our shorelines?

Discover your perfect path for exploring the wonders of Virginia’s River Realm.