Maryland’s state capital is even more of a beauty at the holidays, with wreaths, ribbons, and greenery decorating the lampposts and windows along its cobblestoned Main Street, and a huge lit-up tree and menorah at City Dock Park. Eastport Yacht Club Parade of Lights (Photo by John Horn) Annapolis, Maryland Holiday afternoon tea is served on the mezzanine overlooking the tree, while overnight guests can reserve a table with that prize view for cocktails and light snacks, available on select nights. The grande dame of Richmond hotels, the circa-1895 Jefferson Hotel goes all out for the holidays, with garland-wrapped, wrought-iron balconies hundreds of live poinsettias an elaborate gingerbread house display and 20+ trees, including the signature 30-foot beauty in the Rotunda, a two-story atrium with a stained-glass ceiling. The Someday Shop has well-curated home goods, including reclaimed furniture and vintage French copper pots that would brighten up any kitchen. Awl Snap’s smart leather bags and clutches are all handmade onsite. Sassy Jones was a winner of HSN’s The Big Find, thanks to her colorful bags, jewelry, and accessories. In the Arts District, bespoke custom clothier Ledbury recently expanded into shoes, offering European-style craftsmanship and tailoring, all made in Virginia. RVA is known for its thriving creative entrepreneurs, making it the perfect place for unique shopping. It celebrates the holiday’s seven guiding principles-which include unity, faith and self-determination-via music, dance and spoken word, both in person and online. The Ẹlẹgba Folklore Society started the Capital City Kwanzaa Festival in 1990, and it has grown into one of the largest on the East Coast.
Get the scoop on participating homes from The Richmond-Times Dispatch, or the Tacky Lights Richmond Facebook page. If you think more is more, and even more is even better, you’ll love the Tacky Lights List, an unofficial tour of the brightest, gaudiest, most over-the-top homemade displays around the city. It opens in mid-November and runs through the New Year. The Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights turns Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden into a visual feast for all ages, with twinkling displays, model train sets, a cozy fire for s’mores and hot cocoa, and even pet-friendly walks on select evenings. Lights, lights, and more lights-it’s a theme in RVA, and there are so many ways to soak up the sparkle. (Reservations strongly recommended.) Dominion Energy GardenFest comes alive at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (Photo by Michael Simon) Richmond, Virginia This Autograph Collection hotel has 241 guest rooms and a special secret: an open-air atrium garden at King & Rye restaurant, which gets transformed into a Winter Wonderland every season, complete with heated igloos.
Stay in the heart of it all at The Alexandrian, located right on King Street. Look to the Historic Alexandria Museums (including its Black History Museum and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum) for unique finds. The Old Town Shop shares local pride via cute housewares, logo shirts, and artisanal crafts and food in Locals Alley. On the waterfront, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to the largest collection of accessible working studios in the U.S., with fine-art paintings, photography, blown glass, jewelry, and more, on sale from the artists. Pop down the block to sister shop Penny Post for cards and stationery. Red Barn Mercantile has a beautifully curated selection of home goods, puzzles, you name it, including Virginia-inspired gifts. Step back in time with candlelight, 18th-century music, and fireworks displays at Christmas at Mount Vernon. At the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, bedecked watercraft cruise along a one-mile stretch of the Potomac while onlookers peruse the vendors along the waterfront. 28 for the Grand Chanukah Menorah Lighting, a festive night of music, hot treats (including potato latkes and donuts), and dreidel giveaways. The parade ends with a concert at Market Square, and proceeds benefit the Campagna Center. The parade takes place rain or shine, with tartan-clad marchers representing dozens of clans parading through Old Town, accompanied by fife and drum bands, classic cars, even trotting Scottie dogs. Old Town Alexandria was established in 1749 by Scottish merchants, who are celebrated every year in the Scottish Christmas Walk, typically held first weekend of December. (photo by Evan Michio for Visit Alexandria) Alexandria, Virginia 20th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.