Merry Christmas, Floyd!
If you’re seeking a Norman Rockwell vision of the holidays, then look no further than Floyd. In the Blue Ridge Mountains, folks take their good old time and love to welcome guests who want to slow down and discover a country kind of Christmas.
And what might that be? Let’s start with the Floyd County Annual Christmas Holiday Parade, Small-Town Blessings. You’re guaranteed to be transported back in time when a parade was the most exciting event ever—for the young, old, or in between. Decorated floats, horse teams with sleigh bells, marching bands playing your favorite Christmas tunes, and the jolly old man himself with twinkling eyes, merry dimples, cheeks like roses, and a nose like a cherry.
And there’s more. During the holidays, Floyd transforms into a town straight out of a snow globe. A friendly competition encourages businesses and homeowners to decorate and win much-coveted trophies for Best Decorated Business and Best Decorated Residential Home. Floyd’s Annual Tree Lighting ceremony includes performances from local singers and bell ringers. Santa stops by for family photos, and there’s fresh hot cocoa, kids’ crafts, and more.
Don’t let Floyd’s diminutive size throw you off. There’s plenty to do in this town, despite its population of 449. For last-minute gifts, check out local businesses offering hand-crafted items including pottery, jewelry, home décor, and objets d’art. And Floyd’s 30th annual Winterfest Arts & Crafts, held the first weekend in December (Dec. 7–8), is when the area’s bustling hive of creative makers showcase their wares. In addition to local vendors selling crafts, you can admire the town’s Festival of Trees, donated and decorated by local businesses and nonprofits.
And what’s Christmas without a gingerbread house competition? Community members of all ages flex their creativity by assembling amazing pieces of edible art, tricked out with M&Ms, coconut snow, gum drops, candy canes, peppermint swirls, sprinkles, and more. A town vote determines the favorite houses, which are displayed in storefront windows throughout the holidays. FloydVa.com
Meet Santa Claus at the Floyd Country Store, a local spot for live music, shopping, and seasonal homecooked food.
Experience delicious artistry on full display at the annual Gingerbread House Contest. 2023 winners Page Fetter (left) and Rochelle Grim.
More to explore…
Bristol
Bristol morphs into a holiday hub that kicks off Nov. 21 with Downtown’s Annual Christmas Open House. Next up is the community tree lighting ceremony in Cumberland Square Park, Nov. 28, followed by the town’s Christmas Parade, Dec. 1. And make time for Speedway in Lights at the Bristol Motor Speedway with 3 million lights throughout the 4- mile route, Nov. 18–Jan 7. DiscoverBristol.org
Big Stone Gap
The town’s Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting, Dec. 5, features live music, a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus, and plenty of dough and joe. Then head to Big Stone Gap’s Christmas Craft & Vendor Show, Dec. 14. BigStoneGap.com
Wytheville
Wytheville becomes a winter wonderland as its community celebrates the season. Festivities include A Christmas to Remember holiday vendors’ market at Hitachi Energy Arena, weekends Nov. 21–Dec. 31. The Christmas Parade & Celebration, Dec. 7, keeps the fun going with sleigh rides, hot cocoa, Santa, and music along the downtown strip. WythevillesACTR.org, DowntownWytheville.org
Merry Christmas, Virginia!
Christmas in Virginia wasn’t always celebrated with the pomp and circumstance it is today. Early colonists attended church, likely followed by a special meal. The big excitement was firing guns on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Photos with Santa, cut-your-own trees, jingle bells, and presents? These were not Christmas hallmarks or staples back in the day.
Today, it’s hard to imagine the holiday season in Virginia without decorating homes, making Christmas cookies, singing carols, and unwrapping presents around the tree on Christmas morning. Yuletide festivities seem to put everyone in a good mood—except maybe Ebenezer Scrooge, and eventually even he sees the light!
It’s a time of year when we open our doors to strangers and friends alike, and our traditions add to the cheeriness and warmth. My mother always made her Scottish grandmother’s shortbread. As kids, we helped “spank the dough” when Mom got tired of kneading. It’s a time for joyful experiences, whether cutting your own tree or attending a tree lighting in a festive town square.
If you’re ready to adopt new holiday traditions, Virginia is brimming with inventive ways and ideal places to celebrate. Need inspiration? Virginia Living breaks the state into five distinct regions. Here’s how a handful of Virginia’s small cities and towns across the regions celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
- Christmas in Northern Virginia
- Christmas in the Shenandoah Valley
- Christmas in Central Virginia
- Christmas in Eastern Virginia
This article originally appeared in our December 2024 issue.
