A classic small-town Christmas in Abingdon, VA

Experience the charm of a classic small-town Christmas with this tour of historic Abindon, VA.

Head to Barter Theatre for a holiday show, then browse the storefront displays downtown. Grab a bite at one of Abingdon’s locally owned restaurants, and enjoy the festive decorations downtown. You might even run in to Santa while in town!

Itinerary is 3 days/2 nights; available mid-November through late December

DAY ONE

Start the day with hot cider and cookies as you browse the art at William King Museum of Art, a fine arts museum located in a beautiful historic school. The museum is decked out for Christmas with lights and garlands. Special holiday concerts are planned throughout the season (must call the museum to confirm specific dates and times).

After lunch in downtown Abingdon, stroll the charming brick sidewalks and take in the Christmas decorations, including garlands on old-fashioned lamp posts, brightly lit store windows reminiscent of Bedford Falls from A Wonderful Life, and the elegant decorations on The Martha Washington Inn & Spa. Explore the Abingdon Antiques Trail, with more than 57,000 square feet of antique shopping.

After dinner at one of our local independent restaurants like the Peppermill, inside a Victorian home on Main Street, head to Barter Theatre for a lavish holiday-themed production in the beautiful 500-seat theatre, dating back to 1830.

DAY TWO

Do your Christmas shopping in Abingdon’s historic district, beautifully decorated for the season. Visit unique shops like Holston Mountain Artisans, the Arts Depot, or Abingdon Olive Oil Company. Warm up with a hot lunch at BoneFire Smokehouse, offering BBQ, wings and classic southern sides.

Travel just 15 minutes down the road to the award-winning Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol TN/VA. See why Bristol is home to the “big bang” of country music and browse the award-winning interactive exhibits, and grab dinner in downtown Bristol.

After dark, experience Speedway in Lights, the largest holiday light show in the South. Bristol Motor Speedway is transformed into a holiday spectacle, as you drive through approximately two million lights in four miles.

DAY THREE

On your last morning in Abingdon, indulge in the holiday brunch at Sisters at The Martha. You’ll love the elegant surroundings of this historic inn, originally built in 1832 as a private home, and later a Civil War hospital and an elite women’s college.

Walk next door to Barter Stage II for another heartwarming holiday play guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. Stage II’s intimate venue provides a totally unique theatre experience.