I know. I KNOW. Halloween was just a few short days ago, but I’m ready to get in the holiday spirit. The Nation’s Capitol doesn’t disappoint in Christmas festivities but getting them all in takes some planning.
Part of the reason I start preparing so early is that I actually WANT to get sick of Christmas by the time the New Year rolls around. Nothing is worse than December 25 rolling around and you feeling like you missed out. I NEVER want that to happen to me!
(Note to all my religious followers: Yes, I know it’s Jesus’ birthday. Yes, I know Advent is supposed to be a dark time of waiting. However, I also know that I’m American and I embrace the secular aspects of the holiday season just as I embrace the religious. They’re not mutually exclusive.)
To get your holiday season rolling, I thought I’d share some must-dos in the DC area. You’ll notice that only one of these is actually in DC–that’s intentional. DC is pretty restrictive (still) and I don’t know what the vibe will be this year. Venture out to the ‘burbs. You won’t be sorry.
Fauquier County Holiday Wine Trail
Jim and I discovered this a few years ago on my birthday and I LOVED it. Like, I couldn’t have loved it more. The Fauquier County wineries are DECKED out. Many have mulled wine (which I adore, thanks to my semester abroad in Austria) and there’s often live holiday music being played and a big fire roaring. Add the gorgeous (sometimes snowy) scenery, and you have an amazing, Christmasy afternoon. My favorites are: Aspen Dale and Naked Mountain, but I admit that I haven’t been to many… I look forward to seeing more this year!
Note: Rappahannock Cellars is doing their first annual Christmas Market this year on December 11! It’s not in Faquier County but isn’t far and would TOTALLY be worth checking out!
White House/Capitol Building Christmas Trees
There is something so DC about going to the tree lighting (good luck getting tickets…) but it’s still very much worth it to check out the trees, even if parking is a pain in the ass. Be prepared to walk and/or shell out a lot of money for a parking garage. To make the most of it, grab a drink at the Round Robin bar at the Willard (and check out the decorations… swoon) before or after. I would normally say to check out the train display at the Botanic Gardens, but it looks like that isn’t happening this year because people are still paranoid.
Christmas Tea at Reynold’s Tavern in Annapolis
While most people would probably tell you to check out the Christmas high tea at the Willard, a more budget-friendly, equally amazing, alternative is a short drive over in Annapolis. Nestled right in downtown, Reynold’s is a historic (like, 1747 historic!) restaurant that offers a super cute, fun tea. After you’ve enjoyed your tea/lunch, check out the amazing shops on Main Street and on Maryland Ave. Old Fox Books and Lucky Knot are two of my favorites! Another sight worth seeing–the pretty decorations at the Governor’s Mansion!
Christmas in Middleburg
I’ve only gone to this once and can NOT wait to go back this year. Middleburg, VA is paradise any time, but it’s especially perfect at Christmastime. Their annual Christmas festival is in early December. Don your best Burberry and enjoy a morning hunt and hounds parade (like… how preppy, right? Adore.). Grab lunch at a restaurant in town, check out the shops, and then enjoy the afternoon Christmas parade. Now, when I hear “small town parade,” I think it’s going to be underwhelming. Believe me you, this one is NOT underwhelming in any way. I’m talking floats, the Northern Virginia Corgi Society (no joke) and legit marching bands. I was SO impressed when I went a few years ago and am counting down the days to go again this year. After the festivities, I fully intend on enjoying the evening at either Lost Barrel Brewing and/or Cana Winery.
Visit the Luckett’s Store
If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen my adventure to Luckett’s with my pal, Ashley last year. Luckett’s is hard to explain, but I’ll try. It’s an old farm that’s been converted in to a Christmas shopping utopia. The vibe is very a’la Joanna Gaines and is the BEST place to get ALL the holiday decor inspiration. There are food trucks too, so it’s easy to make the day of it. The Holiday Design House is a ticketed event, but it’s still worth going even if you’re unable to snag a ticket because you can still go around Lucketts’ grounds and in the regular shops (which are decked too). After shopping (give yourself 2-3 hours.. It’s a LOT), my favorite thing to do is check out Vanish Brewery which actually had pretty great food along with amazing beers!
I’m hoping this Christmas isn’t depressing like last one was.. Even though I still did a lot, it just wasn’t the same. Here’s to a year of holiday cheer and celebration!!
