The holiday season makes the Shenandoah Valley Virginia’s coziest holiday destination. Historic downtowns hang their wreaths and string their lights, trains roll out with Santa aboard, and horse-drawn carriages clip-clop their way along streets that could pass for movie sets. With such merriment, you won’t want to miss a thing.
The hour-long Santa Express adventure is a family favorite every holiday season, and this year will be no different. Rolling out from Staunton, the Virginia Scenic Railway features hot cocoa and cookies, plus a visit from Santa himself. Book your seats before this most-sought experience sells out.
There is something romantic about a holiday carriage ride, don’t you think? There are a few places in the Shenandoah Valley to enjoy such an experience.
American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse always offers Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and this year is no exception. The holiday tradition is a main draw in Staunton, and is offered select dates December 4-27. Tickets are required.
Ronald Román-Meléndez and Molly Martinez-Collins in A Christmas Carol, ASC 2025. Photo by Madison Patterson.
One of the most interesting holiday events offered in the Shenandoah Valley is this candlelight concert in Luray Caverns. Performed by choirs and local ensembles, the event is a benefit for Shriners Hospitals for Children. This year’s Caroling in the Caverns is scheduled for December 12.
The Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton has a talented cast of costumed interpreters, and their reenactments of the holidays of yester year is quite the treat. Learn the holiday customs of 17th Century England, Ireland, and Germany, as well as the 1800s in the Shenandoah Valley with this special round of holiday lantern tours, offered Tuesdays through Sundays in December. Tours depart every 30 minutes between 5:30 and 8 p.m. The final tour date is December 20.
If you’re looking for a Dickensesque setting for the holiday season, you’ll want to be in Winchester for the Old Town Winter Village December 5 and 6. The event is a favorite for their horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, seasonal flavors and refreshments, and of course, the vendor village.
Bundle up, bring your camera, and expect the perfectly unexpected holiday magic this season. We can’t wait to hear which of these favorite traditions has become one of yours, too.
Header Image: The Cast of A Christmas Carol, ASC 2025. Photo by Madison Patterson.
