Looking for holiday charm with a side of small-town magic this holiday season? Shenandoah County goes all out at this time of year! Think towering trees, cocoa crawls, overachieving decorating contests and more. Here’s a fun guide to each town’s holiday personality:
Edinburg: The Hallmark Movie Set
Edinburg doesn’t just decorate … it commits. Like, 90-foot Christmas tree commits. This massive glowing giant lights up after a parade and musical performances. Everyone in town knows it’s not Rudolph that guides Santa here on Christmas Eve, but the lights from this mega tree. Not to be outdone, a 60-foot tree welcomes visitors to the Edinburg Mill Museum and Gift Shop, Edinburg Mill Restaurant, and Heritage Mill Wines.
The mayor here is a self-professed Hallmark fan, which is evident by the town-wide decorating contest with traditional, contemporary and Griswold award categories. Expect wrapped lampposts, vintage lanterns and enough holiday cheer to convince even the Grinch to believe. While we are talking holiday characters, be sure not to miss one of our favorites, 9-year-old Ralphie Parker, in the theatrical holiday production of "A Christmas Story" at Theatre Shenandoah!
Mount Jackson: Winter Wonderland
Mount Jackson goes all out with a glowing streetscape and pocket park that make evening strolls feel like they come straight off a holiday card. The season officially starts jingling during Merry on Main (Saturday, November 29) with a mistletoe market, cocoa crawl, carriage rides, parade and tree lighting.
Meanwhile, just off Route 11, the signature attraction American Celebration on Parade is busy turning its giant float displays into a whimsical winter attraction with its “Christmas at the Celebration” event. It’s held each Friday through Sunday throughout the month, and visitors can explore a national Christmas tree display, write letters to Santa and so much more.
New Market: Candy Cane Chaos
New Market’s historic downtown transforms during “Tis the Season” on Saturday, December 6, a night of decorated storefronts, wrapped lamp poles, a parade and extended hours for local businesses. The holiday vibes keep going all month long with New Market Park, which is lit up nightly. And if you have kids, the Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt on Saturday, December 13 is something you can’t miss! It’s adorable, chaotic and the perfect place to make some holiday memories.
Strasburg: Market Merriment
This town celebrates in style during its “Tis the Season” and “Mistletoe Market” events on Saturday, December 6. Attendees will be treated to a festive parade, tree lighting ceremony and – perhaps best of all – a hot cocoa tasting and contest. Shopping downtown is a holiday hunt for fun finds at stops like Strasburg Emporium, Clementine Vintage and Cherry on Top Boutique.
Also, don’t miss the mountain-view magic of the Star in the Valley Christmas Market, a dreamy artisan market with scenery that looks photoshopped … but definitely isn’t!
Woodstock: Shop ‘til You Drop
Woodstock is tiny-town holiday perfection. Downtown storefronts dress up and an entire block becomes a one-stop shopping spree. The stars of this show include Bonfire Bookstore, The Buttercup Boutique, Flour and Water Co., Travelers Treasures, Vaulted Cards and local art at VECCA Gallery.
Visit during “Hometown Holidays” (Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14) for Santa sightings and a cookie crawl, which is the Christmas-ified version of trick-or-treating.
Round out your time in Woodstock at “Christmas in the Valley,” the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds’ drive-through light show. It’s open on weekends through December 29.
Bonus: Winter at Bryce Resort
On the outskirts of the county lies Bryce Resort, which keeps the holiday energy high with a holiday craft show and ULLR 2025, a winter celebration that’s dedicated to welcoming snow season. Bryce also serves up a delicious dining experience during "Christmas At Bryce" and rings in the new year with a New Year's Eve Celebration with fireworks!