It’s quite simply the most wonderful time of the year, and Fauquier County is the capital of merriment. From Christmas parades and visits with Santa to shopping small and special sips at a winery or brewery, Fauquier County is bursting at the seams with seasonal cheer.
Santa Sightings
If Santa is not at the North Pole preparing for Christmas Eve, he is hopping between events in the countryside resort of Airlie.
Four-legged friends need to meet Santa, too! Get jolly with the pup(s) in your life at Santa Paws on Friday, December 7th from 2 PM to 5 PM. Bribe Fido into taking a photo with Santa in front of the fire (treats in-hand of course). Admission even includes making a paw print ornament for your Christmas tree!
The most important meal of the day is infinitely better enjoyed with Santa. Join Santa for a breakfast buffet on Saturday, December 7th, 14th, and 21st and Sundays, December 8th, 15th, and 22nd – from French toast sticks to scrambled eggs and holiday cookies. In between plates, be sure to have your children sit on Santa’s lap to share their wish list and snap a pic!
Starting November 29th, enjoy a festive holiday train ride through the Christmas trees and around Hartland Farm! Gather your family and friends for a delightful evening filled with holiday cheer. The train will take you out to visit Santa Claus, where you can leave your Wish List with the jolly old elf himself! As part of the experience, each passenger will receive candy canes and reindeer food from Santa before catching the return train back to the Depot. Reservations are required to secure your spot on this magical ride!
For a fun walking Christmas light experience, stroll Maple Tree Farm though 1.2 mile of twinkling Christmas lights. The entire family can enjoy holiday crafts, fire pits, cow train and sweet treat for purchase.
Holly Jolly Holiday Markets
Santa and Mrs. Claus also visit Gum Drop Square in Old Town Warrenton during the first three weekends of December at the historic John Barton Payne building – also known as a holiday must-do. Let elves lead you to all the magic, including Santa’s Secret Shop, where children can pick out individually wrapped gifts for family and friends for just one ticket.
To feel like you are strolling on the set of a Hallmark movie, holiday markets to deck the halls are popping up around town leading to Christmas Eve. The Marshall Holiday Market will be December 7th, noon to four, and the Kris Kringle Market in Remington will be on December 7, starting at noon. The Warrenton Holiday Market will be set up on the 7th, 14th, and 21th of December (all Saturdays), while the Archwood Green Barnes market will be set up on Sundays from December 1-22nd, and lastly the Buchanan Hall Holiday Bazaar is Sunday, December 15th.
Polar Parades
Nothing beats a merry and bright Christmas parade to get you and yours in the season. Old Town Warrenton’s Christmas parade will be Friday, December 6th at 6PM. The Marshall Christmas parade will be Saturday, December 7th, at 11 AM while the Town of Remington will light up the streets at 5 PM that day. Grab a blanket and a folding chair…you won’t want to miss these!
Wintry Wineries and Breweries
When your tinsel is in a tangle, Fauquier County has just the place to enjoy an adult beverage while you savor the season. To enjoy a German-style outdoor holiday market while sipping on a Glühwein (German hot spiced wine) or snacking on bratwurst, stop by the Old Busthead Brewery Holiday Market on December 7th. The third-annual Holiday Market at Powers Farm Brewery will be held December 14th with multiple local merchants.
To turn the 12 Days of Christmas into the 12 “toasts” of Christmas, pick up a 12 Wines of Christmas pack from Pearmund Cellars. For just $269, these award-winning wines may become your new favorite tradition to share with your sugarplum after the littles go to bed!
Enchanting Experiences
To celebrate the winter Season, Arterra Wines will have their annual Winter Solstice celebration! As the longest night of the year sets in, cozy up with friends and family in their warmly decorated tasting room, surrounded by festive cheer of the season. Indulge in their house-made mulled wine, perfectly spiced to warm you from the inside out along with a flight of any of our delicious wines.
To ring in the holidays in a way you will never forget, treat yourself to the Holiday Winemakers Dinner at Molon Lave Vineyards on December 14th. Enjoy an authentic Greek meal – from whipped feta tzatziki to garlic roasted lamb – exquisitely paired with Molon Lave wines.
For a Christmas treat the whole family can enjoy, check out Scrooge the Musical at the charming Fauquier Community Theater from December 6th – 15th. You’ve never seen A Christmas Carol like this – don’t miss favorite of this Christmas season with a magical show the whole family can enjoy!
Shopping Small
Shop Small Saturday is on November 30th, but the small businesses of Fauquier County are to be cherished and patronized all year long. No matter who is on your list, small businesses in town have just the thing you didn’t even know you were searching for. For the antique lover, Fauquier County is a paradise – Marshall Curated, Vintage Marshall, Baileywyck Antiques, Fox Den Antiques, and new shop Vintage 29, are not to be missed.
These local shops also have you covered for the person on your list that seemingly “has it all”. The Town Duck has the most eclectic collections from babywear to gardening and kitchen accessories. Latitudes Fair Trade Store sells unique goods from across the world, from sari throws to raffia baskets for a gift with an international touch. For the fashionista in your life Studio Luxe Boutique, Déjà vu, and the Lucky Knot have everything you need to make their holiday shine.
Small businesses are the heartbeat of Fauquier County through the year and particularly shine during the holidays. You may even consider a gift card to one (or many!) of these businesses to introduce your friend to their new favorite place!
Fauquier County = Festive Fun
Fauquier County is synonymous with fa-la-la-la-la festiveness. Treasured moments amid twinkle lights, the smell of pine, and crunching candy canes are calling your name this holiday season in Fauquier County!
