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. Santa’s Workshop on December 9th and 17th, will be a fun-filled afternoon of DIY cookie decorating or ornament decorating, pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, cookies, and a holiday story read by the big man himself.
Four-legged friends need to meet Santa, too! Get jolly with the pup(s) in your life at Santa Paws on Friday, December 9th from 6 PM to 9 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 10th, 16th, 23red or 24th – 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!
For a fun walking Christmas light experience, stroll Maple Tree Farm though 1.2 mile of twinkling Christmas lights. The 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 (which are available for $2 each).
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 from 9 AM – noon on Saturdays, November 25th thru December 17th, and the Kris Kringle Market in Remington will be on December 2, starting at noon. The Warrenton Holiday Market will be set up on the 2nd, 9th, and 17th of December (all Saturdays), while the Archwood Green Barnes market will be set up on Sundays from November 26th – December 17th, , and lastly the Buchanan Hall Holiday Bazaar is Sunday, December 10th.
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 1st at 6 PM. The Marshall Christmas parade will be Saturday, December 2nd 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 2nd.. The third-annual Holiday Market at Powers Farm Brewery will be held December 9th with multiple local merchants..
Enchanting Experiences
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 9th. Enjoy an authentic Greek meal – from whipped feta tzatziki to garlic roasted lamb – exquisitely paired with Molon Lave wines.
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 $259, these award-winning wines may become your new favorite tradition to share with your sugarplum after the littles go to bed!
For a Christmas treat the whole family can enjoy, check out Miracle on 34th Street the charming Fauquier Community Theater from December 1st – 17th. Enjoy this adaptation from the novel by Valentine Davies and based upon the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street. Kris Kringle, a nice old man from a retirement home, gets a job working as a Christmas Santa at Macy’s.
Shopping Small
Shop Small Saturday was on November 25th, 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, and Baileywyck Antiques, 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 has 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!
