By james art 
‘Tis the season to explore
Staunton
ART FOR GIFTS
Nov. 15–Dec. 31: For seven weeks, the Staunton Augusta Art Center transforms its galleries into a holiday shopping paradise. Local and regional artists and craftspeople gather at this sprawling market to showcase their finest gift goods and artwork. SAArtCenter.org
Pembroke
MAGICAL CHRISTMAS VILLAGE AND MARKET
November 23 – January 4: Mountain Lake Lodge lights up the holiday season with its charming winter village, complete with Pinecone Express and Marshmallow Way train rides, s’more making and hot cocoa sipping. Even a Scrooge couldn’t resist this cozy Christmas atmosphere. MtnLakeLodge.com
Virginia Beach
VIRGINIA BEACH CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Nov. 29–Dec. 1
There’s a great deal of seasonal cheer at this market at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, featuring 175 fine arts and crafts vendors from more than 20 states. Stroll through the wide variety of merchandise and have your photo taken with Santa on Sunday, December 1st. EMGShows.com
Woodstock
CHRISTMAS AT THE CRAFT VILLAGE IN THE VALLEY
Nov. 29–Dec. 14
The Shenandoah County Fair sparkles with holiday cheer, aglow in holiday lights throughout December. Guests can drive through dazzling LED displays, and for three magical weekends, a cozy craft village awaits with festive treats and goodies. ShenCoFair.com
Fredericksburg
MISTLET MARKET
November 30: This Small Business Saturday Market is a seasonal, turned holiday craft fair for Christmas decor, supplies and gifts, open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Harkump Park becomes a must-stop for shopping in the area, full of local spirit and creativity. FredericksburgVa.gov
Norton
NORTON HOLIDAY MARKET
December 7: Is it Norton or the North Pole? The Norton Expo Center transforms into a winter wonderland with crafts and seasonal spirit, vendors selling from 4 to 7 p.m. And don’t miss the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. in the Norton Municipal Parking Lot . NortonVa.gov
Leesburg
FINE ARTS AND CRAFTS HOLIDAY SHOW
December 7-8: In search of unique, personalized gifts for loved ones, check out the Leesburg Holiday Market on the Town Green. Local and regional producers line up for your shopping pleasure. It got even merrier with the town tree lighting ceremony on Saturday 7th December. LeesburgVa.gov
Yorktown
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR ON THE MAIN
December 7-8: It’s a weekend of winter wonderland festivities and shopping
Main Street of Yorktown. Nearly 100 merchants fill the historic town from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with cheer and handmade local products. The pipes, drums and fire engines add to the charm. Visit Williamsburg.com
Herndon
HERNDON “WINTERMARKT”
December 14: This German-style Christmas market features more than 90 arts and crafts vendors, appearances by America’s Santa Claus and Europe’s Saint Nicholas, and traditional German baked goodies. The German Embassy has rated it glowing, so you know it’s worth it. HerndonWinterMarkt.com
This article originally appeared in our December 2024 issue.