December in the Blue Ridge: Christmas Tree Farms, Small Town Parades, Wineries and Everything In-Between
By Julie Reardon
Whether you want to cut your own tree, pick a live tree and have it cut for you, buy a tree already cut or buy a living tree you can plant, consider a short trip to the Blue Ridge to visit one of a number of Northern Virginia’s “choose-and-cut” Christmas tree farms. These are great places to buy pre-cut (also called pre-harvested and fresh-cut) trees, stands, sleigh rides, hay rides and related winter events and fun. Most area wineries also have planned holiday events as well as gift shops and tastings.
Middleburg
The capitol of Virginia’s hunt country straddles the border of Loudoun and Fauquier counties and glows during the holidays with quaint shops, restaurants, carriage rides and a beloved Christmas parade. Located 25 miles west of Fair Oaks on Rt. 50, it makes an ideal day trip for shopping and dining. The town’s annual Christmas Parade is on Sat., Dec. 7th this year. It starts at 11 am, with the Middleburg Hunt horses and hounds parading down the main street (Rt. 50) in town. The community parade starts at 2 pm, featuring floats and antique firetrucks. Live music, bake sales and special sales at the shops in the village make Dec. 7 the day to go. This event has gotten so popular that reserving parking on parade day is a necessity; visit christmasinmiddleburg.org for information.
There are several cut your own Christmas tree farms in the Middleburg area. Try Middleburg Christmas Tree Farm—a bit northwest of Middleburg, but an easy, pretty drive. They also sell wreaths, garlands and other seasonal decorative items. Visit their website http://www.middleburgxmastrees.com; they also have a Facebook page by that name or call (540) 554 8625
Fauquier County
The town of Warrenton is 13 miles south of Gainesville on Business 29. Warrenton also has a Christmas parade on Friday evening December 6th in the town, with shops open late and Santa arrives by horse drawn sleigh. Fauquier is a farm-friendly county: it has many Christmas tree farms where you can cut your own and let the kids visit with some farm animals. Try Hank’s Christmas Trees, Hartland Farm, Markham www.hartlandfarmandorchard.com In addition to choose and cut Christmas trees they have local produce for sale and kid-friendly activities on the farm. Or plan a visit to Maple Tree Farm for a fun walking Christmas light experience. There, you can stroll through 1.2 miles of twinkling Christmas lights. The family can enjoy holiday crafts, fire pits, the cow train and a sweet treat for purchase. http://www.mapletreefarmva.com
The farmer’s market at the Archwood Green Barns will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first two Sundays in December; Dec. 2 and 8th, for “Christmas on the Farm.” Many of the popular farmers’ market vendors will be there, along with an array of freshly cut trees from a local farm, as well as grapevine wreaths and roping for holiday decorating. Santa will be there for the little kids from 12 – 2, and a girls’ choir will carol while a live nativity of goats, sheep, miniature horses and alpacas is on display. Lunch is available including chili and corn chowder and samples of products for sale in the barns. Archwood Green is located just at the intersection of Rt. 245 and I-66 exit 31, The Plains; (540)253-5289.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT THE WINERIES
Loudoun County
Nov. 17th – Dec. 22nd, Saturdays, and also Fri-Sun, Nov 23-25. 11-6pm. Music 1-5pm.
Holiday Jazz at Tarara Winery. Music, award-winning wine and holiday treats. 703-771-7100.
http://www.tarara.com
Dec. 1st – Dec. 9th, Sat. & Sun., 11-5pm.
Breaux Vineyards Holiday Open House. Open house with light fare and mulled wine. Discounts on holiday gifts. 800-492-9961.
http://www.breauxvineyards.com
Culpeper County
Dec. 6th – Dec. 30th, Thu. – Sun., 1-5pm.
Holiday Wine Specials at Old House Vineyards. Holiday shopping made easy while enjoying a wine tasting. 540-423-1032.
http://www.oldhousevineyards.com
Fauquier County
Dec. 1st – Dec. 2nd, 11-5pm.
Open House at Naked Mountain Winery. Browse for holiday gifts while sipping a glass of wine and nibbling hors d’oeuvres. 540-364-1609.
http://www.nakedmtnwinery.com
Dec. 8th – Dec. 15th, 11-6pm.
Happy Holidays from Mediterranean Cellars Winery. Come for some holiday cheer and gift shopping. 540-428-1984.
http://www.mediterraneancellars.com
Dec. 8th – Dec. 9th, 11-5pm.
Pearmund Cellars Holiday Celebration Weekend. Knowledgeable staff will help you with your gift list for the wine lover. 540-347-3475.
http://www.pearmundcellars.com
Rappahannock County
Dec. 15th – Dec. 16th, 11.30-5pm.
Christmas at the Cellars at Rappahannock Cellars. Sample wines, tour and listen to live music. Gift baskets available. Tasting Fee: $4.50 includes souvenir glass. 540-635-9398.
http://www.RappahannockCellars.com
Dec. 15th – Dec. 16th, Check for times.
Smoke House Winery. Warmed and spiced mead will nurture the soul. Unusual gifts for that special person. $10 per person. 540-987-3104.
http://www.smokehousewinery.com