5 Reasons Christmas is Magical in Fredericksburg
It’s the most wonderful time of the year (and my favorite holiday). Every year, stores start decking their halls with Christmas lights and taking extra care to decorate their spaces. Once Fredericksburg lights up for the holidays, just strolling along the sidewalks or driving leisurely down Main Street seems like you’re in a winter wonderland (minus the snow).
In order to spread some of the Christmas cheer, I’m listing some of my favorite reasons why I think Fredericksburg is magical during the holidays.
1. Main Street. All of the lights, all of the lights!
All of the stores along Main Street work in conjunction to simultaneously try to light up Main Street with their Christmas lights. Each glows brightly with Christmas cheer (and LED lights galore). Many of the store displays include extra lights, fir trees and perfectly wrapped gift boxes. It’s a sight to behold.
2. Marktplatz. Giant Christmas Trees and German Seasonal Decor.
The city center. It draws different sized crowds during different times of the year and Christmas is definitely a sight to see. Each tree in Marktplatz is wrapped with lights, dripping with LED icicles, and featuring a giant Christmas tree and a traditional German Christmas ornament that spins (imported from Germany). Marktplatz also features a life-size Nativity Scene, so not to forget the story behind the Christmas conception.
3. Eisbahn (Ice Skating)
An outdoor skating rink makes its appearance every holiday season in Marktplatz. A traditional Christmas activity makes this pop-up rink a local favorite. The benefits go towards the Lifeline Foundation (supporting cystic fibrosis research), the Boys and Girls Club of Fredericksburg, and a scholarship fund for a local private school. Stop by to kick up some ice and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate!
4. Holiday Cheer
Holiday cheer is contagious – it’s such a wonderful time to focus on joyful things. Speaking of cheer…a cup of cheer could also include brews! Usually, the Fredericksburg Brewery comes out with a special holiday beer called Hoppy Holidaze (cheerful and clever). Wineries are sure to join in the festivities, as well, offering special holiday packages on their wine. If you’re a holiday hot chocolate lover (like myself), check out The Peach Tree (tastes like Mexican hot chocolate with cinnamon flavors) as well as Java Ranch and Clear River Pecan for your liquid chocolate fix.
5. Christmas Caroling
What better way to spread Christmas cheer than singing loud for all to hear? (Most quotable Christmas movie to date #ELF). The holidays in Fredericksburg are filled with a variety of choir concerts and Christmas shows. One of the most notable Christmas concerts takes place at the Fredericksburg Pioneer Museum, where the choral singers stand on risers in the shape of a Christmas tree (Singing Christmas Tree)!
