Middleburg to host Dickens-Themed holiday celebration

During the month of December the Town of Middleburg will transform into the ultimate holiday destination. The historic town, located in the heart of Virginia’s horse country, will sparkle with festive
decorations during the holiday season. The town will also host family-friendly activities including a dog parade, a Dickens-themed festival, and much more! For more information, visit: middleburgva.gov/holidays.
 
On Saturday, Dec. 7, visit the Town of Middleburg for Christmas in Middleburg. At 11 a.m. the Middleburg Hunt takes to the streets creating a spectacular sight as approximately 150 horses, riders in hunting attire and dozens of hounds come through the town. The Middleburg Christmas Parade begins at 2 p.m. as spectators line the sidewalks along Washington Street (Rt. 50) to watch as a unique assortment of floats, antique fire trucks, animals, and musical groups march by in a mile-long parade.

On Dec. 8 and 15, local musicians—Hunt Lyman, Mark Maggiolo, Stormie Keating, and Steve Chase will perform live Bluegrass Christmas Carols starting at 1 p.m. at the corner of Washington and Pendleton Streets.

On Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the town will host Dickens on Madison, on South Madison St., which will be closed to vehicular traffic. Throughout the day there will be carriage rides, storytelling, carolers, street performers and a Holiday Market featuring local vendors.

During the event, members of the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Era Dancers will present Dance Like the Dickens. The group will perform dances from the Victorian era. The dancers will also demonstrate steps and invite attendees to participate.

The Goose Creek Players will present short excerpts from Charles Dickens’ play, “A Christmas Carol.”  Students from The Hill School will present “St. George and the Dragon.” Jubilee Performing Arts will have performances around the Town of Middleburg from 10 a.m. until noon.

A Dickens of a Dog Parade will be held on Dec. 21. At 1 p.m. dogs and their humans will parade from the National Sporting Library & Museum (102 The Plains Rd.) through Downtown Middleburg.

Prizes will be awarded for the best holiday costume, best costume with a Middleburg theme, and best
dressed dog and human pair.

The event will be followed by a “yappy hour” at Nomad at 14 S. Madison St., featuring treats for dogs. Participants may register on the day of the event from noon until 1 p.m. at the National Sporting Library & Museum. Proceeds benefit Pet Connect. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dickens-of-a-dog-show-2024-registration-1088734376829?aff=oddtdtcreator to register.

On Saturday, Dec. 21, Painted Trillium Celtic Band will perform music of the season from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Washington and Pendleton Streets.
 
Horn’s Punch and Judy Puppet Show will be held on Sunday, Dec. 22, on the patio at Nomad. At 1 p.m. and 3p.m., ten hand-carved puppets will entertain you in this interactive, seriously funny performance. The show has a runtime of 20-25 minutes. After the show, every child will receive a free 12-page Punch & Judy fun booklet filled with optical illusions, games, and mazes.

Holiday carriage rides through Downtown Middleburg will be offered on Dec. 28 and 29. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-in-middleburg-horse-drawn-carriage-rides-tickets-
793224865927?aff=oddtdtcreator to purchase tickets.

Sponsored by the Middleburg Business and Professional Association, complimentary cups of hot cocoa will be available at Scruffy’s Ice Cream Parlor (6 W Washington St.) each weekend from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31. Complimentary cups of hot cocoa will not be available on Dec. 7 and 8.

Visitors to Middleburg can also vote in the Middleburg Holiday Window Contest. Vote for the best
holiday shop window décor by using the QR code on display at each shop.

Visit  www.middleburgva.gov/holidays  for a full schedule of events. For additional information, please
visit facebook.com/townofmiddleburgva/ or contact the Middleburg Town Office at 540-687-5152.