A Spectacular Christmas In Horse Country

Nov. 18, 2013 - PRLog -- Located in the heart of Virginia horse country, Middleburg, has been extolled as being one of the quaintest destinations on the east coast. The traditional Christmas festivities, with the backdrop of a classic hunt country village have become a family tradition and essential part of the spirit of Christmas for small children, world travelers, and citizens far and wide.

Christmas in Middleburg is a wonderful community event. Festivities begin at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, December 7 with Breakfast with Santa and a silent auction at Middleburg Elementary School.

Starting at 11 a.m. the Middleburg Hunt Review takes to the streets creating a spectacular sight as approximately 100 horses, riders in pink coats and dozens of hounds come through the town. Throughout the day there are hayrides, choir performances, The LCPRCS Craft Fair at the Middleburg Community Center (300 West Washington Street), the Middleburg Garden Club’s Christmas Flower & Greens Show at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, as well as shopping and dining in the town’s shops and restaurants.

The Middleburg Christmas Parade begins at 2 p.m. as spectators line the sidewalks along Washington Street (Route 50) to watch as a unique assortment of floats, troops, and musical groups march by. In keeping with the animal friendliness of the town, the parade includes horses, llamas, alpacas and dogs.  Not to be missed are the antique fire trucks and of course, Santa brings up the rear riding on a beautiful horse drawn coach.

Back by popular demand is the Christmas in Middleburg Wine Crawl. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., the progressive wine tasting will feature Virginia wines at Middleburg Country Inn, Barrel Oak Tasting Room and Gallery, Home Farm Store, The Wine Cellar, Middleburg Common Grounds, Market Salamander, Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, and Olio Tasting Room. Visit www.ChristmasinMiddleburg.org for a full list of wine crawl stops.

“Christmas in Middleburg is a wonderful family event,” said Parade Organizer Jim Herbert.  “This year’s event will be especially exciting because the parade will feature many new additions; there will also be unique activities taking place throughout the day for visitors to enjoy.”

The Middleburg Business and Professional Association will host a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Friday, December 6. Caroling begins at 5 p.m., behind the Pink Box Visitor Center at 12 North Madison St. The Christmas Tree Lighting will be followed by the Third Annual Holiday Concert at A Place to Be. Recitals begin at 6:15 p.m.

Event parking for Christmas in Middleburg will be available for $5 per vehicle, one mile east of Middleburg on Rt. 50. Free shuttle service will be provided. For more information call the Pink Box Visitor Center at 540-687-8888 or email Organizer@ChristmasinMiddleburg.org. Visit www.ChristmasinMiddleburg.org to view an event schedule, list of activities, shop specials, and more. Proceeds from Christmas in Middleburg will benefit Seven Loaves and Middleburg FISH.

Getting there: Middleburg is located approximately 45 minutes from Washington, DC and is in close proximity to Dulles International Airport.  To get there from metropolitan Washington, take I-66 West to Route 50 West (Exit 57B) toward Winchester. Drive approximately 25 miles to Middleburg. Event parking will be available for $5 per vehicle, one mile east of Middleburg on Rt. 50. Free shuttle service will be provided.