Celebrations of food & drink and arts & crafts lead into Christmas traditions
FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA–JUNE 2026–Midway between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Virginia, Fredericksburg, Virginia’s location on the banks of the Rappahannock River makes an easy getaway and an ideal setting for holiday fun. This is a destination that has been described as a quintessential “Hallmark town” and is known as home to an authentic American experience. From its vibrant and beautifully preserved downtown to significant historic sites to chef-owned restaurants and galleries filled with contemporary artistic expressions, Fredericksburg is diverse in its appeal and welcoming year-round.
Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1 both pass directly through the City of Fredericksburg, as do U.S. Route 17 and Virginia Route 3. Both Amtrak (1-800-872-7245) and Virginia Railway Express, VRE, (1-800-743-3873) provide frequent, convenient service to Fredericksburg’s downtown rail station.
Each year the excitement builds as fall festivals and holiday traditions fill the calendar. This historic downtown transforms into a classic holiday destination each year, with historic streets, trolley rides, twinkling lights, festive shopping and family-friendly events. The heart of the celebration is the historic district centered around Caroline Street and Riverfront Park. An annual Christmas parade and tree lighting are favorite downtown events each holiday season, but there is much more to celebrate long before the star is placed atop the tree.
Fall festival season begins as visitors sip and savor the best cider Virginia has to offer at the Virginia Cider Festival (Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, 2400 Airport Avenue, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401) September 12, 2026. This is a fun, family-friendly event not just for cider enthusiasts. Live music and food trucks add to the experience and the main event is a wide variety of ciders from local, regional and national producers, all available to taste and savor. This is a unique opportunity to experience the flavors of Virginia hard cider.
One of Fredericksburg’s most anticipated annual traditions is Scarecrow Fest, where historic downtown is transformed into an outdoor gallery of scarecrows. Throughout October, local businesses create imaginative scarecrows that line the streets, inviting visitors to explore downtown while discovering seasonal surprises around every corner.
The Fall Arts & Crafts Show (Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 22401) is a fun and festive way to celebrate the season. This shopping experience features more than 175 talented artisans and crafters from across the region and is the perfect place to find unique gifts and handmade goods. The aisles are filled with handcrafted items, including jewelry, home décor, fine art, woodwork, candles, textiles, specialty foods and more.
Visitors can enjoy a celebration of craftsmanship, flavor and passion as well as an extraordinary tasting experience at the Whiskey & Wine Festival on October 17, 2026, at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center (2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 22401). A plethora of premium whiskeys and fine wines are showcased by local and international producers offering tastings and expert insights. Foodie and snack vendors along with other local and regional exhibitors round out the festival.
The holiday season officially begins during Fredericksburg’s Holiday Open House Weekend, November 14-15. This cherished tradition has welcomed visitors to experience historic downtown dressed for the holidays with beautifully decorated storefronts, seasonal entertainment, annual tree lighting, special shopping events and holiday treats. This weekend also marks the launch of Window Wonderland, the city’s popular annual riddle game that encourages visitors to explore downtown in search of clues hidden in festive window displays.
The Winter Wine Festival, December 5, 2026, will be held indoors at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds (2400 Airport Avenue, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401) on December 5, 2026. The festival offers the perfect blend of wineries, vendors, music and food. This is a premier tasting event featuring excellent wines for purchase at special prices throughout the event.
The Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show will fill the Fredericksburg Convention Center (2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401) December 4-6, 2026. The magic of the season comes alive at this beloved holiday tradition, one of the most festive shopping events of the year. The show brings together over 350 vendors from across the region, offers an outstanding selection of handmade gifts, festive holiday décor, gourmet treats and artists’ creations.
The Historic Fredericksburg’s 56th Annual Candlelight Tour (Sylvania Avenue, Lower College Heights, College Heights, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 22401) will take place in downtown on December 12-13, 2026. This year’s tour will feature the work of Peck Heflin, a prominent builder in Fredericksburg during the early 20th century. His distinctive architectural style will be highlighted in homes and commercial buildings erected across four decades. A pub crawl will be part of the fun, showcasing a few of the numerous commercial buildings Heflin contributed to Fredericksburg’s downtown.
Where to eat
The culinary scene in Fredericksburg is second to none. There are more than 40 chef-owned restaurants here and the variety, as well as the cuisine, is diverse, creative and amazing.
FoodE (900 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-479-1370) features the regional farm-to-table American cuisine of Executive Chef Joy Crump.
Chef Danilo Orofino of Orofino Restaurant (1006 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-373-1352) brings old world flavors to the table in his authentic Italian creations.
Tapa Rio (1101 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401, 540-373-0870) is a vibrant Spanish and Mediterranean spot known for scenic river views as well as flavorful tapas, pizzaiolos and paella.
Alpine Chef (200 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-656-2101) is considered Fredericksburg’s premier German restaurant, with a menu that includes classics like a main course of Sauerbraten and Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte for dessert.
Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Kitchen (309 William Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-681-1969) is located in a nearly 200-year-old building and features the oldest bar surface in the city and an impressive spirits list, along with a “whiskey inspired” Southern American menu.