ABINGDON, VA -  The picturesque town of Abingdon, Virginia, is preparing to welcome the holidays with an array of festive events and experiences that celebrate the season. From beloved annual events like the Abingdon Christmas Parade and holiday shopping at Merchant Open House, to dazzling productions at Barter Theatre and other family-friendly activities, Abingdon offers plenty of reasons to plan a visit and experience the magic of the Christmas season.

Merchant Open House – Saturday, November 21 | 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season in Abingdon with the Town of Abingdon's annual Merchant Open House, a beloved tradition celebrating the spirit of shopping local and supporting downtown businesses. Small businesses throughout town will open their doors with special holiday offerings and unique gift ideas just in time for the season. Visitors are encouraged to explore Abingdon's locally owned shops and boutiques and support the small businesses that make the community vibrant.

Abingdon Tree Lighting – Saturday, November 21 | 6 p.m.
As daylight fades, gather on the Fields-Penn lawn at the Abingdon Visitor Center (208 W. Main Street) for the annual Abingdon Tree Lighting and the official start of the 2026 Festival of Trees. Join the community in this festive celebration as the Town of Abingdon Christmas Tree and Festival of Trees display are illuminated for the season.

The celebration begins with a special performance by Grace Studio of Motion & Dance, followed by community caroling to fill the evening with holiday cheer. Guests can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate throughout the event and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

Festival of Trees – November 21–December 31
The Abingdon, Virginia Festival of Trees returns to the Fields-Penn lawn and inside the Abingdon Visitor Center beginning Saturday, November 21, 2026. Local businesses and organizations will decorate trees for the annual community display, with two awards up for grabs: the People's Choice Award and Judge's Choice Award.

Trees will be on display daily through December 31. Outdoor trees can be viewed at any time, while indoor trees are available during the Abingdon Visitor Center's regular business hours.

Visitors can help select the People's Choice winner by casting a vote for their favorite tree with a donation of pet supplies, school supplies, personal hygiene supplies, non-perishable food items, or a monetary contribution. All donations will be distributed to local charities. Voting is open inside the Abingdon Visitor Center Mondays–Saturdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sundays, 1–5 p.m.

59th Annual Abingdon Christmas Parade – Saturday, December 5 | 5:30 p.m.
One of the region’s most cherished holiday traditions, the 59th Annual Abingdon Christmas Parade will light up Main Street with floats, marching bands, and cheer. Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Abingdon and sponsored by Bart Long & Associates Realty and Auction, LLC and Food City, this year’s parade invites community groups, schools, and businesses to join the celebration. The parade route will travel eastward from Preston Street to Court Street in historic downtown Abingdon. To register a float or group, visit AbingdonKiwanis.org.

Gingerbread Bake-Off – December 5, 2025–January 3, 2026
Hosted by the Virginia Highlands Festival, the 3rd Annual Gingerbread Bake-Off invites individuals, families, schools, businesses, and community groups to showcase their creativity through imaginative gingerbread creations. Open to all ages and skill levels, this new festive community tradition celebrates holiday craftsmanship, teamwork, and friendly competition.

Participants can enter one of three categories: Adults (scratch only), Team/Family (kit or scratch), or Youth (kit or scratch). Entries will be displayed publicly at The Abingdon Commons (238 W. Main Street) throughout the holiday season.

The exhibit will be open daily December 5 through January 3. Admission to view the display is free. Registration is required for gingerbread entries. For registration, competition rules, and guidelines, visit VAHighlandsFestival.com.

Holiday Productions at Barter Theatre
No holiday season in Abingdon is complete without a visit to the historic Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia and the nation’s longest running professional theatre. This year’s holiday season includes productions of:

• Elf the Musical (Nov. 14–Dec. 27, Gilliam Stage)
• Wooden Snowflakes (Nov. 22–Dec. 27, Smith Theatre)
• Here Comes Suzy Snowflake (Nov. 24–Dec. 24, Gilliam Stage)

For tickets and showtimes, visit BarterTheatre.com.

Please visit our events calendar at www.visitabingdonvirginia.com/calendar for a complete list of all the holiday happenings throughout the Town of Abingdon, Virginia.

“The holiday season is a special time in Abingdon, when our historic downtown, local businesses, and community traditions come together to create an inviting place to celebrate,” said Ashli Linkous, Marketing Manager for the Town of Abingdon. “From shopping with local merchants to taking in a Christmas production at Barter Theatre, there are so many ways to experience the magic of Christmas. We look forward to welcoming visitors and sharing what makes the holidays in Abingdon so special.”