Middleburg Celebrates 2020 Holiday Season With Special Events

MIDDLEBURG, VA — Middleburg's annual Christmas parade has been canceled due to the coronavirus, but the town has organized other activities for residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in a safe way.

Along with planning special holiday events, Middleburg is partnering with BAC Dumpsters, Trinity Episcopal Church, Safeway and other local businesses to collect non-perishable food donations, which will be provided to Seven Loaves Services, a food pantry based in Middleburg.

Drop-off locations will be provided throughout the town, with a special drop-off located in the Safeway parking lot Dec. 12-13 to solicit donations. Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable goods to help those in need.

The town also created a video, “THIS is Christmas in Middleburg,” to offer a positive and welcoming message as the community heads into winter with the coronavirus pandemic still requiring extra caution.

Face coverings are required in indoor public places in Middleburg. Also, retailers and restaurants have limited capacity. "Please respect the operating decisions of local business owners," the town said Wednesday.

Here's a list of the town's holiday festivities still on the schedule:

Sleigh bells ring — Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides from noon-4 p.m. on Saturdays: December 5, 12, and 19. Rides require advance reservations and are $20 per ride (up to 4 persons), which includes a free Middleburg ornament. To reserve, go to middleburgva.gov/holidays. Limited availability.

Warm up with a cup of holiday cheer — Scruffy’s Ice Cream Parlor (6 W. Washington St.) and Market Salamander (200 W. Washington St.) will provide complimentary hot cocoa to all visitors.

Ignite your holiday spirit — See specially lit and decorated Christmas trees throughout the business district, highlighted by the breathtaking lights on the 65-foot Christmas tree at The Pink Box (12 N. Madison St.).

Shop boutiques and unique stores — From The Fun Shop to Crème De La Crème, The Shaggy Ram, The Christmas Sleigh and more, Middleburg has everything from clothing to gifts to antiques. The whole town has been defined as a treasure trove. Many retailers also carry specially-designed holiday items, to include those with the town’s new logo.

Enjoy live outdoor music — Musicians will delight and entertain at various locations along Washington Street (main street through the town) on weekends.

Dine at exceptional restaurants — From casual to formal, from American to ethnic, Middleburg has dining options for everyone. Enjoy a meal in one of Middleburg’s exceptional restaurants with heated tents and outdoor seating.

Take a self-driving tour, find holiday joy — The town is holding a decorating contest for residents. Middleburg’s residential neighborhoods feature many exquisitely decorated homes as well as lights and decorations that will delight children.

Purchase Middleburg holiday greeting cards and town-inspired ornaments — Take home something unique to Middleburg. From prancing horses to foxes and merchandise with the new Town logo—unique keepsakes from your visit are available. Stop by the Town Office (10 W. Marshall St.) on weekdays or The Middleburg Museum/Pink Box (12 N. Madison St.) on weekends from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. to purchase holiday greeting cards and ornaments created by the town of Middleburg.