Discover the Magic of Staunton: Your Ultimate Holiday Itinerary

In town for the weekend? Here’s how to make the most of your time in Staunton with our holiday itinerary, packed with fun and must-do activities. From festive food and drink to shopping, to treasured holiday traditions, there’s something for everyone!

Settle In

If you’re from out of town, get situated in your lodgings. Hotel 24 South decks out its lobby for the holidays, and you can admire the decorations as you sip your post-travel cocktail in the 1924 Lounge. The luxurious rooms make a wonderful home base in the heart of Staunton’s downtown.

Lantern Tour at the Frontier Culture Museum

Visit the Frontier Culture Museum, which offers outdoor exhibits showcasing the lives and work of the area’s earliest inhabitants. Lots of fun in any season, the museum features festive lantern tours during the holidays. At each farm, you’ll learn about historic holiday traditions and see a skit.

Dinner, Drinks, and a Stroll

Grab a relaxed dinner at Marino’s Lunch, a cozy spot known for its burger, mac-n-cheese bowls, and Friday night jam sessions. Alternately, Byers Street Bistro boasts tasty American fare and festive seasonal cocktails. If you’re not too tired, end the evening with a stroll down Beverley Street to see the twinkling holiday lights and window displays.

Start the Morning Right

Get coffee and small bites at By&By, a favorite haunt for students at nearby Mary Baldwin University. Next hit the Winter Market in Staunton’s Wharf for tasty treats and baked goods, holiday greens, artisan products, and decorations. On December 7, Ciders From Mars is holding a Holiday Art Market in their tasting room, adjacent to the Wharf. 

Shop for Gifts (and Yourself)

After the market, widen your range and stroll through Staunton’s historic downtown, known for its charming architecture and unique shopping opportunities. Visit boutiques like Design@Nine for clothing and jewelry, Foxtails for gifts, or Pufferbellies Toys & Books for the kiddos. Don’t miss the one-of-a-kind art items for sale at the Staunton Augusta Art Center’s annual Art for Gifts event.

Get Cooking and Decorating Inspiration

Sit down to lunch at Gloria’s Pupuseria. Even if you’ve never tried this savory, stuffed Salvadoran treat before, you’ll be asking for the recipe when you leave. If you prefer the familiar with a twist, Pizza Luca will blow you away with its creative takes on the classic pie. Next, head to Gospel Hill for the Historic Staunton Foundation’s Holiday House Tours (December 7 and 8), an exciting chance to see some of Staunton’s finest homes looking their best for the holidays. 

Sick of Hallmark Movies?

How about seeing some live holiday-themed theater instead? American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse puts on annual seasonal performances of A Christmas Carol. Each season, a different cast lends a fresh perspective to this classic story. Other good bets are a ShenanArts production of The Homecoming, a family show set in the Virginia mountains during the great depression, or the annual Heifetz Holiday Homecoming (December 14).

Have a Great Meal

Enjoy Southern and Italian-inspired dishes when you have dinner at Queen City Bistro. You’ll love seasonal comfort food like mushroom ravioli and madeira-glazed ribs. After dinner, take the long way home, through Gypsy Hill Park’s drive-through Celebration of Holiday Lights. Rumor has it that Santa might make an appearance!

Get Out and About

Have a big, cozy breakfast or brunch at Latin Soul or a quick cup of coffee and a pastry at Crucible Coffee Roasters or warm your hands with a hot cocoa from Cranberry’s Grocery. Then head out to explore local trails or take a scenic drive to enjoy winter views of the Shenandoah Valley. While you’re exploring, make sure to stop at Generations Park in Bridgewater for an ice skating session followed by a scoop (or two) from Smiley’s Ice Cream. 

More Staunton Fun Before You Go

Back in Staunton, walk to Sunspots Studios to watch glassblowers create art for your holiday decoration displays. Sign up for a Blow Your Own Ornament session.

Special Events

Check the Visit Staunton events page for a schedule of holiday-themed happenings. Here are some highlights.

• December 8: Advent Lessons and Carols at Trinity Episcopal Church, The Valley Chorale Annual Christmas Concert “Making Spirits Bright” at Emmanuel Episcopal Church
• December 14: Holiday Tea at the Frederick House, Christmas at Cranberry’s 
• December 21: the Blackburn Inn’s Breakfast with Santa.

Staunton offers the perfect mix of history, arts, and holiday spirit—your December trip will be unforgettable!