When you think of celebrating the holidays in Virginia, few places capture the magic quite like the Afton area. This enchanting region offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, warm hospitality, and festive charm. Whether you are planning Thanksgiving in Afton or seeking a memorable Christmas at a Virginia winery, our corner of the Commonwealth delivers an unforgettable seasonal experience.
Thanksgiving at a Virginia Winery: A New Tradition
This year, reimagine your Thanksgiving celebration with a stay at Afton Mountain Vineyards. Our tasting room welcomes guests Friday through Monday after Thanksgiving, offering the perfect opportunity to explore our exceptional wines while taking in panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from our glass pavilion which is open year-round.
For those seeking a peaceful retreat from the holiday hustle, consider booking one of our charming one-bedroom or two-bedroom cottages. Surrounded by vineyard beauty, these accommodations feature fully stocked kitchens where you can prepare your own holiday feast or enjoy take-out in the comfort of your private getaway. Imagine waking up to mountain views, sipping wine by the fireplace, and truly disconnecting from the everyday rush.
If you prefer dining out for Thanksgiving, nearby Charlottesville offers excellent options. Birch & Bloom continues its beloved Thanksgiving tradition with an impressive buffet from noon to 8 PM, featuring hand-carved prime rib, maple-glazed ham, pickle-brined fried chicken with spicy honey, and an array of sides from sour cream mashed potatoes to pecan yam gratin. For dessert, indulge in bourbon pecan pie and butterscotch budino. The Ridley is also taking reservations for those seeking an elegant Thanksgiving dinner just thirty minutes from the vineyard.
Sports fans will not want to miss WildManDan Brewery on Thanksgiving Day, where you can watch the Green Bay Packers take on the Detroit Lions at this registered Packers brewery.
Christmas at a Virginia Winery: Winter Wonderland Awaits
The magic intensifies as Christmas approaches. Afton Mountain Vineyards opens our tasting room Friday through Monday after Christmas, ensuring you can continue your wine exploration throughout the holiday season. The cottages remain available for those who want to make Christmas truly special with a mountain escape.
For Christmas Day dining, venture to Charlottesville where The Ridley and 1799 at the Clifton are accepting reservations. The latter specializes in elegant holiday dining that perfectly complements a wine country getaway.
Illuminating the Season: Local Holiday Events
Veritas Illuminated transforms the landscape into a sparkling wonderland from November 24 through January 3. Experience over 100,000 lights adorning the grove, vines, and enchanting woods of Veritas Winery. This spectacular walk-through display culminates in the tasting room, where you can warm up with wine and seasonal fare from their Winter Wonderland menu. Operating primarily on Fridays and Saturdays with additional days during holiday weeks, it is a must-see attraction.
For New Year’s Eve, Veritas hosts an elegant black-tie Masked Ball featuring a decadent five-course wine-paired dinner, dancing, and a midnight toast to welcome 2026, followed by a hearty breakfast buffet.
Bethlehem Village at Hebron Baptist Church offers a truly extraordinary experience. This full-scale recreation of first-century Bethlehem features live reenactments of Christ’s birth, singing angels, Roman guards, working forges and bakeries, and even live camels. Visitors can interact with shopkeepers, watch artisans at work, and immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of ancient Bethlehem. Running December 12-14, this community production has welcomed thousands of visitors over the years.
Wine, Cider, and Festive Entertainment
Albemarle CiderWorks keeps the celebration flowing with live music every Saturday afternoon from 2:30 to 4:30 PM. Special events include “An Irish Christmas” with renowned performers John Doyle and Cathie Ryan on December 11, Holiday Critter Crafts with Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary on December 20, and Next Stop Comedy Night on December 26.
Hazy Mountain Vineyards and Brewery offers unique experiences including Bachata Night on November 29 and their exclusive Yuletide in the Mountains Secret Supper Club on December 19. This intimate five-course dinner features chef-curated seasonal dishes paired with Hazy Mountain wines, limited seating, and cocktail hour beginning at 6 PM.
Artisan Markets and Holiday Shopping
Support local creators at the Crozet Holiday Market Crawl on December 6, featuring handcrafted gifts, home goods, and seasonal treats spread across multiple venues. This free fourth annual event celebrates local makers and small businesses.
King Family Vineyards hosts their annual Carriage House Christmas on December 7, from 10 AM to 4 PM, featuring local artisan vendors, food trucks, and a special visit from Santa for the little ones.
Create and Celebrate
Hands-on holiday experiences abound in the area. Monticello’s Wreath Workshops continue their 39-year tradition throughout late November and early December, where expert floral designers guide participants in creating beautiful door decorations.
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards offers Holiday Wreath Making Workshops December 2-4, led by Head Gardener Celina DeBrito, including gardening and foraging tips alongside wreath-making techniques.
Hill Top Winery and Meadery celebrates with their 5th Annual Chestnut Roast on December 13, featuring chestnuts from local Helbert’s Chestnut Farm roasted on an open fire, hot chocolate, farm animals dressed for Christmas, and opportunities for perfect holiday photos.
Your Holiday Haven in the Blue Ridge
Celebrating the holidays in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains offers something truly special. Whether you are seeking Thanksgiving at a Virginia winery with intimate cottage accommodations, Christmas at a Virginia winery surrounded by twinkling lights and mountain views, or simply exploring the rich tapestry of seasonal events throughout the Afton area, this region delivers memories to last a lifetime.
From wine tastings and gourmet dinners to historic reenactments and artisan markets, Thanksgiving in Afton and the surrounding holiday season combines the best of Virginia hospitality, natural beauty, and festive tradition. Book your cottage at Afton Mountain Vineyards, plan your itinerary around these spectacular events, and discover why this corner of Virginia has become a cherished holiday destination for families and wine lovers alike.
The mountains are calling, the wines are waiting, and the holidays shine brightest in Afton.