Abingdon is “dreaming of a White Christmas”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 9, 2017

                                

Abingdon is “dreaming of a White Christmas,”

 with a month of holiday activities for families November 17 – December 9

Abingdon, VA – It’s going to be a white Christmas in Abingdon this season, regardless of the weather forecast.  Beginning Friday November 17, Abingdon celebrates “An Old-Fashioned White Christmas,” a month of family-friendly holiday activities.  At the heart of the holiday schedule is Barter Theatre’s “White Christmas,” which provided inspiration for the Town’s holiday celebration.

Experience a Christmas “just like the ones we used to know,” with a month of holiday celebrations in Abingdon, November 17^th through December 9^th.   Abingdon’s quaint downtown will be transformed in to a Christmas wonderland, with carolers, magical storefront displays, the scent of roasted chestnuts on the air and special events to celebrate the season.  There will be plenty of opportunities to find the perfect gift, as Abingdon’s merchants will stay open late each weekend to accommodate shoppers.

The Christmas season begins in Abingdon with the opening of Barter Theatre’s “White Christmas,” Friday November 17th.  Barter is a holiday tradition for many families in the region, and this year’s offering is a lavish production of the beloved Christmas movie. It’s a timeless tale of joy and goodwill filled with Irving Berlin’s best songs, topped off with glorious dancing and lots of snow, making this a show a holiday classic for all audiences. The fun continues with “Rudolph,” a holiday story for young audiences, and the hilarious comedies “A Tuna Christmas,” and “The Santaland Diaries,” (better suited for adults).

With plenty to see and do each weekend, families will want to plan to spend the entire day in Abingdon.

The Abingdon Farmers Market will hold a Holiday Market each Saturday morning from 10am to 12pm with baked goods, crafts and gifts, and Abingdon’s merchants will compete for the best store window, with “White Christmas” themed displays.  Other activities include free Christmas concerts, holiday craft workshops for kids, and photos with Santa, hosted by Abingdon’s businesses and non-profits. For a full list of holiday activities for families, go to VisitAbingdonVirginia.com/Christmas.

Town-wide events include:

Abingdon Merchants’ Holiday Open House

Sunday November 19^th, 1pm to 6pm

Kick off the holiday season with a town-wide open house, hosted by Abingdon’s merchants. Jump-start the holiday season, with extended shopping hours (1pm to 6pm), free holiday concerts, and free refreshments at many stores. New this year, Abingdon’s businesses will compete for the most over-the-top window display, inspired by Barter Theatre’s “White Christmas.”   For more information, go to VisitAbingdonVirginia.com/Christmas

Small Business Saturday

Saturday November 25^th, 11am to 7pm

Skip the Black Friday madness, and head to downtown Abingdon for Small Business Saturday.  Abingdon will celebrate with free family activities and extended merchant hours 11am to 7pm. Roasted chestnuts will be on sale at Main Street Town Park starting at 11am until supplies run out, and the cast of Barter Theatre’s “Rudolph” will be caroling 11am to 1pm on West Main Street. block between Cummings and Russell Road. For more information, go to VisitAbingdonVirginia.com/Christmas

Santa’s Mailbox

November 15 – December 10

Make the holidays extra special for your little ones this year with a personal letter from the big guy, postmarked from North Pole, Alaska.  Write your letter to Santa, and drop it in Santa’s Mailbox, located next to The Candy Shed at 272 W. Main Street in downtown Abingdon.  Letters must be dropped off between November 15 and December 10, and must include a name and full return address.   For more information, go to VisitAbingdonVirginia.com/Christmas

Abingdon Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade

December 1^st and 2^nd

Friday December 1^st is the annual Abingdon Christmas Tree Lighting, at 6:00pm At the Market Pavilion on Remsburg Drive. Saturday December 2^nd is Abingdon’s Annual Christmas Parade, presented by the Kiwanis Club, 6:00pm to 8:00pm.  Abingdon Baptist Church will offer free cocoa and hot cider during the parade, while the American Chestnut Foundation will offer roasted chestnuts for sale.  Both events are free, and Abingdon’s merchants and restaurants will be open late to welcome families.

Go to VisitAbingdonVirginia.com/Christmas for a full list of holiday events and promotions.