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Shopping Local in Loudoun County This Holiday Season
As the holiday season arrives, Loudoun County’s communities come alive with twinkling lights, festive markets, and a spirit of sharing that runs deeper than ever. From the brick-lined streets of Leesburg to the historic charm of Middleburg and the bustling town centers of Ashburn and Sterling, Loudoun offers a rich tapestry of small businesses that define its character—and they need local support now more than ever.
A COMMUNITY OF MAKERS, CREATORS, AND ENTREPRENEURS
Loudoun’s small businesses are more than
storefronts; they are neighbors, families, artisans, and innovators who give the county its special sense of place. Local shops offer everything from handcrafted jewelry and home décor to gourmet foods, boutique fashions, and custom artwork. Many owners source materials locally or create their products by hand, ensuring that holiday gifts carry meaning—and often a story.
At markets and holiday craft fairs, Loudoun’s farmers, bakers, and makers showcase seasonal goods that can’t be found in national chains: homemade jams,
farmstead cheeses, hand-poured candles, and fine wines produced just down the road. These items don’t just fill a shopping list— they create memories.
BOOSTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY
Choosing to shop at independently owned businesses has a direct and powerful impact on Loudoun’s economy. Every dollar spent locally generates more money circulating within the community, supporting jobs, services, and neighborhood vitality. Small businesses often hire locally, donate to local causes, and invest in improving the communities they call home.
During the holidays, when local shops experience their highest foot traffic, this support can be the difference between a thriving year and a difficult one. Shopping small strengthens Loudoun’s economic resilience and helps keep beloved local institutions open for years to come.
A MORE ENJOYABLE, PERSONAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The experience of shopping local is a holiday gift in itself. Instead of crowded big-box stores or endless online scrolling, Loudoun shoppers can enjoy personalized service, curated selections, and a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Store owners remember their customers, offer thoughtful recommendations, and often go above and beyond to help find the perfect gift.
SUPPORTING LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND WINERIES
Shopping local extends beyond retail. Loudoun’s independent restaurants, cafés, breweries, and wineries are central to holiday traditions—whether it’s a cozy dinner after shopping, a mulled wine tasting with friends, or the perfect local bottle to bring to a holiday gathering. Gift cards from these businesses make excellent presents, spreading support well into the new year.
HOW TO SHOP LOCAL THIS SEASON
Supporting Loudoun’s businesses can be simple and meaningful. Here are a few ways to make an impact:
• Visit local holiday markets for handcrafted gifts.
• Buy gift cards to local restaurants, salons, and service providers.
• Choose locally made products—from wine and beer to art and specialty foods.
• Share your finds on social media to help neighbors discover new shops.
• Bring friends or family to explore Loudoun’s walkable main streets and town centers.
STRENGTHENING LOUDOUN’S
HOLIDAY SPIRIT
Shopping local is more than a transaction—it’s an investment in the community. By choosing local this holiday season, residents help preserve the charm and vitality that make Loudoun a special place to live, work, and celebrate.
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The holiday season is a time for Loudoun’s towns to welcome visitors, share their traditions and history, and bring shoppers to their community’s small businesses.
That means a full slate of family activities on are the calendar—from parades to bazaars to craft workshops. And there will be more than a few opportunities to see Santa.
In Leesburg, festivities begin Saturday, Dec. 6, with the Mistletoe Market on the courthouse lawn. Organized by Leesburg Movement, the town’s Main Street program, the event features more than two dozen vendors from noon to 4 p.m. The day includes holiday entertainment, sweet
treats, warm brews, and local, handmade gifts. Santa is scheduled to stop by from 1 to 3 p.m.
That evening, starting at 6 p.m., activities shift to the Town Green where families will gather for a program of live music and tree-lighting ceremony with the Town Council.
That same weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday, the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center will be filled with vendors for the annual Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show.
Things ramp up the following weekend with the annual Christmas and Holiday Parade taking place on King Street starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.
That’s also the weekend for the annual Jingle Jam at the Tally Ho Theater over three days, but if you don’t already have tickets, you’re out of luck—all three shows sold out weeks ago. See more at leesburgva.gov/events.
In Purcellville, the community will gather at Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Dec. 5 for
the tree lighting ceremony.
A full day of events is planned Saturday, Dec. 13, starting at noon with the Holiday Parade that will follow a loop around town starting and ending at Blue Ridge Middle School.
The Bush Tabernacle will feature a holiday market with local crafters and artiests along with a LEGO display from noon to 6 p.m.
The Loudoun Valley Community Center will offer an ornament making workshop in conjunction with the Purcellville Arts Council and the Train Station Advisory Board from 2 to 5 p.m.
After the parade, Santa plans to be at the Train Station from 2 to 5 p.m. to hear
Christmas wishes and pose for photos. The day’s activities are capped with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board’s annual tour of the town’s best holiday light displays. A map of the must-see locations will be available to guide you. See more at purcellvilleva.gov/Holidays-in-Purcellville.
In Middleburg, the town will be full of visitors Saturday, Dec. 6 for a full day of holiday activities. At 11 a.m. the Middleburg Hunt takes to the streets, creating a spectacular sight as approximately 150 horses, riders in hunting attire, and dozens of hounds come through the town. The Middleburg Christmas
Parade begins at 2 p.m. as spectators line Washington Street to watch as an assortment of floats, antique fire trucks, animals, and musical groups march. Parking in town will be limited. Parking passes for shuttle service from Mickie Gordon Park and Lost Barrel Brewing are available for purchase at christmasinmiddleburg.org.
On Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the town will host Jingle In The Burg. The festival on South Madison Street will feature carriage rides, carolers, dancers, street performers and a holiday market with local vendors. Members of the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Era Dancers will present Dance Like the Dickens. Students from The Hill School will present “St. George and the Dragon.” Tagragg
Productions will feature a performance of “Beyond a Christmas Carol.”
On Saturday, Dec. 20, a Jingle Paws Parade will be held. Starting at 1 p.m. dogs and their humans will parade from the National Sporting Library & Museum through the downtown area with prizes awarded for the best holiday costume, best costume
JOIN THE CAST FOR THE CHRISTMAS MURDER MYSTERY
The Off Center Events team brings a hilarious whodunnit to the mountain on Friday, Dec. 12 to guide the audience in a performance of the “Christmas Murder Mystery.”
The story features quirky family drama and small-town chaos with all attendees serving as
interactive characters working together to solve a murder. No specific acting skills are required. Those who sign up will receive an email or text the week prior to the event with their character assignment.
The program runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at Dirt Farm Brewery near Bluemont. Tickets are $30.
For details, go to linktr.ee/ offcenterevents.
with a Middleburg theme, and best dressed dog and human pair. A “yappy hour” follows on the Brick & Mortar patio with a photo booth and treats. Proceeds benefit the Middleburg Humane Foundation. See more at middleburgva.gov/holidays.
In Hillsboro, the town celebrated the season with the Dec. 6 concert by the Rick Reeves Jazz Band at the Old Stone School starting at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, the town opens six historic homes, each decked out in holiday finery, for public tours to support the Hillsboro Preservation Foundation. Learn about the rich history of the area, the homes and their owners, while enjoying live music and good company. This year’s tour is partially out-of-town. Visitors will pick up their passes and tour booklets at the Old Stone School and can walk to in-town sites and then drive to tour locations in the immediate Hillsboro area. To reserve tickets and for more details, go to oldstoneschool. org.
