When it comes to holiday taste-makers, Oprah always has the final word. So when O, The Oprah Magazine recently named the 19 Most Magical Christmas Towns and Villages Across the World, we took note that two of the 19 are on the Chesapeake.
O’s selections range from traditional European Christmas villages to long-running American celebration spots. The list says, “Celebrating Christmas is an art form, and these small towns have perfected it, spreading cheer every December.”
Fifth on the list of magical towns is Williamsburg, Virginia, in the York River watershed. With Colonial Williamsburg beautifully decorated and North America’s largest lights display at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg earns its self-proclaimed title of “Best Christmas Town in America.”
The magazine writes, “Traditions abound, such as caroling by torchlight, a gun-salute display, and every home in the historic area lighting a candle in their windows—dating back to the days of the Founding Fathers.”
“If you want to feel like you’re stepping inside your favorite magical holiday flick, visit one of these best Christmas villages and towns in the U.S., Germany, and around the world.”
Listed seventh on the list, Alexandria, Virginia offers a “traditional American Christmas” along the Potomac River. Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, and of course, the lighted boat parade, are among the highlights in Old Town.
The magazine notes, “Festive-seekers can find carolers, hand bell choirs, ample lights and decorations, while close by there’s Mount Vernon, home to Aladdin, a Christmas camel, as well as a Colonial Christmas experience.”
O’s other magical towns include Coburg, Germany, Winchester, England, Santa Claus, Indiana, and of course, North Pole Alaska. To see the full list, click here.
-Meg Walburn Viviano
