We have just two weeks until the Middleburg Hunt Parade begins its annual jaunt down Main Street on December 7, but there’s still time to reserve a parking spot so you can go to one of the top holiday events in the DMV. (There’s limited parking in the town so getting that reserved parking spot just outside of town is crucial, and they’ve been going fast.)
Few places celebrate the season with more pomp and charm than this quaint town in Loudoun County, and the Middleburg Hunt Parade has gained national attention for how picturesque and friendly it is.
The inaugural Christmas in Middleburg festivities galloped into town back in 1972, and today, the parades attract approximately 10,000 spectators. What makes this distinct is that the day involves not one but two special parades, with lots of fun in between. Middleburg’s shops, restaurants, concessions and food trucks stay open throughout the day to keep people fed and entertained.
The majestic Middleburg Hunt Parade commences at 11 a.m. Onlookers line the sidewalks of Washington Street waiting for the Keeper of the Hounds and his pack of hunting dogs to lead the horses down the parade route. Riders of all ages don their red and black hunting coats and the crowd is in awe.
“People love to see these incredible equestrian folks for the Middleburg Hunt Parade,” says Christmas in Middleburg organizer Michelle Meyer. “It’s a regal sight and very historic.” The parade lasts about 20 minutes and is such a marvel, especially for kids.
The Middleburg Community Parade starts at 2 p.m., but people line up early in anticipation for what looks like scenes from a Hallmark Movie. For nearly two hours, people cheer the floats, marching bands, animals, vintage vehicles and of course, Santa Claus. Look for the ever-popular marching bands from Fauquier and Liberty High Schools and Shenandoah University. Floats from Boxwood and Greenhill Vineyards and the Corgi Club are also crowd favorites. Christmas in Middleburg is sponsored by PenFed and depends on volunteers from the community to keep the day flowing.
What You Need to Know
Christmas in Middleburg is from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. December 7.
To maintain safety and provide a positive experience for all, the town closes the roads to cars throughout Downtown Middleburg, including Washington Street, Marshall Street, West Federal Street, and The Plains Road.
To attend, you need to purchase a parking spot at Mickie Gordon Memorial Park located one mile east of town on Route 50 on Route 627/Carters Farm Lane. The cost is $60 per car and a shuttle to the parade route operates from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Handicapped accessible parking is free with a valid DMV sticker or hang tag behind Middleburg United Methodist Church at 15 W. Washington St.
The parade route stretches from the intersection of The Plains Road and Washington Street to Hamilton Street. The Main Stage is at the corner of Madison and Washington Streets (in front of King Street Oyster Bar), but you will be able to see well throughout the parade route.
A variety of food and drink vendors are open throughout the day, especially in between the two parades and after the community parade ends around 3:30 p.m. Restrooms are available at Pickering Street and at Hamilton Street.
If you can’t make it on December 7, Middleburg decks the halls throughout the season, with carriage rides and independent shops selling irresistible gifts. Check the Visit Middleburg website for more information.
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Feature image by Hugh Kenny/Christmas in Middleburg
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