A Cozy December in Virginia’s Hunt Country: My Favorite Things to Do This Season
December in Virginia’s hunt country carries a magic all its own. The leaves have long since fallen, the mornings are frosty, and the entire countryside settles into a quieter, more intimate rhythm. While the region is known for its grand holiday events, I’ve found that the real charm of December lies in the slower, more personal corners of the season—the small businesses, tucked-away experiences, and quiet winter walks that feel like secrets you get to keep.
If you’re visiting this year (or simply looking for fresh ideas), here are my favorite things to do in hunt country Virginia this December.
A Festive Dinner at The Red Fox Inn & Tavern
There are few places that embody the warmth and heritage of Middleburg in winter quite like The Red Fox Inn & Tavern. Come December, the 18th-century stone walls feel even cozier—lit by candles, draped in greenery, and humming with that special holiday glow. I love slipping into a corner table for a slow, festive dinner… the kind where you linger over a perfectly seasonal menu and lose track of time entirely.
Whether you choose a hearty entrée after a long day of browsing local shops or simply pop in for a warming cocktail, Red Fox is the quintessential holiday stop.
Cider Tastings at Mt. Defiance & More
Wine gets plenty of attention out here (and rightfully so), but cold, wintry weather is synonymous with cider. If you haven’t been, Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery offers some of the loveliest small-batch ciders—crisp, aromatic, and perfect for sipping on a cold afternoon. Their tasting room, with its wood beams and historic charm, feels especially festive this time of year.
For a stop further south in Virginia, consider Blue Bee Cider, producing beautiful, nuanced ciders that make thoughtful holiday gifts. It’s such a cozy way to spend a winter’s day—and a nice break from the more crowded wineries in December.
Antique Hunting for the Perfect Christmas Gifts
December is prime time for treasure hunting, and hunt country is home to some exceptional antique and gift shops. I love ducking into The Middleburg Antique Gallery – whether you’re hunting for a unique hostess gift or a standout holiday piece for your own home, the selection is always refined and wonderfully unpredictable.
There’s something so meaningful about gifting a piece with history—and the hunt itself is half the fun.
Wintry Battlefield Walks
December is surprisingly one of my favorite times for long countryside walks. The air is sharp, the views stretch for miles, and the trails are blissfully quiet.
Two favorites:
Manassas National Battlefield Park
The fields are serene this time of year, brushed with frost in the mornings and perfect for reflective, peaceful wandering. It’s an easy place to spend a couple of hours in solitude.
Saunders-Monticello Trail (Charlottesville)
Not technically hunt country, but close enough (and worth every minute!). The rolling hills and distant mountain views feel especially cinematic in winter light.
Wrap yourself in a wool scarf, bring a thermos of tea, and enjoy the stillness. It’s one of the most underrated pleasures of the season.
Slow Afternoons in Local Shops
The small businesses of hunt country shine brightest in December. I love strolling through Middleburg, Warrenton, and Marshall—each offering its own mix of independent boutiques, leather goods, countryside homewares, and holiday treats. It’s the coziest way to spend an afternoon, and you’ll come home with thoughtful gifts (and likely a few finds for yourself).
Some go-to stops:
December can feel frenetic everywhere else, but in this corner of Virginia, it feels grounding. Fires crackle, shops glow, the countryside exhales. Whether you’re sharing a romantic dinner at The Red Fox, browsing antiques for someone special, or wandering a frost-covered trail, you’re experiencing hunt country at its most intimate and enchanting.
If you’re local, I hope this inspires your December weekends. And if you’re visiting, welcome—you’re in for the loveliest kind of quiet magic. I’d love to know what your favorite way to enjoy the season is below in the comments!
