01 December . 2023
Holiday Lights and Sights Near Embrey Mill
As the temperatures drop and Thanksgiving becomes but a tasty memory, it’s the perfect time to put on your mittens, grab a warm beverage, and discover sparkling holiday lights and sights near Embrey Mill.
It’s a magical season to get out and find those wonderful pockets of cheer that put smiles on faces, springs in steps, and get us truly ready to celebrate with friends and family.
We wanted to help you on your quest to make the most of this festive season. Here are a few of our favorite lights and sights to help welcome the holidays into your hearts.
Stafford County Christmas Tree
Though its lighting ceremony has already happened, you can stop by the George Gordon Government Center to see our county’s official Christmas Tree! It’s a beautiful sight guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit. When you see it all lit up, it's like stepping into a magical wonderland. The twinkling lights dance on each branch, casting a warm glow that brings cheer to everyone who passes by. As you admire its splendor, you might just strike up a conversation with a friendly neighbor, exchanging holiday greetings and sharing stories of festive traditions. It truly creates a sense of community and belonging.
Visit Santa at Potomac Mills
Talking to the big man himself can be a life-changing event in the lives of kids. Potomac Mills knows this, and has set up a marvelous way to get your family visit and pictures with Santa. Sure, you can just stop by, but making a reservation means you won’t have to wait in line as long. You’ll be able to better time your visit to make the most of being dressed up, psyched up, and ready for your kids to be delighted. Also, you’ll get a bonus phone call from Santa that’s sure to make your kids work hard to be on the “good list.”
Gingerbread Houses at George Washington’s Home
George Washington grew up at Ferry Farm in Fredericksburg, and it’s a treat to step back in time and see what the holidays were like in colonial times. Walk the grounds, tour the home, and see what Christmas was like when Washington was a child. Don’t expect it to look like what we know as Christmas now,
though. Remember, this was before Christmas trees became popular! Be sure to check out the 37th Annual Gingerbread Exhibit. With a theme of “A Critter Christmas,” you’ll delight in seeing contest-winning entries in 8 age-and-skill-related categories, vote for People’s Choice, and play iSpy Gingerbread. History has never so deliciously inviting!
Stafford Christmas Parade
On December 16, at 3pm, the Stafford Christmas Parade unites the Stafford community with their annual festive display. Six categories of participants will be in the parade, from high school marching bands to dance to novelty competitors, and prizes will be awarded. And if you think you have what it takes to spread holiday cheer, you, too, can be a part of the parade (application and fee information at the link above)! Food vendors will be onsite providing treats and eats for this family-friendly (including well-behaved dogs) event.
Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village
This is a little bit of a drive from Embrey Mill, but well worth it. Illuminate Light Show is Virginia’s largest synchronized music and Christmas light show that you drive through—a spectacle that can take up to 45 minutes! And if that wasn’t enough, you can also enjoy Santa’s Village. Meet Santa, enjoy bouncy play areas (well, your kids will), find homemade presents, a snack bar, a mechanical reindeer ride, and more! Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village will definitely get everyone in the festive mindset that only a plethora of lights can do.
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
Over the river and through the woods, a glowing world of holiday magic awaits. Now in its 12th year, Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is a half-mile walk through the gardens full of lights and lighted displays. There are so many details and things to see, that Meadowlark has put together a Fun Search in the Lights sheet for kids to really pay attention and experience everything on a deeper level (complete your sheet and get a sticker). Enjoy coffee and hot chocolate during your walk, hot pretzels and funnel cakes during it, and s’mores you can roast over a cozy fire!
Holiday Lights in Embrey Mill
One of the greatest things about living in Embrey Mill is the feeling of community: a feeling that’s even more apparent during the holidays. Walk around our many trails and take in the lights and sights of holiday cheer your neighbors put on display. And better yet, join them! Bring the holidays to your own home in Embrey Mill by decorating and sharing your family’s holiday traditions with the friends who live all around you. Don’t live in Embrey Mill yet? Well, we’re here to make that holiday wish come true. Check out the new homes available in Embrey Mill today!