Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are right around the corner, which means you may have started writing out your Holiday Bucket List for this year. While three months of merry fun seems like plenty of time to get everything done, between spending time with family, buying all your gifts, and getting a photo with Santa Clause, time might just pass you by with a blink of the eye. That’s why when it comes to your holiday event planning, it’s best to multitask. Why not plan a vacation to a resort where they bring all the most popular seasonal activities right to your doorstep?
In Virginia, there’s a little something called Winter WonderLansdowne, an annual lineup jam-packed with experiences that celebrate the spirit of the season! This well-curated lineup is put on every year by Lansdowne Resort and Spa, a beautiful luxury resort situated along the Potomac River in Virginia’s wine country. Winter WonderLansdowne events all take place on the resort’s property, which means if you’re a guest, you’ll be right in the heart of all the festivities. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite activities that will put you right in the celebratory mood.
Tried and True
You can’t have a classic winter vacation without seeing a tree lighting ceremony. Half of the fun of Christmastime is seeing the elaborate decorations, bright twinkling lights, and impressively tall trees blanket the streets. WonderLansdowne is no exception, and in true Christmas style, they light up the sky with their 20-foot tall tree on December 1st. Along with the tree lighting will be carolers, appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Clause, and themed beverages to warm your belly. Continue your classic streak with a traditional horse carriage ride through the resort’s countryside property.
Fun for All Ages
In today’s world, you shouldn’t have to choose between an adult vacation and one that will satisfy the kids. You can have both! Winter WonderLansdowne has a variety of family-friendly activities that both you and your kids can enjoy. Show off your inner artist during the resort’s ornament painting project, where each ornament painted contributes to the Inova Children’s Hospitals’ Child Life Foundation. Continue your creative streak when you decorate your own gingerbread house, and see who can last the longest before taking a nibble. Then whip out your Hemmingway-style prose to write a letter to Santa Clause. But don’t show anyone your wishlist – or it might not come true!
And if there’s one yuletide experience that kids love, it’s Elf on the Shelf. Happening every day in December, you can visit the resort’s health and fitness desk to receive a clue sheet to find 12 elves hidden across Lansdowne. If you spot them all, you’ll uncover a secret code to receive a special prize! Don’t be surprised if the magical hunt leaves you feeling nostalgic.
Feast Your Eyes
If the first thing that comes to mind to you when you think of the holidays is food, then you’ll want to pay attention to this next part. During Winter WonderLansdowne there are multiple feasts and brunches scheduled to whet your appetite. Thanksgiving Brunch will feature fall-inspired dishes that showcase Virginian cuisine. Brunch with Santa will give you time to chow down and get a photo opp with Santa Clause! Then, of course, there is the Winter WonderLansdowne Market, where you can browse gourmet artisan goods alongside classic favorites like hot cocoa and s’mores.
Has all this talk of the holidays made you ready to make a trip out to Virginia? Visit Lansdowne Resort and Spa’s website to check out a full list of Winter WonderLansdowne happenings that are taking place this year.
