Living in a state as unique as Virginia, we’ve come to accept “weird and wacky” as part of our everyday routine. Of course, we’d prefer the term “traditional and unique.” From an outsider’s perspective, however, some of our holiday traditions may seem dated, over-the-top, or just plain odd. See how many of these unusual annual holiday traditions you observe:
- We get pretty creative with our Christmas Trees.
Jillian Chilson/flickr Anyone who’s celebrated Christmas by visiting Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond has seen some extraordinary Christmas trees.
- We’ve got our very own Christmas Camel.
Ron Cogswell/flickr A visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon will reveal more than an elaborately decorated mansion. Each year, Aladdin the Christmas Camel makes an appearance. Records indicate that Washington used to entertain his visitors with an exotic camel by the same name.
- It wouldn’t be Christmas without the annual Scottish Christmas Walk.
Mr.TinDC/flickr This annual parade is a nod to the city of Alexandria’s founding in 1749 by Scottish merchants. The first Saturday in December, you can expect to hear the sound of bagpipes and other Scottish fanfare adorning the streets of Alexandria.
- We like to celebrate with fireworks…
Hollydazzle Move over, 4th of July! Here in Virginia, we think Christmas is every much as bit of an occasion to celebrate with fireworks. Photographed above is a scene from Hollydazzle, which takes place in Newport News.
- We like to celebrate like it’s 1700.
Jamestown Settlement / American Revolution Museum at Yorktown/Facebook Have you ever wondered what a colonial Christmas might have looked like? You won’t want to miss the Colonial Christmas celebration at Historic Jamestown. From musical entertainment to live demonstrations and traditional garb, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
- Even our buildings dress up for Christmas.
Mark Goebel/flickr Each holiday season, the buildings in downtown Richmond become illuminated with festive lights. It’s a festive addition to an already picturesque skyline.
Are there any wonderfully bizarre traditions you’d add to this list? Be sure to share them with us! For related content, don’t miss The Mesmerizing Christmas Display In Virginia With Over 1 Million Lights.
Jillian Chilson/flickr
Anyone who’s celebrated Christmas by visiting Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond has seen some extraordinary Christmas trees.
Ron Cogswell/flickr
A visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon will reveal more than an elaborately decorated mansion. Each year, Aladdin the Christmas Camel makes an appearance. Records indicate that Washington used to entertain his visitors with an exotic camel by the same name.
Mr.TinDC/flickr
This annual parade is a nod to the city of Alexandria’s founding in 1749 by Scottish merchants. The first Saturday in December, you can expect to hear the sound of bagpipes and other Scottish fanfare adorning the streets of Alexandria.
Hollydazzle
Move over, 4th of July! Here in Virginia, we think Christmas is every much as bit of an occasion to celebrate with fireworks. Photographed above is a scene from Hollydazzle, which takes place in Newport News.
Jamestown Settlement / American Revolution Museum at Yorktown/Facebook
Have you ever wondered what a colonial Christmas might have looked like? You won’t want to miss the Colonial Christmas celebration at Historic Jamestown. From musical entertainment to live demonstrations and traditional garb, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Mark Goebel/flickr
Each holiday season, the buildings in downtown Richmond become illuminated with festive lights. It’s a festive addition to an already picturesque skyline.
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