December's "Off the Beaten Path" is unusual in the way that it is not really just one location, but the entire Fredericksburg area, we hope you enjoy.
Unlike large Cities, Christmas in Fredericksburg is more traditional, slower, and generally more enjoyable. Walking down Caroline Street, visitors and residents are greeted with brilliant white lights strung between the Bradford pear trees. The trees themselves are also wrapped in those brilliant lights. Store fronts are also decorated in lights, wreaths and traditional Christmas decorations. Actors and actresses can be seen dressed in traditional Christmas attire. 

Early in the month, the Fredericksburg Jaycees hold the annual Fredericksburg Christmas Parade. Spotsylvania County also holds the Spotsylvania Christmas Parade on that same day (earlier in the day, so as not to conflict with Fredericksburg's parade). Though, over the years the crowds have grown to staggering numbers and more and more vendors are selling everything from balloons and horns to popcorn and cotton candy, the parade still has a tight grasp on the traditional and small time spirit. The Fredericksburg Christmas Parade is held during the evening hours (the Spotsylvania parade is held in the afternoon), and has a different theme every year, but both parades always end with Santa Claus himself. 

The Hope House, (a local organization that supports battered women and their children) holds the annual Christmas Festival of Trees. This festival features over 60 local businesses and organizations, with each donating a decorated Christmas tree to be silently auctioned off at the festival. All the proceeds go towards the Hope House. If you have not been to the Festival of Trees, it is really a sight to see. 

The City of Fredericksburg holds it's annual Christmas tree lighting downtown near the courthouse. This little known ceremony has been gaining popularity every year, is a good time for all. This years crowd approached numbers close to 500 people. The ceremony features Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by horse drawn carriage and Santa talking to all the kids, young and old alike. Elves are in the crowd passing out holiday cheer and candy canes. Local chorus' are singing Christmas carols followed by Santa departing on Fredericksburg's own Christmas decorated trolley, "Rebecca" driven by owner and operator of the Fredericksburg Trolley Tours, Butch Wimmer. Santa and Mrs. Claus can be seen out and about town in the weeks before Christmas. 

As you are walking down the streets of Olde Towne on the weekends approaching Christmas, you will hear live concerts being given at some of the local music stores. The "concerts" are held on the sidewalks and all are invited to stop and listen. 

Every year, a group of area residents open their doors to guests for what is called the Candlelight Tour. The tour is held by the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation and has been running for over 30 years. Tour historic homes, see civil war re-enactments and listen to carolers as you stroll a historic neighborhood of Olde Towne.
Most of the historic places also have open houses, like Belmont and The James Monroe Museum. Belmont opens its doors to the public to view the lovely Christmas decorations. James Monroe Museum opens their doors to the public and James Monroe himself is on hand to greet the guests as they enter. Rising Sun tavern and others also have some sort of holiday celebration that is open to the public. 

SimplyFredericksburg's community calendar has many of the events listed. Christmas is a wonderful time of the year and celebrating it in Fredericksburg makes it so much more enjoyable. And if you're wondering where to find Santa all the time, he can been seen at Spotsylvania Mall most days.

Kids: We hope that you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
You can also track Santa on Christmas with the Santa Tracker Radar or email him your Christmas list