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Virginia is a great place to be this winter. You can experience snow-covered mountain peaks to magical holiday lights this winter. Here are 5 of the best winter holiday destinations across the state that you shouldn’t miss.  Make sure to go through these attractions and rent a car from 14CARS.com to get the best holiday experience this winter.

Experience Colonial Williamsburg’s Yuletide Traditions

Step back in time this winter by visiting Colonial Williamsburg during the Christmas holiday season. Here are a few things that you can experience in Colonial Williamsburg when you are there:

•  Historic buildings decorated with traditional greenery
•  Costumed interpreters who share tales from the 18th Century
• The blast of a cannon signals the start of evening programs such as concerts and wagon rides.
•  Firework displays.
•  Grand illumination celebration with a bonfire.

Here, you can discover the origins of many modern holiday customs. They include themed tours and season’s greetings from colonial Virginians in period dress. You will need to rent a car for winter travel in Virginia so that you can easily visit attractions like this one. Make sure that you work with the best car rental agency for a hassle-free experience.

Hit the Slopes in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains

Head to Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains near Roanoke for a winter mountain getaway filled with fresh powder. Go downhill skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Wintergreen. It has 26 slopes and trails spanning the elevation gain of a small mountain. Come at nightfall, zoom down the tubing hill, or take a moonlight skiing adventure.

Don’t miss the spectacular winter views of the surrounding mountain ranges and Rockfish Valley. This is one of the best winter travel ideas to keep in mind.

Explore Festive Holiday Magic at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Experience the wonder of the holiday season at Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Christmas Town event. Each area of the park, like Scotland, Festa Italia, and Sesame Street Forest has its own unique decorations. You can also find live entertainment here.

Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, sample holiday dining specials, and see over 10 million sparkling Christmas lights illuminating the park at night. Thrill-seekers can ride roller coasters and water rides like the Griffon and Le Scoot Log Flume.

Take in Nature and History at Colonial National Historical Park

If you want to escape the holiday hustle and bustle, you should go for a walk at the Colonial National Historical Park. The diverse ecosystems here support wildlife watching for birds. You can witness the great blue heron, northern harrier, and bald eagle during the cold weather migration season.

Interpretive programs highlight seasonal 17th and 18th-century life with activities. They include cider making and winter gardening techniques. You can also experience open-hearth cooking.  Schedule a ranger-guided battlefield hike or self-guided history tour using the free app. On clear nights, join special astronomy programs under the dark night skies. Then you can look for constellations that guided colonial trade ships.

Explore Outdoor Ice-Skating Rinks Across Northern Virginia

From November through March, cities across northern Virginia convert outdoor tennis courts and parks into public ice-skating rinks. Lace up your skates during the winter months to glide alongside friends and family at rinks in Fairfax County, Alexandria, and Arlington. If you are looking for winter adventures, this is not something to miss out on.

Most rinks rent skates if you do not travel on your own. Snake around the rink solo practicing spins and turns or join hands for couple skating on special holiday date nights. Many rinks sell hot chocolate, cider, and snacks to warm you up after the wind bites your cold cheeks pink.

Skating sessions last a few hours so arrive early to enjoy as much time on the ice as possible before the Zamboni resurfaces the rink. Check operating calendars in advance since winter storm watches cancel sessions to keep skaters safe.

Final words

From rich colonial traditions to high-flying amusement rides, Virginia overflows with seasonal travel opportunities. All you have to do is plan your itinerary and get the best experience out of what Virginia offers this winter. It will help you to have an unforgettable time.