Visiting historic Leesburg during the holiday season

Every year Leesburg gets all dressed up for the holidays. As Christmas approaches, the shop windows located in the city’s historic district are very festive. Visitors to this section of town can enjoy the decorations, see historic buildings, shop in the quaint shops or eat in the restaurants that line Leesburg's streets.

Leesburg is located about 40 miles west of Washington, D.C. Like many of the Virginia towns, part of town dates back to earlier centuries and has strong roots in early Colonial American history. Officially established in 1758, to this day Leesburg remains the seat of Loudoun County government. Walking through the historic district downtown you get a strong feel for days of yesteryear, but it is balanced with the conveniences of today. Old world charm with modern flavor is a way I’d describe it.

There are dozens of professional and service businesses located in the twelve block area and many of them are decked out for the holidays with pretty displays.

In the midst of this area is the Loudoun County Courthouse. Many visitors can be observed walking around and enjoying the decorations, along with the opportunity to explore the history and memorials located on the courthouse's grounds. 

Every year the town hosts its annual tree lighting, followed during the season with its Christmas and Holiday Parade, along with weekends of free horse-drawn carriage rides through the town's historic district. There also is a holiday event in the business district with a tree lighting in mid-November.

Photos taken in 2012 at the parade. Since then the parade appears to have been moved to the evening hours. 

When thinking of Leesburg, many visitors go straight to the popular Leesburg Corner Premium Outlet Center located off Route 7, but the downtown in the historic district is definitely worth checking out during the holidays. I haven’t been up there in a couple of years, but I really enjoyed just walking around and looking at the festive storefronts the last time I was out that way.