Unwrap The Gift of Gloucester This Holiday Season
As winter's chill descends, Gloucester, Virginia, transforms into a picturesque holiday haven, inviting visitors to experience the warmth of small-town charm amidst the seasonal splendor. Here's a guide to unwrapping the enchanting gift that is Gloucester during the holiday season.
Main Street Magic
Step onto Main Street, where historic charm meets festive decor. The streets are adorned with twinkling lights, wreaths, and the unmistakable aroma of holiday delights from local shops. From one end to the other there is something for all ages: beautiful murals, sculptures, art galleries, shops, restaurants, historic locations, a pocket park, holiday decorations, and more!
Village Christmas Tree Lighting
Photograph By George Bains
Standing proud in the historic court circle you will find our community Christmas tree. Gather around as the towering tree comes to life with lights every evening leading up to December 25th. This simple but breathtaking staple to the community symbolizes the official start of the season.
Gloucester's Unique Shopping Experience
Explore the boutiques, galleries, and small businesses that stretch from Gloucester Point to Main Street, each offering a curated selection of one-of-a-kind gifts. From handcrafted ornaments to locally made artisanal treats, find treasures that embody the spirit of Gloucester. Looking for a unique experience instead… register for a class/workshop with the Village Blacksmith and go home with a hand forged treasure.
For a full list of local shops please click here.
Gloucester Park's Winter Wonderland
Nature takes on a serene beauty at Beaverdam Park. Take a winter stroll along the trails, where the bare branches create a lacy canopy against the crisp sky. Bundle up and savor the tranquility that surrounds the park. Gloucester provides a total of 7 parks plus our very own State Park. Machicomoco State Park is a beautiful place to visit and enjoy the views of the York River, Timber Neck House, and learn the history of the land. This park has nature trails, a bike path around the entire park, and picnic areas.
Photograph By : Michael Wilkes at Beaverdam Park December 2023
Cozy and Culinary Delights
Warm up in one of Gloucester's cozy local restaurants, where seasonal flavors abound. Sip on hot cocoa, indulge in festive treats, and relish the inviting atmosphere that only a small town during the holidays can provide. Gloucester has many locally owned award-winning restaurants. From hometown BBQ, scrumptious seafood dishes, Italian delicacies, brews & blends, and sweet treats… there is an option for all taste buds here.
Kelsick Specialty Market
For a full list of local shops please click here.
Artistic Destination:
Step into Arts on Main for a dose of cultural warmth. The gallery showcases local artists, providing an intimate space to appreciate the creativity that flourishes in Gloucester.
The Gloucester Fine Arts Museum is a brand-new addition to Main Street. This location is showcasing a large display of beautiful artwork completed by Kacey Carneal (1935-2022). Kacey painted in her home here in Gloucester everyday for 50 years.
“The opening exhibit is a Carneal retrospective entitled “Back Home” featuring 90 works spanning the 1970s through 2020, with Carneal’s last completed work “They have suffered a great something and yet stood proud.” (2020)” – fineartsmuseumofgloucester.org
The Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester is now open Tuesdays-Friday from 12PM-5PM
The Village Art Colony gallery is also located on Main Street and showcases beautiful paintings and works of art.
Visit our three LOVEwork murals/signs in Gloucester. Gloucester Point Beach’s piece showcases and honors the life and dedication of our local watermen. Whitley’s Peanuts, also our satellite tourist center, is home to our first LOVE sign that showcases four things that make Gloucester unique: aquaculture, daffodils, outdoor recreation, and history. Gloucester’s newest LOVE mural is located at Under The Stars Farm. The mural tells the story of the owner’s family and is a very special addition to this beautiful property.
Gloucester County has been blessed with many larger pieces of artwork that includes 5 murals on Main Street. Talk a stroll and view them all.
T.C. Walker - Michael Rosato – 2020 · The Cook Foundation
To view all the murals please visit our Welcome Guide.
Gloucester Point Beach Winter Strolls
Feel the coastal breeze as you take a winter stroll along Gloucester Point Beach. The sound of gently crashing waves of the York River provides a soothing backdrop to the seasonal serenity.
Historic Stories This Holiday Season
Immerse yourself in Gloucester's unique history. Visit the Gloucester Museum of History located on Main Street to view many interesting exhibits, all telling the stories of this area. Visit Buck’s Store Museum on Saturday mornings for a hot cup of coffee and learn about the history of the Guinea Area. For a full list of historic sites visit our website.
Embrace the magic, savor the moments, and unwrap the gift of Gloucester during this enchanting holiday season. From festive decorations to the spirited community, every corner of this charming town beckons you to create lasting memories that will warm your heart long after the winter snow has melted away.
Click the video below to view the 2023 Visit Gloucester Holiday Promotion.