Bundle up the kids, pile them in the car, and head to Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park to drive around the two-mile loop and gaze, ooh, and ahh over the 30-plus Christmas displays set up by area organizations. Last year, 30,000 vehicles viewed the holiday treat. Open daily now through January 5, the lights will be on from 5-11 p.m. offering a delightful treat for young and old. Better still, park the car and walk around the duck pond in the cold night air and give the kids a chance to stretch their legs.
It is also fun to leave the vehicles in Gypsy Hill Park, catch the trolly (there's a stop in the park near the Thornrose Avenue entrance), and ride around downtown Staunton to see the storefronts, lights, and decorations. Hop off at Shenandoah Pizza or the Bistro for hot chocolate. The trolly is free and there are numerous stops all around town. Or just settle back in your seat and listen to the piped-in holiday music as you ride.
Christmas in historic Staunton ... that small-town feeling makes it
seem like Christmas.
