This December, forego holiday shopping at the mall and take a break from decorating your house.  A short, two hour drive north from Fairfax, VA, Gettysburg, PA is the perfect year-round retreat for the entire family.  With holiday attractions ranging from historic tours and live theatrical performances to shopping, and caroling, Gettysburg is sure to awaken the holiday spirit in everyone.

There are must-not miss seasonal events galore in Gettysburg.  For a nominal fee, the Civil War Christmas Tours at the Shriver House guide visitors on a candlelit journey through the museum to learn the tale of the Battle of Gettysburg and the effects of the Civil War on the Shriver family.  Tours are held on Saturdays through December 17, 2016.  Advanced reservations are requested.  For a more lighthearted event, attend the 21st Annual Holiday Tuba Carol Fest Friday, December 9, 2016 at 7:00 PM on historic Lincoln Square in downtown Gettysburg.  Tuba players from around the region will congregate to perform Christmas carols for passerby.  Attendance is free and the performance location is conveniently located near numerous shops and restaurants.  Also this weekend, on Saturday, December 10, 2016, the Inns of the Gettysburg Area will be hosting their annual Holiday House Tour where guests will be guided on a visit of historic properties around Gettysburg.  Admission ($20) gives access to the decorated properties and a spread of specialty food and local wines.  If you are unable to attend the festivities this weekend, be sure to catch a performance of the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, at Majestic Theater. 

While in downtown Gettysburg, browse area shops and antique stores for one-of-a-kind goods for everyone on your shopping list.  Before you leave, stop by the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitors Center.  Open year round, the Visitors Center and Battle of Gettysburg site are fascinating and feature exhibits suited for an array of age ranges.  Whether you opt to daytrip from home in Northern Virginia or stay overnight in the historic Gettysburg Hotel, you are sure to enjoy a visit north to this quaint Pennsylvania town.