What better way to celebrate the festive season than with a small-town parade that’s big on charm?!

One person I chatted with said, “This looks like something out of a Christmas movie!” And I agree. And so I wanted to share some of the joy – read, lots of pictures – with all of you.

We’ve lived in the area for many years now, and though I’ve seen Middleburg’s Christmas Parade before, Graham had never been. So on Saturday, we woke up early (my least favorite thing), made our way into town, and settled in to watch not one, but two parades.

Every year, the day starts with the Hunt Review.

Middleburg’s hunters and hounds trot down the main street, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen something like this anywhere else in the world.

There’s a break in between, so we walked around and just enjoyed what the town had put together.

It’s sort of fun being temporary tourists. But definitely different. Middleburg’s population sits at about 750, and on parade day, thousands of people come to visit. I don’t know how the town handles it, but they do. And I’m grateful for it. I know it must be hard, figuring out all those logistics.

The main parade starts at 2:00, and it was just so adorable.

I mean, really, come on – corgis on parade?

Lots of local businesses had floats, and they were all really fun.

The Grinch even came to visit.

And of course, there were marching bands.

And also lassos. And more horses.

And Santa, too. But Graham couldn’t get a good picture of him, unfortunately.

It’s a busy day, and we were all tired at the end. Including Miss Honey, who did not enjoy the loud noises.

But who really liked the cuddles.

I’m sure we’ll go back next year. It’s a wonderful event, and I’m thankful to live in a place with such a strong sense of community. I feel like that’s rare these days, and we’re so lucky. It truly feels like Christmas around here now, and I’m just loving it. 😊