A Carriage House Christmas at the Inn
November 27 – December 23, 2026
The Cliftons at The Virginia Cliffe Inn are thrilled to announce a brand-new way to celebrate the season! From November 27th through December 23, 2026, the Virginia Cliffe Inn is transforming its grounds, Carriage House, Pavilion, and Heated Tent into a month-long holiday destination.
While the interior of the Inn remains a quiet sanctuary for overnight guests, we are moving the magic outside of the main house to offer a relaxed boutique experience on our historic grounds, which are open to the public with no entry fee this year.
The grand opening weekend kicks off with a festive tree lighting and carolers, featuring a vibrant collection of multiple vendors across the Carriage House, Pavilion, and Heated Tent.
Throughout the rest of the month, the Carriage House will feature a rotating selection of local artisans, giving you the unique opportunity to meet the makers and find new treasures each time you visit.
To complete the holiday magic, we are offering tickets for our traditional tea parties and Breakfast with Santa. Pre-purchased tickets will be required for these special events.
The Grand Kick-Off Celebration
The Grand Kick-Off Celebration begins Friday, November 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and admission is completely free! Join us as we light up the season with a day full of holiday magic, featuring a vibrant market in the Carriage House, Pavilion, and heated tent filled with local artisans and crafters. You can enjoy our most famous Granny’s Spice Tea and a warm bowl of Keith Butler’s signature Brunswick stew while you shop for unique treasures. The festivities culminate in a beautiful tree lighting ceremony accompanied by traditional caroling on Friday evening, and the market continues all weekend through November 29 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The Carriage House Gift Shop
The Carriage House Gift Shop will be open daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, November 27 through December 23, 2026.
Discover something new every time you visit. Skip the big-box stores and shop local! Our carriage house gift shop will be open all month long with Rotating Featured Crafters and no entry fee.
Traditional Tea Service
Indulge in a traditional tea service hosted in our festive Pavilion, the perfect midday escape to share with friends. Enjoy a variety of premium teas, freshly brewed coffee, and a delightful selection of sweet and savory treats on Wednesdays, December 2, 9, and 16!
Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy a delicious breakfast, meet Santa, and capture the moment.
Breakfast with Santa Saturdays: December 12 & 19.
Bring the little ones for a magical morning! Professional photos with Santa.
A Look Back at Christmas at the Inn
Our Story
What is Christmas at The Inn Arts and Craft Show?
Christmas at The Inn Arts and Craft Show, formally Christmas at Granny’s Craft Show is a Glen Allen tradition that started in the 1980’s. For 5 days The Virginia Cliffe Inn will be filled with a unique collection from over 70 area crafters, artists and bakers to get the holiday season started in style.
The Show started in 1980. Margaret and Janice Clifton had a craft store in Laurel Park, Virginia, called Granny’s Attic, selling crafts on consignment. They also had a wonderful home with lots of space, so they decided to decorate it for Christmas, fill it with crafts and invite the public. The first year, about 850 people attended. The Cliftons were so surprised at the attendance and had so much fun, they decided to repeat the event, and it grew by word of mouth each year. By the third year, over 3,000 people attended.
Building on this legacy, the Cliftons are moving the magic outside of the main house! This season, the Virginia Cliffe Inn is transforming its grounds, Carriage House, Pavilion, and Heated Tent into a month-long holiday destination, allowing for a more relaxed boutique experience while the main house remains a quiet sanctuary for overnight guests.
FAQs
No entry fee this year.
Yes, it is!
No pets are allowed on festival grounds, unless they are certified service animals
The parking lot can accommodate up to 300 cars. Attendants will be on hand to direct you.
We will be providing homemade Brunswick stew along with granny’s spiced tea, coffee, soda, and water.
Apparel, Artwork, Baked Goods, Children’s Items, Games, Home Décor, Jewelry, Cutting Boards, Ornaments, Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Kwanza, Photography, Pickles, Preserves and Sauces, Pottery, Quilting, Seasonal Décor, Soaps, Soups, Toys, Wood crafts, Wreaths, House Flags, Purses, Sports items, Ceramics, Gift Baskets.
The Cottage Gift Shop will have a featured crafter each day our show November 29 – December 22. Come meet them!
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex, cash and checks.
Location
Christmas at The Inn Arts and Craft Show is located at The Virginia Cliffe Inn, 2900 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA, 23060 in Historic Glen Allen.
Contact Details
- christmas@vacliffeinn.com
- 804. 382.0500
Directions
From I-95
Get on I-295 N
Follow I-295 N to Woodman Road in Glen Allen
Take exit 45B from I295 N
Turn right onto Mountain Road at the stoplight
The Virginia Cliffe Inn is ¾ mile on the right
Follow Along for Holiday Updates
Weekly artisan highlights, event reminders, and Christmas at the Inn updates will be shared on social media.
