CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Some events may be postponed or canceled. Contact the event host for updates.
December 1–Woodstock.
Join us downtown for the “Light up Woodstock and Holiday Parade”, starting at 5:30pm until parade concludes. Then at 6:45pm the Mayor McCleary and special guest will light the tree. 540-459-3621.
December 1-2–Lexington.
Join us for the following events: Christmas Parade: “Home for the Holidays” downtown starting 6pm on the 1st, and on the 2nd the 10th Annual “Jingle Bell Run, Walk and Tot Trot”. Register at runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=13719 or call 540-319-4181.
December 1-2–Salem.
The Annual Christmas Parade at 6:15pm, is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, traveles down Main Street and College Avenue, and after the parade the lighting of the Christmas Tree on Library Square on the 1st. The Annual “Gingerbread Festival” takes place at Longwood Park from 10am-2pm on the 2nd. There will be children’s arts/crafts, take photos with Santa, make your own S’mores at the open fire pits and more. Online at s-rcchamber.org/2023-gingerbread-festival/ or 540-387-0267.
December 1-2, 8-9–Waynesboro.
Join the Creative Works Farm, 107 Creative Works Lane, for our “Christmas Wonderland” fundraiser. There will be music performances, a walk-through light display, music light show, cookies and hot chocolate, decorating gingerbread cookies in a giant gingerbread house, making Christmas ornaments, see animals at the barn, enjoy a hayride, visit the Grinch’s Funhouse, Santa’s Workshop with appearance by Santa and more. All proceeds benefit Camp LIGHT, a summer camp for kids with special needs and at-risk youth. $15.00 per person for ages 3 and up (2 and under are free). For tickets call 540-471-1659 or www.creativeworksfarm.org/.
December 1-3–Winchester.
Join the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, 901 Amherst Street, for “Garden Lights”, taking place Wednesdays-Sundays. This is a dramatic nighttime lighting which will transform the formal gardens into an immersive art experience. Souvenirs, drinks, including hot pretzels, water, hot cocoa, mulled wine, and more will be available for purchase. Admission fee, ages 4 and under are free. Early purchases are strongly encouraged. Call 540-662-1473 for more details.
December 1-3–Waynesboro.
Join America’s most celebrated living artist P. Buckley Moss in her Gallery, 329 W. Main Street, to have your artwork signed and personalized. All artwork purchased from our gallery during this weekend can be signed and personalized. In addition, you may also bring up to two previously purchased Moss prints or paintings for personalization. www.pbuckleymoss.com/artAppear.html or call 540-949-6473.
December 1-3–Elkton.
The “Christmas Celebration and Dinner Show” will be held at the Community Center, 20593 Blue and Gold Drive, from 6-9pm all days. A fun evening celebrating the Christmas season with great food and music featuring “Southern Grace”, “Clifford Shifflett”, and “Big City Band”. Meal included with ticket. Proceeds benefit local charities. For more information call 540-298-8730 or www.facebook.com/events/710650674451603/?ref=newsfeed.
December 1-4–Harrisonburg.
Bring your favorite pets to the Valley Mall, 1925 E. Market Street, to support the Humane Society by purchasing a photo. Santa’s photography team will also accept any in-person donations for the Humane Society on Mondays or during scheduled “Pet Nights”. For details call 540-433-1797.
December 1, 8, 15–Roanoke.
38th Dickens of a Christmas featuring our Christmas Tree Lighting on the 1st; Christmas Parade 6pm on the 8th; RVSPCA Pet Costume Contest on the 18th. A free, family-friendly event is held downtown and includes favorites like roasted chestnuts, carriage rides, street performers, and more. 540-342-2028 or www.downtownroanoke.org/events/signature-events/dickens-of-a-christmas
December 1-10, 11–Waynesboro.
Wayne Theatre, 521 West Main Street, presents Elf, the Musical (Live Performance) on 1st-10; “Remember the Night” (Film) and Merry Country Christmas (Live Concert/Performances) on the 11th. For full schedule call 540-943-9999 or www.waynetheatre.org/calendar.
December 1, 14–Luray.
8th Annual “Holiday Festival” at the Visitors Center, 18 Campbell Street, from 4-9pm. Enjoy live holiday music, kid’s crafts, barrel train/wagon rides, food vendors and much more. The event is free, but a $5.00 cash or canned food donations for pictures with Santa. Christmas tree lighting 7:30pm at 1 East Main Street on the 1st and the Christmas parade 6pm on Main Street on the 14th. 540-743-5511.
December 1-27–Buchanan.
Enjoy our “Grand Illumination of the Festival of Lights” at the Town Park, 485 Lowe Street, from 5:30-8:30pm every day on the 1st-27th and on the 9th our Annual “Christmas Parade” at 4pm, then visit Santa at the Town Park. 540-254-1212.
December 2–Strasburg.
Join the town for the “Tis the Season Featival” in the downtown area featuring “Market in the Square” from noon-4pm. “Hot Cocoa Connections” from 1-4pm, “Parade” on King Street at 4:30pm and “Tree Lighting” to follow. 540-465-9197.
December 2–Waynesboro.
2nd Annual “Stuff the Saddlebags” Toy Run at the Waynesboro Moose Lodge #1309, 481 Hopeman Pkwy. We will be collecting and distributing new unwrapped toys for children who may be confined to playtime on a bedside table at UVA Childrens Hospital. All donations welcome. www.facebook.com/people/Waynesboro-MooseRiders/100069269463910/ or call 540-290-0268.
December 2–Town of Shenandoah.
The “Reindeer Run” will be held at the Shenandoah River Park, 315 Morrison Road, from 10-11am. Participants can look forward to a 2-mile run. Registration is open at $20.00 per participant and each registered runner will receive an exclusive event hat. This event will be a great experience for all involved, blending fitness, community spirit, and the holiday season. Holiday themed costumes are welcome. To register visit online at www.trisignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=153872 or call 540-742-9386.
December 2–Harrisonburg.
Tis the season for our “Winter Wonderfest” downtown. Enjoy carriage rides, photos with Santa, performances, and more. “Holidays Around the World” is the parade theme, that begins at 7pm on Main Street. After the parade the tree lighting ceremony in Court Square. 540-432-7701.
December 2–Woodstock.
The Youth Entrepreneurs “Holiday Pop-Up Market” will be held on Main Street, from 10am-2pm. Find great holiday gifts while supporting young entrepreneurs ages 5-18. This is the ultimate buy-local, feel-good shopping of unique gifts. 540-459-2444.
December 2–Monterey.
Slow your pace and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes as we celebrate our Annual “Wintertide” event at various locations. Call 540-468-2550 or online at members.highlandcounty.org/event-calendar/details/wintertide-244289.
December 2–New Market.
Annual “Tis the Season Holiday Celebration” downtown. The Parade starts at 5pm on Congress Street and after the parade stop by the Library to see Santa and Mrs. Claus and pick up your goody bag, (while supplies last). 540-740-3432.
December 2–New Market.
Christmas on the Farm at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War, 8895 George Collins Parkway from 10am-3pm. Join us at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War as we celebrate the holiday season at the museum, battlefield, and Bushong Farm. Explore the museum and make take-home crafts, enjoy festive treats, and see a special Christmas film. Take a step back into 1859 and visit the Bushong family as they cook, sing, and tell stories in anticipation of a special Christmas visitor. Stop by the military camp and see how soldiers celebrated Christmas far from home in 1864. Receive $1.00 off admission with the donation of a nonperishable food item and free for ages 5 and under. www.vmi.edu/museums-and-archives/virginia-museum-of-the-civil-war/events/ or 1-866-515-1864.
December 2-3–Winchester.
Join the Fellowship Bible Church, 3217 Middle Road, for their “Follow The Star” guided walking tour, from 5-8pm. On a cold winter’s night, one bright star outshone the others when the angels proclaimed to the shepherds about their newborn King. The tour will take you back to that night and you will experience Christmas like never before. Free admission is our gift to the community. Come, bring your friends, family, and enjoy hearing about the reason GOD sent HIS SON JESUS to earth. Inclement weather dates are December 9th and 10th. Visit www.fbcva.org/followthestar or 540-662-7743.
December 2, 15–Stanley.
Join us for our “Christmas Parade” downtown at 6pm on the 2nd and on the 15th Movie Night featuring the “The Grinch” at 6-9pm at Hawksbill Recreation Park and Pool, 205 Pool Drive. For more information visit www.townofstanley.com/events or call 540-778-3454.
December 2, 9, 17-Grottoes.
Caroling in the Caverns, a fundraising event. Proceeds to be used for the Grottoes Ruritan Scholarship Fund, Boys & Girls Club, and for a new playground at Grand Caverns Park. Kids 12 and under will be admitted free if they donate a school supply(s). Otherwise, admission is $15.00 per person. The Grand Caverns tour and concerts last 50 minutes. For more information visit online at https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/grandcaverns/items/?flow=8274&full-items=yes or call 540-249-5705.
December 2-3, 17, 28–Fishersville.
Augusta Expo’s events: Showmasters Gun Show on the 2nd-3rd; Red Cross Blood Drive on the 17th and 28th. For more information call 540-337-2552 or www.augustaexpo.com/shows.
December 5–Lexington.
Visitors to the Stonewall Jackson House, 8 East Washington Street will step back in time and experience an 1858 Christmas. Those who attend will also have an opportunity to be a part of the “preparations” by singing Christmas carols, churning butter in the kitchen and helping our 1858 visitors pick the proper outfit for dinner. Last tour will be at 6:40pm. Admission for the event is canned food for humans and/or pets to benefit the Rockbridge Area Relief Association Food Pantry. Help us give back to our local community and come out for an evening of candlelite magic. 540-464-7327.
December 8-10–Winchester.
Join us on the 8th-10th at the heart of the Old Town pedestrian mall for a European village of traditional food/crafts vendors for shoppers young and old. On the 8th enjoy a grown-up good time with a 12 Days of Christmas restaurant crawl in the evening to benefit Froggy’s Closet. Then on ther 9th bring out the whole family to enjoy a tented Santa’s village area with Santa, elves, crafts, and even an appearance by the Grinch. For more details call or 640-313-3040 or online at oldtownwinchesterva.com/event/winchester-winter-village-in-old-town/.
December 9–Town of Shenandoah.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Big Gem Park, 736 Fourth Street, starting 6pm. There will be caroling, visits with Santa, cookies and candy canes while supplies last. Call 540-652-8773 for more information.
December 9–New Market.
Children ages 1-12 are invited to participate in a “Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt” in the Community Park starting at 6pm. Come bundled up to brave the cold and come prepared with a flashlight to see in the dark. There will be music and more. Registration is required. Visit online at www.newmarketvirginia.com/explore/page/festivals-and-events or 540-740-3432.
December 9–Harrisonburg.
X2 Comedy's last show of the year at Court Square Theater. 41-F Court Square. Door opens at 7pm. Show starts at 7:30pm. Home for the Holidays Stand Up Comedy Show featuring all local comics. Join us for locally crafted humor, and holiday-themed merriment sprinkled with holiday fun for everyone from the merry extroverts to the cozy introverts. $20 advanced. $25 at the door. To learn more and buy tickets visit: www.x2comedy.com or courtsquaretheater.org/event/x2-comedy-series-2023/ Questions call Dawn 540-560-3356 or email bookx2comedy@gmail.com.
December 9-10–Dayton.
If you are looking for a new way to celebrate Christmas with the family, join us for an Old-Fashioned Christmas at the Daniel Harrison House, 4-6pm both days. Admission $5 per person. 540-879-2280 or https://fortharrisonva.org.
December 10–Winchester.
The 54th Annual “Doll and Quilt” Auction will be held at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, 901 Amherst Street, from 2-4pm. Our community donates their time, effort and creativity to dress up these dolls that are judged, then auctioned off and 100% of the proceeds that is raised go to support the children at the Henry and William Evans Home for Children. Visit online at www.evanshome.org/events or 540-662-8520.
December 11–Town of Shenandoah.
The Evangelical Presbyterian Church Handbell Teams will be at the Museum and Welcome Center, 507 First Street, starting 6:30pm. Cookies and drinks will be provided after the handbell teams perform. 540-652-8773.
December 15-17–Afton.
Join us at the Bethlehem Village at Hebron Baptist Church, 66 Tanbark Drive, The 1st century recreation of JESUS’ birth includes several reenactments each evening, the sounds, smells, wonders of Bethlehem and more. This event is free to the public. 540-456-6863.
December 15-17, 20-23–Staunton.
Join the Frontier Culture Museum, 1290 Richmond Avenue, for their “Lantern Tours” from 5-9pm. Admission fee. For more information call 540-332-7850 or www.frontiermuseum.org/2023-events.
December 19–Strasburg.
Join Box Office Brewery, 177 East King Street for “Trivia Tuesday” from 6:30-8pm, featuring “Van Weldon”. A Portion of the proceeds will go to the Strasburg Community Library. Call 540-465-2609 or visit www.boxofficebrewery.com/event-calendar.
December 31–Luray.
New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Mimslyn Inn, 401 West Main Street. Featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, open bar, dinner in circa `31, “Jump Alley” Band and more. Also fireworks display and champagne toast at midnight on the front porch, weather permitting. Call 540-743-5105 or https://mimslyninn.com/.
December 31–Afton.
New Year’s Eve “Masked Ball” at Veritas Winery, 151 Veritas Lane, starting 7pm. This is a decadent five course wine-paired dinner, dancing and celebration. Gather your friends, your masquerade masks, formal attire and dancing shoes for a memorable way to welcome the New Year 2024. After the midnight toast, enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet to close out the festivities. This is an adults-only affair. Call 540-456-8000 or https://veritaswines.com/events.
December 31–Winchester.
Celebrate this New Year’s Eve tradition at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, 901 Amherst Street, from 10am-5pm. On this special day, admission to the galleries and gardens is by donation. A variety of family-oriented entertainment will be offered throughout the day. Info online at www.themsv.org/series/events/.