The towns and cities in Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley transform into festive wonderlands during the holiday season. From dazzling light displays to traditional celebrations, here’s your guide to experiencing the most magical holiday events in and around this charming area.
Christmas Parades
The holiday seasons in many towns kick off with beloved Christmas Parades. The evening parades features illuminated floats and marching bands, and typically conclude with Santa’s grand arrival. Streets will begin closing a few hours before each parade so that floats and bands can safely get to the staging area. Drive into town early so you can find a parking spot then browse through the shops before claiming your seat on the curb for the parade. Central Virginia Christmas Parades include:
Staunton: Monday, December 2 at 7 pm, Theme: “A Timeless Christmas”
Waynesboro: Saturday, December 7 at 6 pm, the Salvation Army will be collecting toy donations near the beginning of the parade
Crozet: Saturday, December 14 at 2 pm (note the early time), the firehouse will host an open house after the parade
Theater Holiday Entertainment Series
The historic Wayne Theatre in Waynesboro becomes a holiday entertainment hub during December. Special holiday events this December include a one-man performance of A Christmas Carol by the great, great grandson of Charles Dickens, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, a performance of Storm Large’s new holiday album, screenings of the movies Home Alone and It’s a Wonderful Life, and a production of Making Spirit’s Bright by the Valley Dance Theater. The American Shakespeare Center in Staunton will be presenting A Christmas Carol in the Blackfriars Playhouse from December 5 until December 29. The Blackfriars Playhouse is the world’s first recreation of Shakespeare’s indoor theater. Get a behind the scenes look at the theater when you book a Playhouse Tour. These guided tours are often available during the morning or afternoon of show dates so you can explore the theater and enjoy a show in the same day.
Festive Lights
The Natural Bridge State Park’s annual Luminary Nights runs for two weekends in December. The event transforms the natural wonder and surrounding park into an enchanted holiday display. The Cedar Creek Trail features thousands of twinkling lights leading to the dramatically illuminated bridge. The event runs from 5 pm until 9 pm on December 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22. Carriage rides along the trail will be available on December 13 and 15; call (540) 254-0795 to reserve a carriage ride. Creative Works Farm erects a Christmas Wonderland with walk-through light displays and a giant gingerbread house. Proceeds from the event benefit Camp LIGHT. The event will take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 29 until December 15. Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton has the famous Fairyland of Holiday Lights. Now in its 19th year, the event is free for the public. Stop by any evening from November 25 until January 1.
Behind the Scenes at the Wildlife Center
The Wildlife Center of Virginia is a wildlife emergency room and hospital. It is generally not open to the public. They do host open houses throughout the year so that people can tour the facility. The winter Open Houses will be held on December 7 (all spaces are currently full) and December 10 (space still available). Tours include an introduction at the outdoor pavilion, a walk through the hospital, and the opportunity to meet some resident animal ambassadors. There is no fee to attend an open house but space is limited. Make a reservation today for this unique opportunity.
Holiday Markets and Sales
The Shenandoah Valley Art Center hosts a Holiday Pottery Sale from November 4 until December 28. Everything has been made by local studio members. Stop in to purchase gifts for family and friends. Go after Christmas to get a little gift for yourself. The Art Center is open Tuesday – Saturday each week. The 3rd Annual Crozet Holiday Market Crawl will be held on December 7. This market especially focuses on female entrepreneurs and businesses. The Queen City Christkindlmarkt is a European-inspired Christmas Market at Queen City Brewery in Staunton. The market boasts one-of-a-kind treasures and seasonal drinks. The market is hosted on Fridays and Saturdays from December 6 until December 21.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve In Style
Basic City Beer Company’s New Year’s Eve celebration at The Foundry has become a local tradition, featuring live music, food specials, craft beer, cocktails, and a champagne midnight toast. The regular taproom will open at 3 pm but if you want to stay the evening and welcome the new year, get your general admission or reserved seating tickets. The VSDB Foundation celebrates the 185th anniversary of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind with a New Year’s Dance Party. The event features heavy hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, midnight champagne toast, and music by Soul Expression. The event is being held at the Augusta Expo in nearby Fishersville.
Start Off the New Year on the Right Foot (or the Left Foot)
So many people have a New Year’s resolution to get healthy. Why not start right away. The Charlottesville Track Club hosts a New Year’s Day 5K in Free Union. The race starts at 11 am so you have plenty of time to get up and have some breakfast before the race. Proceeds from the race benefit Stepping Stone which assists families with paying rent or utilities or in buying groceries. Planning Your Visit The holiday season in Central Virginia typically runs from late November through early January, with most special events concentrated in December. Be sure to book accommodations early, as lodging often fill up during peak holiday weekends. The Iris Inn is a couples’ getaway that features guest rooms in the main inn as well as private cottages and cabins. Waynesboro’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring all the regional festivities. Whether you’re seeking traditional holiday celebrations, family-friendly activities, or unique local events, Waynesboro offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and festive cheer. The combination of community spirit, cultural events, and seasonal celebrations makes it an ideal destination for creating special holiday memories in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley.
