Add Us As A Trusted Google Source 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 1 at 7 pm, Theme: “A Holly Jolly Christmas”
Waynesboro: Saturday, December 6 at 6 pm, the Salvation Army will be collecting toy donations near the beginning of 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, a musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol titled Scrooge!, and screenings of the movies Big, Remember the Night, and White Christmas. The American Shakespeare Center in Staunton will be presenting A Christmas Carol in the Blackfriars Playhouse from December 4 until December 27. 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 and Decorations
The Historic Staunton Foundation is hosting the 50th Annual Holiday House Tour on December 6. This is a unique opportunity to how private downtown residences have decorated for the holidays. 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 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21. Carriage rides along the trail will be available on December 14 and 21. Note the carriage rides require pre-registration. 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 28 until December 14. Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton has the famous Fairyland of Holiday Lights. Now in its 20th year, the event is free for the public. Stop by any evening from November 24 until January 1.
History Tours
Ghosts of Staunton hosts spooky walking tours of the area all year long. For those who are already counting the days until the next Halloween, they have added a Dark Tales and Haunts of the Queen City – Christmas Edition. Purchase tickets to explore the eerie side of Staunton on December 6 or 13. The Frontier Culture Museum is bringing back their popular Lantern Tours. Held December 16-23, the outdoor walking tour ventures through Christmas from 17th century England to 18th century Ireland and Germany and ends in 1850s Virginia.
Holiday Markets and Sales
The 4th Annual Crozet Holiday Market Crawl will be held on December 6. This market especially focuses on female entrepreneurs and businesses. Stable Craft Brewery is entering the holiday market scene this year with their own version on December 6. Alongside the market will be carriage rides, a visit from Santa, and holiday music. 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 toast at midnight. Blu Point Seafood Company brings live music to Staunton every month. Their stage is set to entertain music lovers while they enjoy craft cocktails and coastal-inspired cuisine. Their NYE Party will require tickets to enjoy the fun.
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 10 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.
