CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Some events may be postponed or canceled. Contact the event host for updates.
December 1-31–Winchester.
Enjoy the "Skating in the Sky" event at the Discovery Museum, 19 West Cork Street. Take off your shoes and head out onto the “ice” for some skating fun. Visitors will simulate ice skating, practice balance, gross motor skills and enjoy the outdoors in a festive winter environment including lights, decorations, music and rooftop views over Winchester.
Website or 540-722-2020.
December 4–Vinton.
Bring your family and friends to celebrate the holiday season with us at our Annual "Christmas Parade" starting at 7pm, downtown. Experience the festive spirit with illuminated floats, marching bands and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The parade will be followed by entertainment, refreshments, and photos with Santa. Admission is free and parking is available throughout downtown.
Website or 540-343-1364.
December 4-22–Waynesboro.
The Wayne Theatre, 521 West Main Street, will have the following events: Gerald Dickens performs A Christmas Carol (Performance) on the 4th; Scrooge (Performance) on the 5th-7th; Evening in the Round Starring Linda Davis, Lang Scott & Bill Whyte (Concert) on the 7th; Big (Film) on the 8th; Remember the Night (Film) on the15th; Rocky Mountain Christmas, Starring Jim Curry (Concert) on the 16th and White Christmas (Film) on the 22nd.
Website or 540-943-9999.
December 5–Luray.
Join us on Friday 5th from 4-8pm for the 10th Annual Chamber Holiday Festival at the Chamber & Visitor Center, 18 Campbell Street, as we kick off the holiday season with a fun-filled, family-friendly celebration. All aboard for an evening of holiday cheer with pictures with Santa (for a $5 donation or canned food per picture. Kids can explore Santa’s Workshop at the Page Public Library, make crafts, write letters to Santa, create Christmas cards, and even prepare reindeer food. Don’t miss photos with Christmas characters, a barrel train ride, live holiday music performed by local schools and artists, and the Holiday Vendor Market featuring local vendors and unique gifts. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable evening of festive fun, treats, and holiday cheer.
Website or 540-743-3915.
December 5, 13-14–Woodstock.
The "Light up Woodstock" event features a parade and more at 6:30pm on the 5th: Website, and on the 13th-14th join us for our "Hometown Holidays" event downtown at various locations, from 10am-2pm.
Website or 540-459-3621.
December 5-7, 12-14–Waynesboro.
Join the Creative Works Farm, 107 Creative Works Lane (off of 340-N at Purple Cow Rd), for their "Christmas Wonderland" event, from 5-7pm. Featuring a music light show, free cookies and hot chocolate, decorating gingerbread cookies in a giant gingerbread house. See animals at the barn, enjoy a wagon ride, visit the Grinch's Funhouse, Santa's Workshop, Island of Misfit Toys, and more. Special guest appearance by Santa. Tickets are $20.00 per person for ages 3 and up (2 and under are free). All proceeds benefit Camp LIGHT, a summer camp for kids with special needs and at-risk youth.
Website or 540-471-1659.
December 5, 12, 19–Roanoke.
Join us for our 43rd Annual “Dickens of a Christmas” at various locations. On the 5th, the “Christmas Tree Lighting” at 6:20pm, on Salem Avenue, in the Plaza behind the Market Building and will include live stage performances; On the 12th, our “Christmas Parade” at 6:30pm, on Jefferson Street at Elm Avenue and the parade is rain or shine; On the 19th, the SPCA “Pet Costume” contest, with registering starting at 5:30pm, on Salem Avenue at the Plaza behind the Market Building and the contest begins at 6:30pm. www.downtownroanoke.org/events/signature-events/dickens-of-a-christmas or 540-342-2028.
Website or 540-342-2028.
December 6–Monterey.
Join us during the Holiday season for our "Wintertide Festival" at various places. There will be a craft markets, visit from Santa, a parade at 5pm, all while enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of this special time of the year.
Website or 540-468-2550.
December 6–New Market.
Join us at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War, 8895 George Collins Parkway from 10am-3pm for our “Christmas on the Farm” event. 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 2 nonperishable food items and free for ages 5 and under.
Website or 540-740-3101.
December 6–Harrisonburg.
Tis the season for our “Winter Wonderfest” downtown. The community is invited to sip & stroll and shop while taking part in family-friendly activities such as voting for their favorite creations in the Annual Gingerbread House Competition, touring downtown in a horse-drawn carriage, visiting with Santa & Mrs. Claus, exploring “Whoville” across Liberty Street and much more. The day is capped off with the annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting.
Website or 540-432-7701.
December 6–Waynesboro.
Join Stable Craft Brewing, 375 Madrid Road, for their annual “Country Christmas” celebration from noon-10pm. Our barn will be decked out in the holiday fashion. This yearly event is the perfect way to kick-off the holiday season. Horse-drawn carriage rides, a visit from Santa Claus, a tree lighting and lots of holiday spirit make this a must-do for young and old alike.
Website or 540-490-2609.
December 6–Front Royal.
Join us at the Main Street Gazebo, 414 E Main Street, for our “Christmas On Main” event from noon-7pm. We will have merry market music, entertainment, carriage rides, kids activities, a parade, lighting of the town’s Christmas tree and more.
Website or 540-635-5788.
December 6–Waynesboro.
Christmas Parade at 6pm on Main Street. Visitors and participants are asked to bring a toy to be donated to the Salvation Army. They will be near the beginning of the parade. There will be a small designated area for folks in wheelchairs to view the parade on Main Street at the corner of Arch in front of the tourism building. Please be mindful of not standing in front of others and blocking their view. In case of extreme bad weather, the parade may be postponed and changes would be announced on our website.
Website or 540-942-6735.
December 6-7–Winchester.
Have you ever dreamed about the night when JESUS was born? What it would be like to be visited by Mary and Joseph? Join us at Fellowship Bible Church, 3217 Middle Road from 5-8pm. We will take you back to that night and you will see CHRISTmas like never before. Free admission and refreshments, just like the gift of JESUS.
Website or 540-662-7743.
December 6-7–Timberville.
Join us for our “Winter Festival” at the American Legion Park, 325 American Legion Drive. This weekend is filled with a variety of vendors, food trucks, Santa, the Grinch, live music and more.
Website or 540-896-7058.
December 6, 13–New Market.
Join us for the following events: On the 6th, Tis the Season Holiday Celebration Parade at 5pm on Congress Street, then stop by the Library, 160 E. Lee Street, after the parade to see Santa and Mrs. Claus and pick up your goody bag (while supplies last). On the 13th, a Flashlight Candy Cane hunt for children 1-14 years, in the Community Park, 9670 Cadet Road. There will be hot chocolate and other fun activities to participate in as well. Registration is required.
December 12–Lexington.
Join the Jackson House Museum for their “Christmas at the Jacksons” event from 6-8pm. Visitors will step back in time and experience an 1859 Christmas while interacting with costumed interpreters in period costume in front of a Christmas Tree. Last tour will be at 7:40 pm. 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 candlelit magic.
Website or 540-464-7704.
December 12-14–Afton.
We hope you will join us at the Bethlehem Village at Hebron Baptist Church, 66 Tanbark Drive at The Village of Bethlehem for a full-fledged modern day reprisal of the first century village of Bethlehem. Complete with the reenactment of Christ’s birth, singing angels, roman guards, an olive press, basket makers, carpenters, blacksmiths, scribe shops, and yes…even live camels and more. This event is free to the public.
Website or 540-456-6863.
December 13–Middletown.
Enjoy a visit with Santa at Richard’s Fruit Market, 6410 Middle Road from 10am-1pm. Bring your own camera to take a family picture (with your animals too) and Santa will be having a story time at 11:30am. Then shop around for some unique gifts. We will have our own beef vegetable soup and hot cider for sale and best of all... for every sale you get 1 free cookie. So grab lunch and coffee and Christmas shop all in one spot. Don’t forget to go say hello to the petting zoo animals before they leave for the winter.
Website or 540-869-1455.
December 13–Fishersville.
The Annual Christmas Market will be held at Augusta Expo, 277 Expo Road from 9am-3pm. Featuring a variety of vendors selling clothing, candles, food, health/body, home décor, arts and crafts, household items and accessories, jewelry and a lot more. Free admission.
Website or 540-246-8681.
December 14-20–Staunton.
Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa Claus is coming to town on the “Santa Express”. It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we invite you and your family aboard the Santa Express train that will be stationed at 415 Bridge Street. Bask in the magic of sparkly Christmas trees, seasonal décor, tasty treats, holiday music, and best of all, a personal greeting from Santa. This event is not handicap accessible and only credentialed service animals are permitted. Emotional support or therapy animals do not qualify. We will have a traditional dining car or the coach class as a more budget-friendly way. To register:
Website or 866-440-8356.
December 16-23–Staunton.
Join the Frontier Culture Museum, 1290 Richmond Road for their “Lantern Tours” event from 5:30-8pm. The tour will begin at our Temporary Ticketing and will be a lantern-lit walking tour stopping at 17th century England, 18th century Ireland (both forge and farm), 18th century Germany and end in our Lecture Hall for refreshments and our final sketch set in 1850s Virginia. Please remember that this is an outdoor walking tour that will occur rain or shine, please plan to dress appropriately.
Wesite or 540-332-7850.
December 18-21–Staunton.
Santa hasn’t forgotten the grown-ups, ages 21+. The “Holiday Spirits in the Dome” train ride is a classy, romantic ride with a festive twist starting at 12 Middlebrook Avenue. This elevated experience includes flexible seating, festive bartenders serving seasonal adult beverages and a branded souvenir mug. Whether you’re toasting under the twinkling lights or snuggling up by the bar, this ride promises merry relaxation and cozy charm. These events are not Handicap accessible and only credentialed service animals are permitted. Emotional support or therapy animals do not qualify. To register:
Website or 866-440-8356.
December 28–McGaheysville.
Randy Black's Annual "Holiday Jam" will be held at Cave Hill Farms Brewery, 1003 Jacob Burner Drive, from 2-7pm. There will be good music, delicious beer, and community fun for a cause. This is a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County.
Website or 540-433-8886.
December 31–Harrisonburg.
The New Year’s Eve “Glow Run 5K” presented by Generations Crossing is the hottest way to ring in 2026 with friends and family. Enjoy a new 5K course at Heritage Oaks Golf Course, 680 Garbers Church Road starting 4:30pm along the beautiful cart paths as the sun sets on 2025. Even better, all participants receive glow paraphernalia to help light up the course participants are also asked to bring your own headlamps and flashlights. Wheelchair racers, strollers and leashed pets are welcome. Warm up and stretches led by The Grace Pilates at 4:15pm.
Website or 540-434-4901.
Events listed as they become available. Updated 11/3/25
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