December in Virginia

See Virginia for the Holidays for information regarding holiday home tours, 100 Miles of Lights, arts and crafts events, winery events, and parades and tree lightings.

Heart of Appalachia

Richlands - Dec 3 - Citizens for the Arts presents - Brass 5 - Brass 5 includes a wide range of musical styles from Dixieland and jazz to rock and country music. This performance is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.

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Central Virginia

Richmond - Dec 2 - The 7th Annual Opening Night "Shopping Spree" at The Bizarre Bazaar to benefit Massey Cancer Center - Enjoy a glass of wine while you browse four buildings packed with irresistible holiday themed surprises. Hundreds of unique exhibitors will feature gifts, clothing, gourmet foods, and decorative accessories.

Richmond - Dec 3-6 - Bizarre Bazaar's 34th Christmas Collection - The Bizarre Bazaar®’s 34th Christmas Collection will have 500+ juried exhibitors in four contiguous buildings. Discount tickets are available by calling 804-673-6280 or visiting www.thebizarrebazaar.com.

Lynchburg - Dec 4-6, 11-13 - Virginia Christmas Spectacular & Living Christmas Tree - This year, the Virginia Christmas Spectacular, featuring the living Christmas tree, will draw thousands of people and many will come to Christ. The show features amazing vocalists, a cast of hundreds, incredible sets filled with dazzling lights and 38 foot Christmas Trees.

Richmond - Dec 5, 12, 19 - Saturday Brunch with Santa at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - Join Santa for brunch in the Tea House on Saturdays in December. The jolly old elf will make a special appearance and children will be able to tell him their “wish-lists.” Parents are encouraged to bring cameras for photos; Tea House menu features kid-friendly items. Seatings at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations strongly suggested.

Appomattox - Dec 6 - Community of Candles - an old fashion Christmas in Historic Appomattox - Enjoy an afternoon of Christmas celebration in Historic Downtown Appomattox. Activities will include live music, pictures with Santa, Carriage rides, food and shopping. The Appomattox Christmas parade will start at 4:00 p.m. downtown, followed by the tree lighting and community of candles ceremony at 5:00 p.m.

Richmond - Dec 7 - Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony - This ceremony honors those killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, which resulted in the United States entering World War II. Names of Virginians who perished during this attack will be read.

Farmville - Dec 11-13 - A Live Nativity - Celebrate Christmas by bringing your family to enjoy a drive through, live action depiction of the events leading to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Charlottesville - Dec 14 - Radio City Christmas Spectacular - Children thrill as Santa takes the audience on a magical sleighride to the North Pole, while parents marvel at the unparalleled precision dance of the Rockettes. The Christmas Spectacular is truly unique in its universal appeal to people of all ages.

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Shenandoah Valley

Salem - Dec 3-9 - Sesame Street Live! - Come and see all your favorite Sesame Street characters live on stage.

Stephenson - Dec 4 - Jordan Springs Christmas Dinner and Concert - Share in the magic of Jordan Springs decorated in holiday splendor including a horse of a different color, Santa's workshop, nearly 50 Christmas trees and over 500 ornaments. A delicious culinary feast will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by a performance by the Winchester Orchestra at 8 p.m.

Buena Vista - Dec 4-6, 11-13 - Night of Miracles Living Nativity - Experience the journey to Bethlehem and the miracle of Christmas with an interactive living nativity complete with an entire village full of people and animals built by Professor Mark Cline of the Haunted Monster Museum.

Harrisonburg - Dec 5 - Moonlight Holiday Festival in the EJC Arboretum - Enjoy a horse-drawn historic convertible carriage ride in full moonlight on the wooded trails of the EJC Arboretum with your family or sweetheart.

Staunton - Dec 5 - Toys for Tots Santa Express - Meet at the Train Station in Downtown Staunton where Santa will arrive on the train! Flanked by uniformed Marines, Santa will be greeted and will receive a key to the City. Enjoy entertainment, characters, treats and refreshments at the American Cafe, while supplies last. Follow Santa to Pufferbellies and Irish Alley for visits and photo opportunities.

Roanoke - Dec 6 - Roanoke Symphony Orchestra / Chorus in Handel's Messiah - Members of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Chorus present an intimate performance of the beloved and inspiring Christmas portion of Messiah by G.F. Handel.

Middletown - Dec 8-13, 15-20, 22-27 - Miracle on 34th Street - A musical where a white-beaded gentleman claiming to be the real Santa Claus brings about a genuine “Miracle on 34th Street,” spreading love throughout New York City, fostering camaraderie between Macy’s and Gimbel’s Department Stores, and convincing a divorced, cynical single mother, her somber daughter and the entire State of New York that Santa Claus is no myth.

Salem - Dec 11 - Roanoke Symphony Orchestra - Holiday Pops - The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops grows bigger and better each year, with traditional holiday favorites and plenty of new surprises from 250 performing singers, dancers, and RSO musicians! Plus, international star tenor George Dyer comes home for the holidays!

Roanoke - Dec 12-13 - The Nutcracker presented by the Southwest Virginia Ballet - It is the night before Christmas, a night filled with dreams and wishes of children. And for a girl named Clara, it will be a night in which her dreams come true. Join Clara and her prince as the Southwest Virginia Ballet presents their annual production of The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker is the most well-known stroy ballet of all time and a thrilling perfomance for all ages!

Lexington - Dec 18-20 - A Shenandoah Christmas Carol - Get in the Christmas spirit with this production of A Shenandoah Christmas presented by the Theater at Lime Kiln and Lenfest Center for the Arts.

Buchanan - Dec 24 - Christmas Eve Luminaries - Buchanan's downtown streets are lined with hundreds of luminaries heralding the arrival of Christmas.

Staunton - Dec 28 - Woodrow Wilson's Birthday Open House - Celebrate Wooodrow Wilson's birthday at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum. Listen to period music with costumed interpreters as you tour his birthplace, which will be decorated for the holidays. Explore President Wilson's life and legacy at his museum, and see Wilson's restored Pierce-Arrow limousine. Enjoy cake and punch and the many holiday activities for children.

Roanoke - Dec 28-31 - Holiday Break Skate - Public skating is open to all ages and all skill levels. Whether you are an experienced skater or this will be your first time on the ice, all are welcome.

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Hampton Roads

Williamsburg - Dec 1-Jan 3 - A Colonial Christmas - Experience 17th- and 18th-century holiday traditions. A Jamestown Settlement film and interpretive tours and presentations compare and contrast 17th-century English Christmas customs with how the season may have been observed in the colony's early years. Hear accounts of Christmas and winter during the American Revolution at the Yorktown Victory Center and glimpse 1780s Virginia farm holiday preparations

Virginia Beach - Dec 4-6 - Broadway at the Center presents Holiday Melody - Experience all the magic of the holiday season wrapped in a colorful, warm blanket of song and dance. Revive some memories and make some new ones in this joyous, spectacular musical extravaganza. Celebrate with the entire family.

Williamsburg - Dec 4-6, 11-13, 18-24, 26-27 - Christmas Town at Busch Gardens - On every street corner you’ll hear the sounds of the season. From traditional Christmas favorites in Banbury Cross - England, to country-style classics in New France and Celtic sounds in the streets of Killarney - Ireland, this is the music you love.  And it’s a place where you can also ride some of your favorite rides.

 

Hampton - Dec 5 - It's A Wonderful Life in Phoebus - Experience Phoebus of the 1940s while celebrating the celluloid classic "It's a Wonderful Life." Classic cars, entertainment and a free showing of the film starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.

Hampton - Dec 5, 12, 19 - Breakfast with Santa - Enjoy breakfast with ‘Ol Saint Nick! This family event features make-n-take activities for children, a seated breakfast and photos with Santa. Seating is limited. Advance tickets are required.

Virginia Beach - Dec 5, 12, 19, 20 - Teddy Bear Tea at The Founders Inn and Spa - The magic of the season comes to life as children sip Christmas tea with a new best friend. Each child receives a commemorative teddy bear to take home and cuddle!

Yorktown - Dec 6 - Yorktown Celebrates Christmas - Cookies with Santa - Enjoy cookies with Santa in the Gallery at York Hall. Children of all ages can visit with Santa and do some holiday shopping.

Hampton - Dec 8 - Danu: Christmas in Ireland - Danu celebrates a traditional Irish Christmas in An Nollaig in Eirinn! Thrill to the sounds of virtuoso players on flutes, fiddle, button accordion, percussion and the gorgeous voice of Muirinn Nic Amhlaoibh.

Portsmouth - Dec 12 - Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival - It offers the best of local & regional music groups, choirs & musicians featured in venues along Olde Towne High Street. Includes sidewalk bonfires, street entertainers and children's activities.

Hampton - Dec 12 - Theatre IV in The Shoemaker & The Christmas Elves - Come out and enjoy heartwarming holiday music for the young and young at heart! This production is a delightful yuletide spin on the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale-– the magical story of the poor shoemaker and his elves who show him the true meaning of Christmas.

Hampton - Dec 18 - A Gospel Christmas with The Holmes Brothers - The spine-tingling harmonies, boundless energy and telepathic musicianship of The Holmes Brothers mix Saturday night’s roadhouse rock with the gospel fervor of Sunday’s church service.

Virginia Beach - Dec 19 - Sailing with Santa - Take a 45-minute cruise on Owls Creek with Santa and his crew. Enjoy refreshments, games and activities while Santa greets his guests for a unique photo opportunity.

Hampton - Dec 19 - Tenor Brandon Wood: I'll Be Home for Christmas - Hampton’s own Brandon Wood comes home in this very special Christmas celebration. A rising star in the world of opera, Brandon has already been seen on the stages of the New York City Opera, the Santa FE Opera and, of course, here at the Virginia Opera.

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Eastern Shore

Parksley - Dec 4 - Parksley Old Fashioned Christmas - 3rd Annual - Merchants open til 9 p.m. Santa arrives by fire truck. Hayrides. Musical performance. Face painting. Craft Show set up in Town Council Chambers & Gift Shop area of the Eastern Shore Railway Museum. Free hot cocoa.

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Blue Ridge Highlands

Blacksburg - Dec 4 - Tuba Christmas - TubaChristmas will make this the best holiday celebration ever! Bring your tubas, euphoniums and all of your friends to downtown Blacksburg.

Hardy - Dec 5 - Christmas Days in Old Virginia - Booker T. Washington described Christmas in the mid-nineteenth century as he remembered it. "...In my opinion the real Christmas must be spent in the country, and I cannot but feel that there is in the Virginia Christmas atmosphere a fragrance and an influence which is not to be found elsewhere." Would you like to take a trip back to an Old Virginia Christmas?

Dublin - Dec 12 - Christmas at Claytor Lake - Escape the hustle and bustle of the mall this holiday season. Instead, relax next to the fire while you and your family have pictures taken with Santa. Also, make a holiday craft for nature and enjoy live holiday music by a local band.

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Northern Virginia

Warrenton - Dec 3-5 - Warrenton Chorale presents - "Christmas in Music" - Enjoy the delightful sounds of the annual “Christmas in Music” concert of the Warrenton Chorale. Our performance includes the Adult Chorale, the Youth Chorale and the Handbell Choir. Bring in the holiday season by celebrating with us and creating a Christmas tradition for the whole family. You will experience the splendor of a rich mixture of traditional and creative musical arrangements.

Middleburg - Dec 5 - Christmas in Middleburg - Come and get into the spirit of the holidays in beautiful horse country as the Town of Middleburg celebrates Christmas. This event will start in the morning with the Middleburg Hunt trotting through Washington Street on their horses and with their hounds. Later in the afternoon, watch the parade and meet Santa Claus. Enjoy arts and crafts at the community center, music, shopping, and dining in this wonderfully unique town.

Fairfax - Dec 5 - City of Fairfax Festival of Lights & Carols - Magical day of holiday cheer and festivities in the beautiful winter wonderland of Kitty Pozer Garden. Lunch & photos with Santa, s'more’s by the yule log, ice sculpting, hot cider, lighting of the tree and carols.

Fairfax - Dec 5 - Doc Watson with David Holt and Richard Watson - "Hills of Home" - Legendary musician Doc Watson returns with long-time collaborator and Grammy Award-winning banjoist David Holt and grandson, Richard, for a special evening of music. Showcasing his universally acknowledged virtuosity of the flatpicking guitar, Doc Watson has mastered a wide range of genres, including traditional ballads, fiddle tunes, blues, gospel, country, and contemporary music.

Reston - Dec 5 - Santa Arrives by Barge at Lake Anne - Lake Anne welcomes the holidays with a tradition of festive family fun, musical entertainment, vendors, and a petting zoo. Event begins at 10 am with craft-making for kids, then Santa arrives by barge at 12:30 pm to meet the children on the plaza.

Alexandria - Dec 12 - "The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration" Film Screening - Filmed in the U.S., Africa and the Caribbean, “The Black Candle” traces Kwanzaa from the Black Power Movement in the 1960s to its present-day reality as a holiday celebrated by 40 million.

Fairfax - Dec 12 - Canadian Brass - "A Canadian Brass Christmas" - Now heading into its 38th season, Canadian Brass returns with a festive and versatile holiday program featuring classical music, traditional carols, Hanukkah songs, and jazzy renditions of popular seasonal songs.

Fairfax - Dec 18 - Natalie MacMaster - "Christmas in Cape Breton" - Virtuoso fiddler Natalie MacMaster invokes the holiday traditions of her native Cape Breton in this spirited Christmas show that makes audiences leap to their feet. This holiday season, MacMaster demonstrates her fiddling fireworks and ferocious step dancing in a program that mingles Celtic melodies and classic Christmas carols.

Fairfax - Dec 19 - Rockapella - "A Rockapella Holiday" - This season, Rockapella returns with such holiday classics as "Angels We Have Heard On High" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," as well as new pieces like "Little Mary Snowflake," a funky new version of "The Dreidel Song," and "Matunda Ya Kwanzaa," an original composition honoring the celebration of African culture. Young and old alike are drawn to Rockapella’s humor, style, and artistry.

Alexandria - Dec 20 - Holiday Favorites at The Lyceum - Join the Colonial Handbell Ringers as they play more than sixty bronze bells. Musical selections include Christmas classics like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Feliz Navidad,” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Sing along with your favorite Christmas carols.

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Southern Virginia

Clarksville - Dec 12 - Brunch with Santa at Cooper's Landing Inn - Bring the family for the Fourth Annual Brunch with Santa. There will be reindeer pancakes, peppermint hot chocolate, and Santa, of course! We ask each child to bring a toy to donate for local families in need. Cooper’s Landing will match the number of collected toys and hopefully bring some holiday cheer to the needy.

Martinsville - Dec 13 - Piedmont Arts On Stage! presents The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Holiday Pops - Maestro David “Santa” Wiley and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Chorus return to Martinsville for the third year with their magical Holiday Pops Spectacular. Over 100 musicians and singers bring the spirit of the season to our community, and Grace Network will again be collecting canned goods before the show to stock their pantry for those less fortunate.

South Boston - Dec 15 - Sandi Patty - Contemporary Christian megastar Sandi Patty sings her favorites, plus some Christmas tunes. With Grammy Awards, Dove Awards and an armload of platinum and gold albums, Patty has seen professional peaks and valleys alike, all tempered by the grace of God, she says.

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