This season is a time to savor flavors, bask in the glow of pure holiday spirit, discover unique gifts, and celebrate the old and new. It's a period of revelry, remembrance and memory-making, and gathering with friends and family - whether intimately in person or virtually. Celebrate in Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County, Virginia.

Parades, Trees, Lights & Jingles

Festival of Trees
November 21 through December 31, 9am-5pm | Natural Bridge State Park

Enjoy the decorated trees at Natural Bridge State Park and "vote" for your favorite by placing non-perishable foods or pet supplies at the base of it. This year benefits Glasgow Food Bank and Furever Friends Pet Rescue.
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Candlelight Processional & Tree Lighting
November 25, 5:15-6:30pm | Downtown Lexington

Join the merriment of this official kick-off to the holiday season as Santa & Mrs. Claus make their way through downtown Lexington to arrive at the community tree in Hopkins Green.
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Swinging Bridge Lighting
November 27, 5pm | Rockbridge Baths (Terrell Lane)

Join in the fun for cookies and caroling while Santa lights up the iconic swinging bridge.

Buena Vista Christmas Tree Lighting
December 1, 6:30pm | Town Square, Downtown Buena Vista

Ring in the Christmas Season with this year's community tree lighting. Planned events include photos with Santa, music and more! Parade to follow.
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Buena Vista Christmas Parade
December 1, 7pm | Downtown Buena Vista

Enjoy the merriment of festive floats with a "Hometown Christmas" parade through downtown Buena Vista! Parade starts at 23rd Street/Magnolia Ave. and ends at 17th Street/Magnolia Ave.
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Lexington Christmas Parade
December 2, 6pm | Downtown Lexington

Enjoy the "Sounds of the Season" theme as you line up along Main Street and wave to the floats, emergency vehicles, and of course, Santa, as they pass by.

Parade Entry Winners: Best Band: Lylburn Downing Middle School Band; Best Float: Boxerwood Nature Center; Best Vehicles: Natural Bridge Speedway; Best Equestrian: Virginia Barrel Racing Association Champion; Best Performance: Rockbridge Ballet; Best Representation of the Theme ‘Sounds of the Season’: Rockbridge County High School Marching Wildcats
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Jingle Bell Run 5K & Walk + Tot Trot
December 3, 10am | Downtown Lexington

Dress your festive best and give this fun run a try! Children in strollers and well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome. Jingle bells provided! Kids two to six years old can test their legs in the Tot Trot across the Nelson Street bridge.
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Christmas in the Park Light Display
December 4-January 1 | Glen Maury Park, Buena Vista

Stay warm in your car and drive slowly past the festive light displays while jamming out to your Christmas music playlists.

Luminary Nights
December 9 through 11, and 16 through 18; 5 to 9 | Natural Bridge State Park

Enjoy a hand-in-hand walk along Cedar Creek and beneath the Natural Bridge, or reserve your seat for a horse-drawn carriage ride on Sunday nights.
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Holiday Shopping & Inspiration

Love Lexington Lotto and Small Business Saturday
November 26 | Downtown Lexington

Get a great jump on your gift shopping in downtown Lexington when you shop small on Small Business Saturday. Pick up a Love Lexington Lotto card to collect stickers as you go. A full card could lead to $1,000 in your pocket! Plus free gift wrapping of downtown Lexington purchase at The Gin Hotel Ballroom from 2-5pm.
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Winter Wanderland on the North Rockbridge Trail
December 3; 10am-5pm | Northern Rockbridge (Fairfield, Raphine, Brownsburg)

Enjoy the friendly welcome of small, family owned businesses and complete your holiday shopping with local products and unique gifts found only in North Rockbridge County!
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Historic Paxton House Open House
December 11; 2-4pm | Glen Maury Park

Tour the historic home decorated for Christmas and enjoy refreshments and holiday cheer.
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Holiday Entertainment

Holiday Pops Concert
December 5-6, 7pm | Lenfest Center for the Arts

If you're not yet in the spirit, you will be after enjoying the annual Holiday Pops Concert performed by the W&L Department of Music. This year's concert will be livestreamed for free.
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Updated 11/28/22