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 17 through December 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Natural Bridge State Park

Enjoy the decorated trees at Natural Bridge State Park and "vote" for your favorite by placing non-perishable foods or needed supplies at the base of it. This year benefits Glasgow Food Bank and ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice.
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Candlelight Processional & Tree Lighting
November 24, 5:15-6:30 p.m. | 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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Lexington Christmas Parade
December 1, 6 p.m. | Downtown Lexington

Enjoy the "Home for the Holidays" theme as you line up along Main Street and wave to the floats, emergency vehicles, and of course, Santa, as they pass by.
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Christmas Parade Party
December 1, 5:30 p.m. | The Patton Room

Gather for the downtown Lexington Christmas Parade with food, cookie decorating, hot chocolate, and seasonal cocktails. Bring a toy donation or $5 to enjoy the merriment until 9 p.m.
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Jingle Bell Run 5K & Walk + Tot Trot
December 2, 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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Buena Vista Christmas Tree Lighting
December 7, 6:30 p.m. | 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 7, 7 p.m. | 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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Brownsburg Christmas Celebration
December 9, 4 p.m. | Brownsburg Museum

Brownsburg Museum and Brownsburg Community Association invites you to their Christmas Celebration Saturday, December 9 at 4pm at the Museum with Santa, cookies & hot beverages, children's crafts, tree decorating and lighting, and caroling.
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Luminary Nights
December 8 through 10, and 15 through 17; 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

Love Lexington Lotto and Small Business Saturday
November 25 | 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!
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Shop Late with Dickens Carolers
December 8 | Downtown Lexington

Our downtown shopkeepers are keeping late hours on December 8 just for you! Shop until 7 p.m. and enjoy the beautifully decorated windows and the sounds of the talented Dickens Carolers.
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Warm Up on the Holiday Trail: North Rockbridge Trail
December 9; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 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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Hands-On for the Holidays

Christmas Wreath Workshops
November 25, December 1, and December 3 at 1 p.m. | Tantivy Lavender Farm

Take a couple hours for yourself and create something beautiful for your home. All materials are included, plus treats to keep you going! Reservations recommended as space is limited.
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Christmas Cookie Decorating Class
November 26, 2 p.m. | Mulberry's DIY Workshop

Learn how to decorate your own sugar cookies for holiday gatherings. Each participant receives four cookies and the required icing to get started. Want to make a special something to hold the cookies? Stay after the class to make your own "Christmas Eve Santa Board" for an extra $20.
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Waldorf Angel Workshop
December 2, 1 p.m. | Tantivy Lavender Farm

Follow along to create your own Waldorf Angel! You'll take two hours to learn the craft of felting wool. The workshop is suggested for ages 10 and up. All materials are provided, but you are welcome to bring adornments you'd like to include. Reservations recommended; space is limited.
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Gifts of Nature Workshop
December 9, 1 p.m. | Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden

Create beautiful outdoor decorations for the holiday season - but with wildlife in mind! It's edible art for winter! Please bring nuts, seeds, dried fruit, berries, or fresh cranberries to share with others and Boxerwood provides the rest. Dress warm; this is an outdoor event.
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Holiday Entertainment

Holiday Pops Concert
December 4 & 5, 7 p.m. | 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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Christmas at The Jacksons
December 5, 7 p.m. | Jackson House Museum

What was Christmas like in 1858? Get a great idea when you visit the interpreters at the Jackson House Museum this holiday season. You'll even have the chance to prep for the meal! Admission is a canned food item for humans or pets - your choice.
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Lessons and Carols
December 7, 8 p.m. | University Chapel at Washington and Lee University

For more than 80 years the Lessons and Carols candlelight service has woven a tapestry of music, readings, and carols to narrate the Christmas story.
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The Night Before Christmas, presented by The Rockbridge Ballet
December 15 at 6:30 p.m., December 16 at 2 and 6:30 p.m., and December 17 at 2 p.m. | Lenfest Center for the Arts

Beautiful ballet brings The Night Before Christmas to life this holiday season! Tickets required.
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New Year's Eve & New Year's Day

New Year's Eve Dinner & Packages
December 31, 5 p.m. | The Georges

Special dining to ring in the new year! Special room rates, too! The New Year's Eve Prix Fixe dinner at Haywood's will offer two seatings: 5 to 7 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m. Reservations for dining or overnight stay are available by calling 540-463-2500.
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NYE Party
December 31 | The Patton Room

The Party Crasher Band will once again count us down to a new year from The Patton Room on Main Street! Wear your dancing shoes and enjoy the cash bar. Overnight rooms available with the host, The Georges.
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NYE Masquerade Ball
December 31 | The Nautal Bridge Historic Hotel

A magical New Year's Eve night with D.J. Jack Carter, Light Hors d’oeuvres, and Champagne Toast at midnight. Watch the Peach Bowl and the Ball Drop in Times Square.
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New Year's Eve Party & Ball Drop
December 31, 9 p.m. | The Gin Hotel

Finally, the downtown Lexington NYE ball drop has returned to the roof of The Gin Hotel on Main Street! Party inside the ballroom with a DJ, but save some juice for the midnight ball drop on the street. Overnight stays available with the host, The Gin Hotel, by calling 540-461-8484. Packages to include the party are also available.
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Updated 12/4/23