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. Celebrate in Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County, Virginia.

Parades, Trees, Lights & Jingles

Festival of Trees
November 28 - January 2 | 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. 
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Drive-Thru Holiday Light Display
December 1–January 1, daily until 11 p.m. | Glen Maury Park

Candlelight Processional & Tree Lighting
November 28 | 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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Downtown Buena Vista Christmas Tree Lighting, Caroling & Parade
December 4 | Downtown Buena Vista

You're going to love the festivities this year in Buena Vista!

Lexington Christmas Parade
December 5 | Downtown Lexington

Line up along Main Street and wave to the floats, emergency vehicles, and of course, Santa, as they pass by.
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Jingle Bell Run 5K & Walk + Trot
December 6 | 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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Luminary Nights
December 12-14 and 19-21 and 27 | 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

Shop Small Sweepstakes
November 1 - December 20 | Downtown Lexington

Get a great jump on your gift shopping in downtown Lexington. When you spend $10 or more at a participating downtown business, you will be given a card with a sticker. The more stickers you collect, the more sweepstakes entries you receive. The prizes range from $100 to $750 for even more downtown shopping.
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Shop Small Saturday
November 29 | Buena Vista, Lexington & Rockbridge County

Spread your dollars among small businesses on Saturday, November 29, to make a big impact in our local communities.
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"Northern Lights" Window Display Contest
November 29 - December 10 | Buena Vista

Shop participating retailers in downtown Buena Vista to receive tickets to vote. Drop your ticket(s) in the jar(s) that correspond with your favorite window.
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Shop Small Downtown Lexington
December 6 | Downtown Lexington

Live entertainment, along with fun promotions for both adults and kids.
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Holiday Entertainment

Holiday Pops Concert
December 2 | 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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Lessons and Carols
December 4 | 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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Updated 11/10/2025