Holiday Fun in Charlottesville
Explore festive Christmas lights, visit Monticello, ice skate, shop at holiday markets, and enjoy winery events.
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Explore the Best Scenic Drives Near Charlottesville
Explore the beauty of Central Virginia through iconic scenic drives like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive.
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Holiday Light Tours with Monticello Wine Tours
Relax and enjoy the season on a curated route, including the Richmond Tacky Light Tour or our Veritas & Flying Fox Christmas Tour.
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Why Charlottesville is the Best Weekend Getaway from DC
Charlottesville, located approximately 120 miles southwest of Washington DC, is easily accessible by car, train, or bus.
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Discover Charlottesville Hotels
Discover accommodations that seamlessly blend historic charm with modern luxury, redefining comfort and hospitality.
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Charlottesville Insider: Your Guide to Wineries, Hotels, Events, and More!
Not every town has unparalleled vistas, a Cab Franc made at the hands of the same person pouring it, or Dave Matthews and John Grisham walking by as you enjoy lunch at a café on its historic pedestrian mall—but Charlottesville does.
It’s urban and bucolic, historic yet modern. There are boundless hiking trails, wedding venues, wineries, breweries, boutique retail shops, and theaters (not to mention more restaurant seats than there are people to fill them). It’s for the limitless adventurer, the wine-taster, the music-seeker, and the family searching for a new experience.
At Charlottesville Insider, our goal is simple: to showcase what to do in Charlottesville by curating our ideas about what makes it unique. Follow our insiders to see what’s new, find exclusive deals, or simply figure out how to spend your day in our favorite city.
BeachesMountains
Take a sunset walk on the mallCheck out Guides above for more ideas
Explore great wedding venuesCharlottesville is one of the top wedding destinations
Feel like getting fit in 2024?Charlottesville has great yoga studios
Shop at one of the great BoutiquesUnique finds for you or your home
Take a sunset walk on the mallCheck out Guides above for more ideas
Explore great wedding venuesCharlottesville is one of the top wedding destinations
Feel like getting fit in 2024?Charlottesville has great yoga studios
Shop at one of the great BoutiquesUnique finds for you or your home
Take a sunset walk on the mallCheck out Guides above for more ideas
Explore great wedding venuesCharlottesville is one of the top wedding destinations
Feel like getting fit in 2024?Charlottesville has great yoga studios
Shop at one of the great BoutiquesUnique finds for you or your home
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Make Your Stay in Charlottesville Unique
Planning a weekend getaway or extended stay? Book a property from our curated collection of vacation rentals to experience a true taste of Charlottesville's charm. Each property on our list is handpicked for its character and proximity to Charlottesville's top attractions.
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✨The Magic on the Mall holiday lights will be officially turned on November 21st at 5pm! Come enjoy the holiday twinkle on the Mall, experience the Peppermint Trail, Elves in C-ville, the Downtown Express, plus a host of new activities! The Magic on the Mall festivities will run through January 7th. Check the @friendsofcville website for all the details! See the list of holiday activities below...
🍸☕️ Peppermint Trail - From candy cane coffees at morning brunch to craft cocktails sipped by candlelight, you’ll find peppermint treats around almost every corner
🧝♀️ Elves in C-ville - Santa has sent his elves to Downtown Charlottesville to help during the holiday season but some of them have gotten lost! Help him find them all and win a prize!
🚂 Downtown Express - The Downtown Holiday Express will be available to take a ride down the mall every Saturday 10am-2pm during the holiday season.
⏰ Extended Holiday Shopping Hours - December 5th, 12th, and 19th select shops downtown are aiming to make the holiday season a little less stressful by extending their store hours on Thursdays before Christmas in December! Those participating in extended hours will be open until 8PM those evenings so you can get your shopping done.
❄️ Best in Snow Windows - Your favorite downtown spots are in a festive face off for the title of best holiday window decoration! This year, we will have a panel of judges to determine who has the jolliest decor. Stay tuned for more details!
🎅🏼 Paramount Theater event - Selfies with Santa and Classics on the Big Screen Saturday November 30th, 10am-2pm. Bring your family downtown to share your wish list with Santa, snap a photo for your holiday card, and catch a few beloved holiday classics on the big screen! This event will include a food drive benefiting the Blue Ridge Food Bank. @brafb @theparamounttheater
🕎 Hanukkah Celebration Downtown December 29th. Join the Chabad House from the University of Virginia for a fun celebration of the fourth night of Hanukkah!
✨The Magic on the Mall holiday lights will be officially turned on November 21st at 5pm! Come enjoy the holiday twinkle on the Mall, experience the Peppermint Trail, Elves in C-ville, the Downtown Express, plus a host of new activities! The Magic on the Mall festivities will run through January 7th. Check the @friendsofcville website for all the details! See the list of holiday activities below...
🍸☕️ Peppermint Trail - From candy cane coffees at morning brunch to craft cocktails sipped by candlelight, you’ll find peppermint treats around almost every corner
🧝♀️ Elves in C-ville - Santa has sent his elves to Downtown Charlottesville to help during the holiday season but some of them have gotten lost! Help him find them all and win a prize!
🚂 Downtown Express - The Downtown Holiday Express will be available to take a ride down the mall every Saturday 10am-2pm during the holiday season.
⏰ Extended Holiday Shopping Hours - December 5th, 12th, and 19th select shops downtown are aiming to make the holiday season a little less stressful by extending their store hours on Thursdays before Christmas in December! Those participating in extended hours will be open until 8PM those evenings so you can get your shopping done.
❄️ Best in Snow Windows - Your favorite downtown spots are in a festive face off for the title of best holiday window decoration! This year, we will have a panel of judges to determine who has the jolliest decor. Stay tuned for more details!
🎅🏼 Paramount Theater event - Selfies with Santa and Classics on the Big Screen Saturday November 30th, 10am-2pm. Bring your family downtown to share your wish list with Santa, snap a photo for your holiday card, and catch a few beloved holiday classics on the big screen! This event will include a food drive benefiting the Blue Ridge Food Bank. @brafb @theparamounttheater
🕎 Hanukkah Celebration Downtown December 29th. Join the Chabad House from the University of Virginia for a fun celebration of the fourth night of Hanukkah!
💐🦃 @horseandhen.crozet is a floral design studio in Crozet - woman-owned, with emphasis on blooms from local growers - now located behind Yellow Mug Coffee. Stay local for your holiday shopping this year and get your Thanksgiving hostess bouquets at @yellowmugcoffee or @batesvillemarket on November 26th and 27th!
#womanownedbusinesses #crozetflorist #virginiaweddingflorist #charlottesvilleinsider #crozet #crozetva #oldtrail #oldtrailcrozet
💐🦃 @horseandhen.crozet is a floral design studio in Crozet - woman-owned, with emphasis on blooms from local growers - now located behind Yellow Mug Coffee. Stay local for your holiday shopping this year and get your Thanksgiving hostess bouquets at @yellowmugcoffee or @batesvillemarket on November 26th and 27th!
#womanownedbusinesses #crozetflorist #virginiaweddingflorist #charlottesvilleinsider #crozet #crozetva #oldtrail #oldtrailcrozet
✨Every year, Boar’s Head’s Winter Wander trail of lights seems to outdo itself with new and exciting additions to the holiday winter “wanderland”! Winter Wander’s opening night is this Friday, November 22nd and the festivities go through January 4th. 🐶 Bring your K-9 companion on opening weekend (Nov. 22–24) as the Winter Wander supports the @caspca
Here’s what’s new @boarsheadresort for 2024..
🎆 Fireworks and a live drone light show on select nights
💃🏼 Entertainment including live music and winged dancers
🐦 Heron’s Nest: A new display honoring the beautiful bird that calls Heritage Lake her home
🌟 Additional illuminations added to several pre-existing features, including Serenity Way, Sunkissed Meadow and Firefly Grove.
❄️ Four new artificial snow machines at Serenity Way and Starry Night Sky.
🎵 Live music in the Enchantment District.
In addition to the lights, you can look forward to some live action! The far east side of the Wander Grounds will feature the Enchantment District full of live music and attractions on select nights. Entertainment will be featured in a heated tent and the district will feature outdoor games, two additional fire pits and Frost and Fire Bar.
#holidaylights #winterwander #boarshead #boarsheadwinterwander #cville #charlottesville #charlottesvilleva
✨Every year, Boar’s Head’s Winter Wander trail of lights seems to outdo itself with new and exciting additions to the holiday winter “wanderland”! Winter Wander’s opening night is this Friday, November 22nd and the festivities go through January 4th. 🐶 Bring your K-9 companion on opening weekend (Nov. 22–24) as the Winter Wander supports the @caspca
Here’s what’s new @boarsheadresort for 2024..
🎆 Fireworks and a live drone light show on select nights
💃🏼 Entertainment including live music and winged dancers
🐦 Heron’s Nest: A new display honoring the beautiful bird that calls Heritage Lake her home
🌟 Additional illuminations added to several pre-existing features, including Serenity Way, Sunkissed Meadow and Firefly Grove.
❄️ Four new artificial snow machines at Serenity Way and Starry Night Sky.
🎵 Live music in the Enchantment District.
In addition to the lights, you can look forward to some live action! The far east side of the Wander Grounds will feature the Enchantment District full of live music and attractions on select nights. Entertainment will be featured in a heated tent and the district will feature outdoor games, two additional fire pits and Frost and Fire Bar.
#holidaylights #winterwander #boarshead #boarsheadwinterwander #cville #charlottesville #charlottesvilleva
🎁 We’re excited to kick off our 2024 local gift guide series! Each week we will share holiday gift ideas from various shops around Charlottesville, and we’re starting things off with the one and only @alakazamtoys downtown! Ellen will walk you through some great gift ideas for your little Diva at home.👸🏻 Stay tuned for her recommendations for your active kiddo, and your little STEM lover. We plan to stop by some other local shops for gift ideas for men, for women, your favorite outdoor enthusiast, special pet and more! 🧗👗🐶
#charlottesville #charlottesvilleva #cvillelocal #shoplocalcville #cvilleshops #cville #downtowncville #giftguide #downtowncharlottesville #alakazamtoys #toystore #greatgifts #girlgifts
🎁 We’re excited to kick off our 2024 local gift guide series! Each week we will share holiday gift ideas from various shops around Charlottesville, and we’re starting things off with the one and only @alakazamtoys downtown! Ellen will walk you through some great gift ideas for your little Diva at home.👸🏻 Stay tuned for her recommendations for your active kiddo, and your little STEM lover. We plan to stop by some other local shops for gift ideas for men, for women, your favorite outdoor enthusiast, special pet and more! 🧗👗🐶
#charlottesville #charlottesvilleva #cvillelocal #shoplocalcville #cvilleshops #cville #downtowncville #giftguide #downtowncharlottesville #alakazamtoys #toystore #greatgifts #girlgifts
🖼️ If you haven’t been to @lydmgallery yet, this Friday is a great chance to check out this unique contemporary art gallery just outside of downtown Charlottesville! The opening of SMALL WORKS, the gallery’s closing show of 2024 is a group exhibition featuring small-scale artwork by more than 40 accomplished contemporary artists. This Friday 5-7pm will be a celebratory opening with the artists. The show will run until Sunday, December 15th.
🧑🎨 About the show -
Featuring works in a wide array of styles and mediums, this exhibition invites viewers to experience small art in diverse forms—from painting and sculpture to collage, textiles, photography, and works on paper. Exhibiting artists employ materials ranging from oil, acrylic, watercolor and gouache to fiber, resin, bronze, marble dust, and even lit colored firework smoke on surfaces as varied as canvas, panel, handmade paper, and found photographs. Each small work is a concentrated experience; together, they create a feast for the senses.
#charlottesvilleart #artopening #lydmgallery #cvillearts #smallworks #LYDM #cvilleart #vaart
🖼️ If you haven’t been to @lydmgallery yet, this Friday is a great chance to check out this unique contemporary art gallery just outside of downtown Charlottesville! The opening of SMALL WORKS, the gallery’s closing show of 2024 is a group exhibition featuring small-scale artwork by more than 40 accomplished contemporary artists. This Friday 5-7pm will be a celebratory opening with the artists. The show will run until Sunday, December 15th.
🧑🎨 About the show -
Featuring works in a wide array of styles and mediums, this exhibition invites viewers to experience small art in diverse forms—from painting and sculpture to collage, textiles, photography, and works on paper. Exhibiting artists employ materials ranging from oil, acrylic, watercolor and gouache to fiber, resin, bronze, marble dust, and even lit colored firework smoke on surfaces as varied as canvas, panel, handmade paper, and found photographs. Each small work is a concentrated experience; together, they create a feast for the senses.
#charlottesvilleart #artopening #lydmgallery #cvillearts #smallworks #LYDM #cvilleart #vaart
🙏 Posting with gratitude on this #veteransday
📸 Beautiful capture by @aerowingva of the autumn sunset over the @uva Rotunda and St Paul’s Memorial Church.
#uva #charlottesville #charlottesvilleva #rotunda #uvarotunda #cville #sunset
🙏 Posting with gratitude on this #veteransday
📸 Beautiful capture by @aerowingva of the autumn sunset over the @uva Rotunda and St Paul’s Memorial Church.
#uva #charlottesville #charlottesvilleva #rotunda #uvarotunda #cville #sunset
🍂✨Gabriele Rausse “winery in the woods” in autumn
🍷This winery on Carter Mountain - land of Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe - is a must visit if you love great wine, history, interesting architecture, and something a little off the beaten path. Winery founder Gabriele Rausse, sometimes considered “The Godfather of Virginia Wine” came to the US from Italy in 1976 to start @barboursvillevineyards. He started his own label, Gabriele Rause Winery, in 1997 after consulting and mentoring at multiple vineyards like Simeon Vineyards (now @jeffersonvineyards), @blenheimvineyards, @aftonmtnvineyards, @whitehallvineyards and Kluge Estate. He began distributing his own wine, but the tasting room did not open until 2015. His sons Tim and Peter Rausse, born in Charlottesville, have been involved in winegrowing and winemaking since 1997. This unique winery nestled in the woods serves fresh bread, and wine made with 100% Virginia grapes. This is the spot winemakers themselves go - as Rausse himself has contributed to over 100 Virginia wineries in the last 45 years!
🗓️ Open Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday
#vawine #virginiawinery #monticellowinetrail #monticellowinetour #charlottesvilleinsider #virginiawine #gabrieleraussewinery #gabrielerausse
🍂✨Gabriele Rausse “winery in the woods” in autumn
🍷This winery on Carter Mountain - land of Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe - is a must visit if you love great wine, history, interesting architecture, and something a little off the beaten path. Winery founder Gabriele Rausse, sometimes considered “The Godfather of Virginia Wine” came to the US from Italy in 1976 to start @barboursvillevineyards. He started his own label, Gabriele Rause Winery, in 1997 after consulting and mentoring at multiple vineyards like Simeon Vineyards (now @jeffersonvineyards), @blenheimvineyards, @aftonmtnvineyards, @whitehallvineyards and Kluge Estate. He began distributing his own wine, but the tasting room did not open until 2015. His sons Tim and Peter Rausse, born in Charlottesville, have been involved in winegrowing and winemaking since 1997. This unique winery nestled in the woods serves fresh bread, and wine made with 100% Virginia grapes. This is the spot winemakers themselves go - as Rausse himself has contributed to over 100 Virginia wineries in the last 45 years!
🗓️ Open Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday
#vawine #virginiawinery #monticellowinetrail #monticellowinetour #charlottesvilleinsider #virginiawine #gabrieleraussewinery #gabrielerausse
🥪🏀 We wanted to spotlight the “Ty Jerome” sammie special at @ivyprovisions - chicken, grilled peppers and onions, melted American cheese, tomato, green goddess, spicy mayo, lettuce, served on a fresh baguette. Named after the former UVA basketball star turned Pro, and member of the 2019 National Championship team, $1 from each Ty purchase goes to benefit the UVA Children’s Hospital! Why Ty? A fan of Ivy Provisions, he reached out to the sandwich shop, then came in and collaborated with the kitchen to create his ultimate sandwich! @uvamenshoops opens their season this evening at JPJ against Campbell! #gohoos 🔶🔷
🥪🏀 We wanted to spotlight the “Ty Jerome” sammie special at @ivyprovisions - chicken, grilled peppers and onions, melted American cheese, tomato, green goddess, spicy mayo, lettuce, served on a fresh baguette. Named after the former UVA basketball star turned Pro, and member of the 2019 National Championship team, $1 from each Ty purchase goes to benefit the UVA Children’s Hospital! Why Ty? A fan of Ivy Provisions, he reached out to the sandwich shop, then came in and collaborated with the kitchen to create his ultimate sandwich! @uvamenshoops opens their season this evening at JPJ against Campbell! #gohoos 🔶🔷