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little girl visiting with Santa

Holiday Fun in Charlottesville

Written by Jess McCurry - October 1, 2024

Charlottesville, Virginia is a magical place to spend the holiday season. With twinkling lights, festive events, holiday shopping, and seasonal attractions, you'll find your holiday spirit! From ice skating to visiting historic Monticello, Charlottesville provides a variety of winter activities that create a perfect holiday experience. In this guide, we'll cover some of the best things to do in Charlottesville during the winter, including special holiday events, where to see Christmas lights and other must-visit seasonal attractions.

Special Charlottesville Holiday Events

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The winter in Charlottesville is filled with festive events perfect for families, couples, and friends looking to enjoy the holiday season together. Here are our top picks for the season:

1. Grand Illumination at the Downtown Mall: The Grand Illumination is an annual free tree-lighting event transforming the historic Downtown Mall into a winter wonderland. Enjoy live music, holiday treats, and a countdown to light up the down. This year's event will be on December 6, 2024, from 5-8 PM at the Ting Pavillon.

2. Holiday Market at City Market: Shop for unique gifts and local crafts from a variety of artisans and vendors at the Holiday Market. This is a great way to shop locally and find special holiday items for your loved ones! Shop the market on December 14, 2024, from 9 AM - 1 PM.

3. Old Fashioned Christmas at Michie Tavern: Travel back in time and enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas at Michie Tavern. Guests can tour the tavern decked out in festive decorations, listen to live holiday music and learn about the customs of a colonial Christmas.

4. Holiday Tours at Monticello: Monticello is stunning all year, but during the holidays, it transforms into something even more magical. Special evening tours feature candlelit halls and festive decor, offering an intimate glimpse into how Christmas was celebrated during Jefferson’s time. Tickets are now available for the 2024 season (December 13-23 & December 26-30).

5. Magic on the Mall: Enjoy a season of Magic on the Mall with these free holiday events in Downtown Charlottesville, presented by the Friends of Charlottesville Downtown! For more information on these events, visit their website.

  • Peppermint Trail (Nov 21—Jan 7); Follow the trail of peppermint-themed treats around Downtown!
  • Elves in Cville (Nov 21—Jan 7): Spot hidden elves around the area and join the festive scavenger hunt!
  • Selfies with Santa and Classics on the Big Screen (Nov 30): Take a photo with Santa and enjoy holiday classics at Paramount Theater.
  • Downtown Holiday Express (Saturdays 10 AM—2 PM): Join the Holiday Express for family fun and adventure.
  • Extended Holiday Hours ( Dec 5, 12, 19): Shop late and enjoy extra time to find the perfect gifts.
  • Best in Snow Windows (Nov—Jan 7): Stroll through downtown and see beautifully decorated, festive storefronts.
  • Hanukkah Celebration Downtown (Dec 29): Celebrate Hanukkah with community events and activities for ages.

6. Holiday Tea Party at Old Metropolitan Hall: Old Metropolitan Hall is partnering with The Local Catering and Alakazam for a festive Holiday Tea event. The tea party includes seasonal beverages, tea sandwiches, treats, visits and photos with Santa, and access to a North Pole Workshop following the tea to make a holiday craft. Limited spots are available, get your ticket today!

Places to See Christmas Lights

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1. Boar's Head Winter Wander Trail of Lights: Located at the Boar's Head Resort, the Winter Wander is an easy half-mile walk featuring thousands of lights. Stroll through the decorated pathways and illuminated bridges with a cup of hot cocoa or apple cider. They also have a fire pit. Opening night is Friday, November 22, 20204, and will last through the holiday season to Jan 4, 2025. Tickets start at $22 for adults (13+) and $10 for youth (4-12). Save on tickets by visiting on one of the $10 Value Days: Friday, November 22, Sunday, December 1, Friday, January 3, and Saturday, Jan 4. Two new attractions have also been announced for the 2024 Season:

  • Elevation Illumination Drone Show: Dec. 17, 29, 30 and Jan. 1 & 2. Two shows per night at 6 and 8 p.m. (weather permitting)
  • Wander In Motion Winged Dancers: Nov. 22 - Dec. 24 (except Dec. 17) from 5 - 8 p.m. Shows every 30 minutes from 5-8:30 p.m. (no 5 p.m. show on Nov. 22, 23 & 24).

2. Downtown Mall & Court Square: The entire Downtown Mall area, including the Court Square, lights up during the winter months. This is perfect for an evening walk through the sparkling lights or enjoying a meal at the cafes and restaurants that are decorated with festive charm!

3. Veritas Illuminated at Veritas Vineyard & Winery: During the holiday season, Veritas Vineyard offers a dazzling light experience with Veritas Illuminated. Stroll through beautifully lit paths from November 22 - January 4, 2024, while enjoying warm mulled wine, making for a cozy and enchanting evening.

4. Holiday Light Tours with Monticello Wine Tours: This Christmas season Monticello Wine Tours & Co. is offering special Christmas itineraries to the Richmond Tacky Light Tours and a doubleheader to Veritas Illuminated & Flying Fox Christmas Vacation Tour. Take the hassle out of holiday light viewing, relax, and enjoy the season without worrying about traffic and parking, book your tour today!

Sunset and Christmas lights in vineyard sceneryundefined
Pink and purple large ornament christmas lights in trees
Fire pits and igloos at a winery
Family having fun around a fire pit
Christmas decorations inside a winery

5. Hooville Illumination: Experience the magic of the Hooville Illumination 2024 Holiday Light Show, a beloved Charlottesville tradition brought to life by the McFadyen Family. From November 29 to January 1, enjoy dazzling light displays that captivate and inspire the community. The show runs Sunday through Thursday from sunset to 9:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday from sunset to 10:30 PM. Don’t miss this heartfelt celebration of the holiday season!

Christmas Tree Farms to Buy Your Tree

You don't have to drive too far outside of Charlottesville to find the perfect Christmas tree. Many of the farms offer both cut-your-own trees and pre-cut trees, as well as hot cocoa and cider for your family tradition.

Winery & Brewery Holiday Events

Charlottesville’s wineries and breweries bring extra holiday cheer with special seasonal events.

Women in Wine Holidays Kick-Off Weekend

Fans of Virginia wine can enjoy time at their favorite vineyards kicking off the holidays at the first-ever Virginia Women in Wine Holiday Kickoff weekend. The weekend of November 1-3, 2024 will feature dozens of special winery, cidery, and meadery events to participate in. The events will feature holiday food and wine pairings, holiday wine dinners, mulled wine tastings, holiday craft markets, holiday workshops, and more.

Holiday Events at Eastwood Winery

Eastwood Winery is getting in the Christmas spirit with several special holiday events:

  • Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop: Gather friends, family, or coworkers for a fun, creative activity and leave with a unique holiday decoration! This is a ticketed event on Sunday, November 24. Reserve your spot.
  • Santa is Coming To Town: Visit the winery for special visits from Santa every Sunday on December 8, 15, and 22. They'll have holiday milk and cookie flights for the kids and opportunities to take photos with Santa at no cost!
  • Holiday Carols: Join in holiday carols on Thursday, December 19 with Heidi Riddell, and Friday, December 20 with Sue Harlow.

Holiday Markets

We hope this guide helps you make magical memories this winter! Browse our events calendar for additional special holiday events!