CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS IN CHARLOTTESVILLE
The holiday season is here, and we’ve put together this list of Family Friendly Holiday Events in Charlottesville to guarantee that you and the whole family have a very merry Christmas season. Scroll on for a list of fun events involving Santa, lights, shopping, cookie decorating and so much more. Learn more about these events and discover more family outing ideas on our Events Calendar.
Family-Friendly Holiday Events
Veritas Illuminated
Veritas Vineyards & Winery, Now–January 8
Enjoy a 1/4 miles walking path that begins at the pergola of the Tasting Room. Winding through the woods and among the vines, the lighted path is an immersive experience from the tops of the towering trees to the forest floor under your feet. Learn more about Veritas Illuminated in Wine & Country Life.
Winter Wander Trail of Lights
Boar’s Head Resort, Now–January 7
Winter Wander will take place on the trail that circles nearly one-half mile around Heritage Lake behind the main hotel at Boar’s Head Resort. The walking experience includes thousands of festive lights that illuminate the rolling landscape with more than 10 unique experiences along the trail.
Magic on the Mall
Downtown Mall, Now–January 8
Presented by Friends of Charlottesville Downtown and the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau, there is something for every member of the family during Magic on the Mall. Join to experience winter splendor and wonder free of charge. Special events include Elves in Cville, Peppermint Trail, Selfies With Santa, Holly Trolley and more.
Charlottesville Tinsel Trail
The Shops at Stonefield, Now–January 2
This holiday season, the Stonefield Green at The Shops at Stonefield is illuminated with 100 live holiday trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses, organizations, families, groups and individuals. This free event is intended to promote community and brighten the holidays in the Charlottesville area.
Holiday Show & Shop
McGuffey Art Center, Now–December 31
This show features art from our members in the Smith and Hallway Galleries. The building is filled with original art, home goods, prints, ceramics, cards, fiber arts, wearables, jewelry, and more. All purchases are cash & carry and support the artists and McGuffey Art Center. Shop local!
Holiday Pop-Up Shop for Kids
Mudhouse Crozet, December 18
Sip on a warm beverage while you shop vintage kids’ gifts, decor, books, and toys brought to you by Once Upon a Find – Crozet. Free storytime and coloring crafts for kids. This is also a great event for your kids to shop for the holidays. Kid-friendly and kid budget-friendly.
Kid-Friendly Cookie Decorating & Wreath Making
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, December 20–21
The holidays are a magical time of year especially at Pippin Hill! Chef Victoria will show the children how to make some delicious cookies, and then guide them through decorating them with all the festive toppings. While the kids are occupied, parents can unwind and relax (in the same room) and learn how to create a tabletop wreath centerpiece with real Fraser fir.
Winter Solstice Market
Ix Art Park, December 20–21
Enjoy two nights of baked goods, artisan gifts, and holiday crafts ready to be put under the tree. Grab one of the signature cocktails to keep cozy in the illuminated art park. Take part in the holiday cheer with free art making, along with our wreath making workshop.
Cookie Decoration Workshop
Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery, December 21
Join Three Notch’d for a family-friendly Cookie Decoration Workshop! Their own cookie expert Morgan Hall will lead in decorating your own beautiful holiday cookies.
Paramount at the Movies Presents: The Muppet Christmas Carol
The Paramount Theater, December 21
The Muppets’ version of the Dickens holiday classic about a miser who’s visited by three ghosts features Kermit the Frog as the penny-pincher’s hardworking and loyal employee.
Christmas Family Fun Night
King Family Vineyards, December 21
Join King Family for a very special Wine Wednesday as they huddle up around the fireplace in the Carriage House to enjoy Christmas Cartoons, caroling, s’mores, crafts and more. All activities are free.
Kwanzaa Celebration
Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, December 26
Enjoy Black business vendors, a craft table for kids to make presents, and a presentation about traditional African religion from an Ifa (ee-fa) practitioner, we will celebrate the holiday created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 for African Americans.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Dairy Market, December 31
2023 is here and it’s time to celebrate! Grab your friends and family and join for dinner, New Year’s tunes, and an early balloon drop. It’s a big year, so Dairy Market is going BIG with a balloon drop of 1,000 balloons! Festive hats, tiaras, crafts, and other fun giveaways too.
Looking for adult fun? See the Wine & Country Life events calendar for other holiday happenings.
Other seasonal info includes our Local Pumpkin Patch Guide, this delicious Apple Fritter Donut Recipe and Trick-or-Treating Tips.
