Charlottesville is on Travel & Leisure’s Best 25 Christmas Towns in the U.S., and we know why! Any time of year is a great opportunity to visit Charlottesville. But during the holidays this college town is extra charming.
Christmas events include something for everyone. Browse through charming locally-owned shops ,where you can discover the most delicious delicacies and artisan gift. Visit local wineries to see beautiful light displays and sample mulled drinks. For families with children, there are holiday lights, holiday feasts, theater, and more.
The Central Virginia region becomes something spectacular during the Christmas season. Read on for some of our favorite holiday celebrations and day trips in the Charlottesville area.
Charlottesville Ballet’s The Nutcracker
“Class with Clara” is an extra special treat. After some matinee performances, kids ages 3-8 can participate in a ballet lesson on stage with Clara and friends! “Class with Clara” is accessible at every location and does require a separate ticket.
Lighting of the Lawn
The Lighting of the Lawn at the University of Virginia is a cherished holiday tradition that unites the Charlottesville community. This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, December 5, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on UVA’s historic Lawn. The evening will feature musical performances by UVA’s a cappella groups and dance teams. It will culminate in a spectacular light show synchronized to music. Attendees can enjoy festive offerings, including food vendors, free cookies, and hot chocolate. The first 5,000 attendees will even get to the part of the show with LED light wristbands that will sync with the music during the student performances, light show, and drone display!
UVA’s Lighting of the Lawn is free and open to the public. It’s an ideal outing for families to experience the holiday spirit amidst the beauty of UVA’s iconic Rotunda and Lawn. Be sure to arrive early to give yourself plenty of time for parking and security. For more information and updates, visit lightingofthelawn.com.
Christmas Parades in Charlottesville
Charlottesville parents, it’s time to kick off the holiday season with fabulous Christmas parades. There are several in town to choose from.
A long-standing favorite, the Barracks Road Parade takes over the shopping center with floats, local student marching bands, and of course, Santa. Plan to arrive early, snag a prime spot, and maybe sneak in a bit of shopping afterward. Chairs and lap blankets are a good idea. The whole place lights up with holiday magic, making it a great way to start the season.
Over in Crozet, the community goes all out with a hometown parade packed with holiday cheer. The Crozet Christmas Parade has a cozy, neighborly feel with decorated floats, vintage cars, and plenty of waving from friendly faces. Bundle up, bring some hot cocoa, and enjoy the spirit of a classic small-town Christmas.
Charlottesville Grand Illumination
See the spectacular tree lighting on the Charlottesville Historic Downtown Mall! The event features music, food, games, prizes, special guests, and plenty of holiday fun for all ages. Admission is free and parking is complimentary at the Market Street and Water Street garages from 5-9 p.m.
Browse over two dozen Holiday Market vendors for tasty treats, holiday crafts and hot food and beverages. Don’t miss the Grand Illumination Holiday Concert at the Ting Pavilion! Enjoy a kid-focused party with crafts, face painting, games, and photo-ops.
Then, join in to count down to Charlottesville’s Grand Illumination of the Holiday Tree. Watch as 20,000 LED lights transform City Hall Plaza into a glowing wonderland of Christmas lights. Plus, don’t miss a special visit from Santa!
Grand Illumination is one of the most popular Christmas events in Charlottesville.
Magic on the Mall
Perfect for kids who can’t get enough of holiday magic, Magic on the Mall is a themed experience packed with activities and lots of twinkling Christmas lights! Parents can get their shopping done, and kids can participate in crafts, live performances, and holiday themed events. Check out the Peppermint Trail, Saturday train rides, Selfies with Santa, an elf scavenger hunt, all on the Downtown Mall.
Keep an eye out for event schedules, and be sure to a map so you can plan your activities and avoid any waits or long lines. Details for all Magic on the Mall events can be found on the CharlottesvilleFamily calendar.
Monticello by Candlelight Evening Tours
Discover clocks that go into the floor and 11,000-year-old mastodon bones! Monticello’s family-friendly daytime tours offer hands-on activities for all ages. But during the holidays, you get the unique chance to see Monticello after dark. The Candlelight Tour provides a close-up view of how the residents of Monticello, both free and enslaved, observed the holidays. (Note: this tour is not specifically for children but is kid-friendly.)
Explore both public and private spaces, including the famous Dome Room. This tour has long been a favorite Christmas event in Charlottesville. The Candlelight Tour requires ascending steep stairs and is not accessible. Kids need to be able to go up and down stairs without help from an adult and no stroller access. Reservations required.
Veritas Illuminated
Veritas Illuminated is a magical experience for families. Set at the award-winning Veritas Vineyard & Winery, this annual event transforms the vineyard into a dazzling, illuminated landscape. It’s perfect for a memorable family outing and a new holiday tradition!
Stroll through a winding path of light displays that highlight the natural beauty of the surroundings. Along the way, families can enjoy hot cocoa, wine, s’mores, and cozy fire pits. With breathtaking views, interactive displays, and plenty of photo-worthy moments, Veritas Illuminated brings together the magic of the holiday season and the charm of Charlottesville’s wine country. Bring your trail stroller and comfy walking shoes, and enjoy this must-visit Charlottesville Christmas event for locals and visitors alike.
Winter Wander Trail of Lights
Winter Wander Trail of Lights at the Boar’s Head Resort is one of Charlottesville favorite holiday light walks. Enjoy the beauty of the terrain while taking a stroll around the lakeside under the glow of a brilliant array of Christmas lights. It’s a one-of-a-kind display!
Wanderers entering the event through the main entrance will be welcomed by a lit archway and a unique 12-foot-tall boar-faced nutcracker. Visit Dogwood Way for beautiful lanterns, an animated fountain of lights, and walk through the illuminated tunnels. And don’t miss the live performances of the Wander In Motion Winged Dancers!
Comfortable, warm clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended, as you’ll be outdoors and covering some ground. Grab a warm treat at one of the snack stands along the way to keep energy high!
Pro tip: Virginia has dozens of beautiful light walks to visit during the holiday season, many of them within driving distance of Charlottesville! Check out our guide to the Best Holiday Light Displays to plan your illuminated outings.
Wreath Workshops at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
The head gardener at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is offering a course on wreath-making with evergreens, citrus, herbs, and flowers produced on the winery’s property. Who wouldn’t want to attend? This is a wonderful winter outing to plan with friends. Attendees are invited to participate in the wreath class at an award-winning winery in order to receive gardening advice, learn how to make the wreaths, and take home their 14-inch creations.
The property is beautiful in every season making this a special occasion to unwind during the holidays. Though there are multiple sessions available in early December, Wreath Making at Pippin Hill has become a much sought-after Christmas event in Charlottesville. Be sure to reserve your spaces early!
Holiday Symphony Concert at Cabell Hall
This holiday season, bring your family to experience the magical sounds of the Charlottesville Symphony’s Family Holiday Concert! You’ll hear beloved tunes like “Carol of the Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” and the ever-engaging “Twelve Days of Christmas” featuring audience participation, accompanied by the UVA University Singers. The event is set in the historic beauty of Old Cabell Hall, which warmth and elegance to this seasonal celebration.
Be sure to purchase tickets in advance. The Symphony performance is best for ages 6 and up. No babes in arms per Symphony guidelines.
Be sure to check out our other wonderful stories
to help make your holidays bright!
The Best Charlottesville Christmas Events
Central Virginia Christmas Tree Farms
Virginia’s Best Holiday Light Displays
10 Christmas Day trips in Virginia Perfect for Winter Break
Live Christmas Tree Care Guide
Sugar Cookies Recipe
Charlottesville’s Grand Illumination
Favorite Places for Snow Tubing
Top DC Holiday Attractions
Our CharlottesvilleFamily Editors are locals who care deeply about family and community. We are almost all parents who serve alongside our readers in the PTO and band boosters, coaching sports teams, helping with the school fun fair and more. Our insider perspective, combined with great research and expert input from our wonderful CharlottesvilleFamily Advisory Panel helps us to provide you with trustworthy advice as you raise the next generation of brilliant and compassionate kids.