Ho, ho, ho! Charlottesville parents, it’s that magical time of year again and we have the scoop on where to see Santa! Get your wish lists and cameras ready, because here are the best spots around town for your little ones to meet Santa in 2025. Whether your kids love the classic mall visit or prefer an outdoor winter wonderland, there’s a place to make holiday memories.
While we editors have done our very best to verify details, things can sometimes change. And, we did write this guide in early November, so please call ahead and check on social for the current updates to prevent disappointment!
Charlottesville Grand Illumination
Location: Ting Pavilion, Downtown Mall, Charlottesville, VA
Why It’s Great: Charlottesville’s Grand Illumination is the city’s ultimate holiday celebration, perfect for families. The event features a dazzling tree lighting ceremony with over 20,000 LED lights, set to live music from local artists and choirs. With festive activities for all ages, it’s a magical evening that captures the community spirit. Held at Ting Pavillion each year, this is a great way to see Santa in Charlottesville. Check our Guide to Charlottesville’s Grand Illumination for more details.
Date: December 5, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Extras: Families can enjoy a range of additional attractions, including Santa’s Workshop, where kids can meet Santa and create holiday crafts, a Holiday Market with seasonal treats and crafts, and interactive Reindeer Games. Adults can also sample local craft beers and wines from Charlottesville’s Ale Trail. Complimentary parking is available at nearby garages during the event.
Crozet Trolley North Pole Express
Location: Crozet, VA
Why It’s Great: All aboard for a ride to the “North Pole” AKA a decked out Knight’s Gambit Vineyards. Kids will play reindeer games, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and of course meet Santa.
Date: Various dates and times, December 2025
Extras: Each child will also receive a small gift.
Eastwood Farm and Winery
Location: Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Road, Charlottesville, VA
Why it’s Great: Join Eastwood Farm and Winery for a special visit from Santa! Cozy up by the fire and then head inside to get a photo with Santa Claus and enjoy special treats. This is a free indoor event with opportunities to take your own photos with Santa.
Extras: Back by popular demand, they will have holiday milk and cookies flights available again this year for the kids!
Date: December 7, 14, and 21, 2025
The Shops at Stonefield Tree Lighting Spectacular
Location: The Shops at Stonefield, Charlottesville, VA
Why It’s Great: Stonefield’s Tree Lighting Spectacular kicks off the season with an explosion of holiday lights, decor, and music, making it a magical experience for all ages. The Tinsel Trail lined with holiday lights is a perfect backdrop for family photos, and Santa’s arrival brings excitement for the little ones. The event is outdoors, so it captures the chilly, cozy feel of a holiday market.
Date: November 22, 2025, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Extras: Multiple photo ops with Santa, outdoor holiday lights, and seasonal decorations that make this a perfect event for families.
Snapshots with Santa
Location: The Paramount Theater
Santa is coming to The Paramount as part of the Magic on the Mall experience. Bring your families downtown to share your wish list with Santa, snap a photo for your holiday card, and catch a few beloved classics on the big screen. Experience the magic free of charge!
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Crozet Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Crozet, VA
Why It’s Great: This small-town parade is brimming with holiday pride, with beautifully decorated floats, community performers, and, of course, Santa! The post-parade photos make it a heartwarming tradition for families in the area.
Date: December 6, 2025, parade starts at 2:00 PM
Extras: Photos with Santa, holiday vendors, and festive music.
Tree Farm Adventures
Another idea for a Santa experience is to kick off the holiday season with a magical trip to one of Charlottesville’s local tree farms, where kids can meet Santa amidst rows of fragrant evergreens! Not only will you find the perfect tree, but many farms offer festive experiences like wagon rides, hot cocoa, and photo ops with Santa himself. It’s a fun way to make lasting memories while supporting local growers.
Breakfast with Santa at the Boar’s Head
Location: Boar’s Head Resort, 200 Ednam Dr, Charlottesville
Why It’s Great: The Boar’s Head Resort offers a cozy, elegant setting where families can start the day with a festive breakfast buffet alongside Santa Claus. Kids can enjoy classic holiday treats, hot chocolate, and interactive moments with Santa himself. The resort decorates beautifully for the season, creating a perfect backdrop for holiday photos and a memorable family breakfast. Come back in the evenings to experience Winter Wander Trail of Lights at Boar’s Head Resort.
Dates: December 6, 13, and 20, 2025
Extras: Includes complimentary hot chocolate for the kids, holiday crafts, and photo opportunities with Santa. Early reservations recommended as spots fill up quickly.
Cookies With Santa
Location: Mount Ida Tasting Room & Taphouse
Why It’s Great: Join for an evening of story time, cookies, and special treats for adults, too at this annual event. Each ticket also includes dinner of either chicken tenders or mac and cheese. There will be plenty of photos opportunities with Santa, too!
Dates: December 5, 2025 & December 20, 2025
Note: This is a ticket event and reservations book quickly.
Barracks Road Holiday Parade
Location: Barracks Road Shopping Center, Charlottesville, VA
Why It’s Great: This parade has become a beloved local tradition, creating a lively community atmosphere with colorful floats, school bands, and dance performances. Kids eagerly await Santa’s grand parade appearance at the end, and the big holiday tree makes for a beautiful backdrop for photos. The kids will love getting to wave to Santa as he rides by!
Date: November 29, 2025, parade begins at 9:30 AM
Extras: Post-parade photos with Santa by the giant tree, warm drinks, and treats from nearby shops.
These special holiday events offer a delightful variety of experiences for meeting Santa, from traditional photo sessions to outdoor parades and festive farm visits. Each location has its own unique charm, ensuring magical moments for every family. Be sure to check the weather and reconfirm the times and dates of events, as the day of your outing draws near as organizations may make changes based on volunteer availability and such. Wishing you the happiest of holiday seasons!
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.