Elves in Cville

November 21st — January 7th

Santa's elves are lost in Downtown Charlottesville and he needs your help finding them! There are several businesses participating in this free Elf on a Shelf scavenger hunt. You can pick up your North Pole Passes and stamps at J Fenton Too, Magpie Knits, or download the pass online. Once you're done, turn in your completed booklet to J Fenton Too or Magpie Knits to claim your Winter Friend prize!

Peppermint Trail

November 21st – January 7th

Follow the trail of candy canes on the sidewalks to discover all sorts of treats featuring classic holiday tastes! From candy cane coffees at brunch to cider sipped by candlelight, you’ll find festive treats around every corner. Each participating location also features a hidden secret winter code word. Find four or more to turn your Peppermint Trail brochure in for a prize at J Fenton Too or Magpie Knits! Brochures can be picked up at any of the participating locations or downloaded online (plan out your route!)

Grand Illumination

Admission is free and parking is complimentary at Market and Water Street garages from 5-9PM.

Friday, December 6th, 5–8PM

This spectacular community tree lighting event features live music, food, games, prizes, special guests, and plenty of holiday fun for all ages. Two dozen holiday market vendors will be showcasing their goods, and Charlottesville Ale Trail will have a variety of beverages for purchase. Meanwhile, the kids zone features bounce houses, face painting, giveaways, and so much more! The tree features 20,000 LED lights and will be lit at approximately 7:30PM. Check this website for more info!

Selfies with Santa & Classics on the Big Screen

Saturday, November 30th, 10AM-2PM

Santa is coming to the Paramount Theater for free photos! 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. If you would like to donate, please bring unopened canned food and non-perishables in non-glass containers. Click here for a full list of suggested items.

Can't make it in person? Be sure to stop by Alakazam Toy Store any time in December to drop off your letters to Santa! If you scan the QR code at the post box, you can even get a personalized reply from Saint Nick!

Charlottesville Holiday Market

Saturdays, 9AM-1PM

100 E. Water St.

Charlottesville's Holiday Market features great opportunities for artisans to sell their wares in Downtown Charlottesville during the greatest time of the year! Shop local and find one-of-kind, handmade items that will make the ideal gift of loved ones.

Downtown Holiday Express

Saturdays, 10AM-2PM

The Downtown Holiday Express will be available for free rides down the mall every Saturday during the holiday season. Come enjoy the magic Downtown!

Hanukkah Celebration

December 29th

Join the Chabad House from the University of Virginia for a fun celebration of the fourth night of Hanukkah!

Santa Fun Run

Credit: https://themaxmandu.com/

Saturday, December 7th

Have you ever wanted to be one of hundreds of happy Santas walking or running through Charlottesville’s most festive streets?? Then you've got to participate in the Arc of the Piedmont's annual Santa Fun Run! This cherished community event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season! The run takes place along a one-mile route on the downtown mall. Registration includes a Santa suit or elf ears, light refreshments before the race, and photo ops with The Arc’s very own Santa. Register here!

Extended Holiday Hours

December 5th, 12th, and 19th

Many Downtown shops are aiming to make the holiday season a little less stressful by extending their store hours on Thursdays before Christmas in December! A list of participating stores can be found here. They will be open until 8PM those evenings so you can get your shopping done! While you're shopping, make sure to admire those shops participating in this year's 'Best in Snow' window decoration contest! A panel of judges will determine who has the jolliest decor...

Book Your Stay

The winter season is a great time to visit the Charlottesville area with increased availability and lower rates on accommodations. It also means more intimate experiences at local wineries, restaurants, events, and other points of interest -- there's plenty of memories to be made in Charlottesville and Albemarle County!

Need some recommendations? Check out our top ten reasons to visit in the winter, visit one of our mobile visitor centers during your trip, or speak with one of our knowledgeable travel specialists! We look forward to welcoming you this winter!

Places to Stay Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer visitors a wide variety of places to stay, including resorts, hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, cabins, and vacation rentals. Learn More
Mobile Visitor Centers Our Visitor Centers are mobile and operate Wednesday-Sunday at set locations throughout Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Stop by a MVC to speak with a travel specialist and browse a selection of free maps and guides of the area. Learn More

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