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
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
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!