Charlottesville Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Charlottesville and surrounding areas
Charlottesville welcomes the holiday season with historic charm in the downtown mall and at Monticello, where Monticello Holiday Evening Tours and the Boar's Head Resort Winter Wander Trail of Lights offer evocative seasonal experiences. The Charlottesville Ballet's The Nutcracker adds a classic performance to the calendar. Visitors can enjoy festive events, holiday activities, and Santa visits amid illuminated gardens and neighborhood markets, making Charlottesville a picturesque place for seasonal concerts, family outings, and cozy winter strolls.
Find the best Charlottesville Christmas happenings this year!
Start Here
Christmas Lights
9 eventsRun through a neighborhood famous for its over-the-top tacky holiday lights.
Christmas Markets
8 eventsGlobal holiday market traditions celebrated locally
Christmas Shows
6 eventsClassic Irving Berlin musical with optional dinner service
Christmas Activities
13 eventsHistoric Monticello illuminated after dark
Editor's Picks (6)
-
Monticello Holiday Evening Tours
Historic Monticello illuminated after dark
-
Santa's Scenic Railway
(Staunton)
Festive holiday train journey
-
Harrisonburg Holiday Parade
(Harrisonburg)
Traditional holiday parade with a gingerbread theme
-
Irving Berlin's White Christmas
(Fredericksburg)
Classic Irving Berlin musical with optional dinner service
-
CarMax Tacky Light Run
(Midlothian)
Run through a neighborhood famous for its over-the-top tacky holiday lights.
-
Illuminate Light Show at Meadow Event Park
(Doswell)
Virginia's largest drive-thru synchronized light show
Events Happening Soon (6)
Christmas Parties Near Charlottesville
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Charlottesville.
Winter Chalet Pop-Up Bar
Step into a charming winter wonderland at the Winter Chalet Pop-Up Bar. This...
View full details →Children's Holiday Festival
Celebrate the magic of the season at Amazement Square's Children's Holiday Festival. This...
View full details →Jingle Mingle: The Ultimate Christmas Party
Get ready for the ultimate Christmas party in Fredericksburg! Jingle Mingle offers a...
View full details →Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about holiday events and activities in Charlottesville
- Starbucks Christmas Drinks Are Back Published: Tue, Nov 25, 2025
- Christmas at the Paramount Tickets Available Published: Sun, Nov 23, 2025
Charlottesville Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Charlottesville
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Charlottesville!
Charlottesville Christmas FAQ
Charlottesville often sees major events centered around the Downtown Mall, including holiday markets and festive light displays. Many community organizations also host significant annual holiday gatherings and celebrations.
While many traditions are shared, Charlottesville often embraces its historic charm with events that highlight local culture and community spirit. Look for traditions that blend historical elements with modern festive celebrations.
Many residential neighborhoods throughout Charlottesville put on impressive Christmas light displays. Areas with a strong sense of community often see residents decorating their homes enthusiastically, creating festive streets to explore.
The Downtown Mall is a prime location for Christmas markets and local makers, often hosting numerous vendor stalls. You can also find pop-up markets and craft fairs at various community centers and event spaces around the city.
Enjoying the neighborhood Christmas lights and attending free community tree lighting ceremonies are excellent budget-friendly options. Many public spaces also offer festive decorations that are free to admire.
Families often enjoy visiting areas with abundant Christmas lights, attending local markets with kid-friendly activities, and looking for Santa meet-and-greets. Many community events are designed with children in mind.