1. W&L Celebrates the 2024 Holiday Season

The Washington and Lee University campus and greater Rockbridge area are abuzz preparing for an eventful holiday season. We've put together a holiday guide to ensure that everyone in the campus community can take advantage of the wide array of seasonal events between now and the start of the new year. Check back regularly for schedule updates!

Nov. 1 through Dec. 21

Shop Small Sweepstakes
Downtown Lexington

Get a great jump on your gift shopping in downtown Lexington. When you spend $10 or more at a participating downtown business, you will be given a card with a sticker. The more stickers you collect, the more sweepstakes entries you receive. The prizes range from $100 to $750 for even more downtown shopping. Follow Main Street Lexington on Instagram for more information.

Nov. 21

ThanksgivingDinner
The Marketplace, Washington and Lee
4:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Our annual Thanksgiving Dinner at The Marketplace is the perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and colleagues! Join us on Thursday, November 21st from 4:30 - 8:00 p.m. Please note: There will be a special door price of $17 (or one meal swipe) for dinner.

Nov. 22 - Dec. 31

Natural Bridge State Park's Festival of Trees
6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily

Explore the local community of Rockbridge County as representatives of businesses, organizations, schools and clubs decorate trees that represent themselves to the community.

Nov. 24

Live Advent Wreath-Making Workshop
Tantivy Lavender Farm
1350 Decatur Rd., Fairfield
1:00 p.m

This workshop will guide you through making a beautiful advent wreath using live greenery and traditional herbs for the holidayseason. Visit the farm's online shop for tickets and information about group reservations.

Nov. 30-Dec. 6

Tantivy Lavender Farm Christmas Wreath Workshops
1350 Decatur Rd., Fairfield
Saturday, Nov. 30, Sunday, Dec. 1 and Friday, Dec. 6 at 1:00 p.m.

All materials are included; participants are welcome to bring their own greenery. Lavender hot chocolate, lavender cookies and hot apple cider will be served. Space is limited; sign up here.

Nov. 28

Annual Gobble Wobble 5K and Fun Run
Maury River Middle School Parking Lot
9:00 a.m.

The Lexington-Rockbridge Jaycees are excited to continue Lexington's best Thanksgiving tradition with the 12th Annual Lexington Gobble Wobble 5K road race.

On Thanksgiving Day, the Jaycees will host both a 5K (walk or run) and a Children's Fun Run, making this a community event for the whole family. The community is invited to come out and enjoy the festivities, but don't worry - you will still get home in time to put the turkey in the oven.

Visit the Gobble Wobble's website for more details here.

Nov. 29

Annual Lexington Candlelight Processional and Tree Lighting
Main Entrance of Oak Grove Cemetery on Main St.
5:15 p.m.

Join the community in the annual candlelight procession through the streets of Lexington! Lineup begins at 5:15 PM at the Main Street entrance to Oak Grove Cemetery, where candles and holidaysongbooks will be distributed. At 5:30, Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead the Processional down Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage provided by the Lexington Carriage Company. Caroling will continue at Hopkins Green, where Lexington Presbyterian Church will serve hot cocoa and the community tree will be lit. The Rockbridge SPCA will display luminaries at Hopkins Green in honor or memory of pets and people. Family-friendly, free, and open to all!

Dec. 1, 2024 - Jan. 1, 2025

Drive-Thru HolidayLight Display
Glen Maury Park, Buena Vista
Daily until 11 p.m.

Glen Maury Park is inviting area businesses, churches, and nonprofit groups to set up their own light displays at the park this upcoming holidayseason. The drive-thru holidaylight displays have been a tradition at the park for several years.

The displays will be set up before Dec. 1 and will be viewed by the public until New Year's Day.

For more information, call the park at (540) 261-7321.

Dec. 2

Rockbridge Youth Chorale Fall/Winter Concert
Grace Episcopal Church, Lexington
7:15 p.m.

The Rockbridge Chorus presents a HolidayConcert at 7:30pm with audience carol singing at 7:15pm on Saturday December 2, 2023 at Lexington Presbyterian Church. Save 15% on Rockbridge Chorus Concert tickets by purchasing in advance.

Dec. 3

Winter Wonderland Family Dinner
The Marketplace, Washington and Lee
4:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Dine at W&L's Marketplace before the Winter Wonderland dessert event in Evans. Find the menu here.

Winter Wonderland
Washington and Lee University
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Grab the kids and bring them to this year's Winter Wonderland, a beloved tradition at W&L. Visit the Marketplace for a family-friendly dinner in Elrod Commons beginning at 4:30 p.m., then head over to Lee House at 6:00 p.m. for carols on the porch. If you saved room for dessert, delicious treats will be served at Winter Wonderland in Evans Hall from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Note: This event is only open to members of the W&L campus community.

Dec. 5-6

Washington and Lee University presents: HolidayPops Concert
Wilson Concert Hall, 100 Glasgow Street
7:00 p.m.

This concert features ensemble groups from the W&L Department of Music performing pieces celebrating the holidayseason. The program will include individual group performances, massed ensemble pieces and a variety of student conductors. Get your tickets online here.

Dec. 5

Holiday Dinner
The Marketplace, Washington and Lee
4:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Celebrate the holidays with your friends and colleagues at our traditional holiday dinner on Thursday, December 5th from 4:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Marketplace. The menu will feature: carved prime rib, spiced apple cider roasted chicken, balsamic roasted brussels sprouts with bacon, shrimp cocktail and so much more! Please note: The Marketplace will close from 3:00-4:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 5th to prepare for this event. Special door price of $17 (or one meal swipe).

Downtown Buena Vista Christmas Parade
Downtown Buena Vista
6:30 p.m.

Downtown Buena Vista's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the holidayfestivities at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a dazzling display of festive floats, twinkling lights, and cheerful holidaymusic. For more information, visit https://www.mainstreetbuenavista.org/.

Lessons and Carols
University Chapel, Washington and Lee
8:00 p.m.

Lessons and Carols is an annual tradition at W&L dating back over 80 years. This candlelight service will return for the 2024 holiday season to weave together the narration of the Christmas story through music, readings and carols. No tickets are required but space is limited.

Dec. 6

Annual Lexington Christmas Parade
Main St., downtown Lexington
6:00 p.m.

View floats, hear school marching bands, see the Virginia Military Institute cadets march, and catch a glimpse of Santa and Mrs. Claus during this downtown Lexington holiday favorite! The streets of downtown Lexington will be closed for preparation beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 30.

Dec. 7

Main Street Jingle Bell Run/Walk
Main St., downtown Lexington
10:00 a.m.

Run (or walk) the Jingle Bell 5K route through beautiful downtown Lexington. This event is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Jogging strollers and well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome, and festive holidaycostumes for people and pets are strongly encouraged. To find out more and register for the event, click here.

Dec. 9

Lee House HolidayOpen House
Lee House, Washington and Lee
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
RSVP to holiday[email protected]

Washington and Lee faculty and staff are invited to stop by Lee House for socializing and holidaytreats. Chat with colleagues and be sure to check out the holiday decorations.

Note: This event is only open to members of the W&L campus community.

Dec. 13, 14, 15 and 20, 21, 22

Luminary Nights at Natural Bridge State Park
6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Enjoy an after-dark stroll along the illuminated Cedar Creek Trail and under the Natural Bridge. Luminary Nights will be held on December 8, 9, and 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and December 15, 16, and 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Carriage rides will be offered on Sunday nights only at $20 per rider, admission included. Find more information here.

Dec. 13

Washington and Lee University Brunch
Evans Hall
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
RSVP to holiday[email protected]

W&L faculty and staff are invited to bring good cheer and a big appetite to this year's university brunch.

Note: This event is only open to W&L faculty and staff.

Shop Late with Dickens Carolers
Downtown Lexington
Shops open until 7:00 p.m.

Our downtown shopkeepers are keeping late hours just for you! Shop until 7 p.m. and enjoy the beautifully decorated windows and the sounds of the talented Dickens Carolers.

Tell us more!

Check back frequently for updates to this post, and send any festive events not listed to [email protected]. Happy holidays!

Hit the Road

One of the best things about W&L is its geographic location. One only needs to travel a short distance in any direction to find more holiday fun in the Shenandoah Valley. Check out some of the nearby holiday happenings this season!

Kriskindlmarkt at Clifton Forge School of the Arts
Nov. 22-23
518 Church Street, Clifton Forge

Discover the enchantment of an Appalachian mountain town's take on a European advent market. The heart of this event is nestled within "The Mill," a beautifully repurposed 100+ year-old lumber mill right behind the Clifton Forge School of the Arts. On Saturday at 6:00 pm, join the whole community at Clifton Forge's Town Hall for the town's annual tree lighting event. There will be a $5 cash admission fee for adults with free entry for children. RSVP and find more event details here.

Winter Wander
Nov. 22- Jan. 4, 2025
Boar's Head Resort, Charlottesville

Boar's Head's Winter Wander Trail of Lights returns for its third year! Tickets start at $20 for adults and $10 for youth ages 4-12 (children under 3 are free). Additional lights and enhancements have been added to this year's event, and barbecue will be available for purchase. Money raised from ticket sales will be donated to regional charities. Visit the resort's website for tickets and additional event details.

Explore Park's Winter Walk of Light
Nov. 23 - Dec. 30
Explore Park, Roanoke

Brighten the dark winter nights and explore a dazzling world of more than 600,000 lights at Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights. Visitors will experience 100,000 new lights, new displays, trail enhancements and family activities. Purchase tickets here.

Poplar Forest Holiday Candlelight Tours
Dec. 5 - Dec. 20
Lynchburg

Celebrate the advent of the Christmas season with Jeffersonian style at Poplar Forest. Explore the president's cherished hideaway by candlelight on this hour-long holiday tour. The tour is followed by hot cider and cookies in the Museum Shop. Admission is $25 per person and reservations are required.

Dickens of a Christmas
Dec. 6, 13 and 20
Downtown Roanoke

Vendors, good food and lots of holiday cheer! Join Roanoke in its 40th celebration of Dickens of a Christmas downtown. Events on various nights will include the Christmas tree lighting, a parade downtown and the beloved pet costume contest. Learn more about the event here.

Holiday Lantern Tour
Dec. 18 - Dec. 22
Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton

Take an evening tour around the museum by lantern light for the holiday season. Purchase tickets in advance here.

Holiday Evening Tours at Monticello
Dec. 13 -23 and 26 -30
Monticello, Charlottesville

This event offers the rare opportunity to experience Monticello after dark, decorated with the style of holiday greenery found during Jefferson's era. Visit Monticello's website for information about hours and ticket reservations.

Share this: