Events in Central Virginia Christmas Weekend (Dec. 21-25)

Looking for Christmas in Charlottesville and Central Virginia? Here are some ideas...

The Downtown Business Association had some Christmas fun in Charlottesville listed on their website, such as the Holly Trolley:

Holly Trolley offers tours of neighborhood Christmas light displays, today-Saturday. Contact Customer Service at CTS at 970-3649 for ticket information. Get there early to reserve your free tickets, they go fast!

Click here for a map of Christmas light displays around Charlottesville, from the cVillain blog.

Here are some events I found online at the Albemarle Family calendar:

Christmas At The Paramount With The The Oratorio Society of Charlottesville-Albemarle is Friday at 8pm. The 100-strong chorus, under the direction of L. Thomas Vining, will be joined by a professional orchestra. This festive evening of seasonal favorites includes a special setting of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and the opportunity for the audience to join the chorus in traditional carols. A wonderful opportunity for family and friends to start the holiday weekend! $20 to $50, $15 Students.

Holiday City Market Friday and Saturday, 10am-5pm. Located at the City Hall Plaza near the Downtown Mall. Buy crafts, baked goods, toys, greenery and more. Everything is locally made. Great gift ideas!

"The Elves and the Shoemaker", at the Old Michie Theatre, Friday & Saturday, 11am, 2pm and 4pm. The Grimm's Tale about an old shoemaker at Christmas time who is so poor that he only has enough leather for a single pair of shoes. With the help of some clever elves, however, the shoemaker's luck changes and he is able to delight his customers and stay solvent in his shop. The story has a seasonal message of giving and kindness, and is appropriate for the very young and the young at heart. The show features soft sculpture hand puppets, a toyshop set, music, audience participation and holiday lighting. Directions: 221 East Water Street, across from the Parking Garage. $5.

The Bethlehem Project at Hebron Baptist Church in Afton, Friday-Sunday, 6pm-9pm. Come to Bethlehem and see for yourself the magic and wonder of the first Christmas. This little 1st century village contains over 40 costumed characters; period buildings including an inn, weapons shop, music shop, olive press, and weaving shop; camels, shepherds, wisemen, singing angels, and the Star of Bethlehem that can be seen for miles as it shines in the Afton night. Directions: 66 Tanbark Drive, Afton. $Free. Donations accepted.

Visit with Santa at the Charlottesville Ice Park on the Downtown Mall Sunday from 1pm-5pm. Get your wish list ready and come to Charlottesville Ice Park to share it with Santa. Come by anytime between 1:00 and 5:00 to sit on Santa's lap, talk with Santa's helpers, and tell them what you want most this year! $free.

A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas at Wintergreen Resort, Saturday thru Christmas Day. Celebrate the most magical time of the year with horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday craft workshops, Santa on the slopes, story time with Mrs. Claus and New Year's Eve Celebrations.

I found more fun at the NBC29 calendar:

Toys For Tots Collection, Friday-Sunday 6am-10pm at the Giant on Pantops, which is the drop off site, sponsored by the U.S. Marines.

Candlelight Christmas Eve service, Monday, at 5:30pm at Barboursville United Methodist Church.

The Boar's Head Inn offers special dining on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, be sure to make a reservation:

Christmas Eve lunch in The Old Mill Room, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm.

Christmas Eve dinner in The Old Mill Room, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

Christmas Day brunch in The Old Mill Room, 10:45 am - 2:00 pm.

Christmas Day dinner in The Old Mill Room, 6 :00 pm - 9:00 pm.

Keswick Hall also has some Christmas fun planned as well as buffets, call ahead for a reservation:

Sunday Champagne Holiday Brunch, 12pm-2pm, Sunday. A great way to entertain family and friends during the holiday season (and take a well deserved break for yourself). Chef has designed an innovative and festive brunch menu that may inspire you to try some of our special dishes or desserts at your own holiday dinner table this season!

Christmas Eve Carols, Monday, December 24th, 6pm– 8pm, with George Melvin and Christmas Carolers in the Great Hall.

Joy To The World Christmas Lunch and Dinner, Christmas Day, Luncheon from Noon-5pm; Fossett's Dinner at 6pm. You and your family are invited to join us for a magnificent Christmas lunch or dinner to celebrate this cherished holiday. For lunch, guests may choose from a seating in our Terrace Level where we are offering an extraordinary combination of family style and buffet stations or in Fossett’s Restaurant where our a la Carte menu will feature special Christmas selections. For Christmas dinner, Fossett’s will be offering a five-course prix fixe menu along with a warm and welcoming ambiance to enhance your holiday celebration. Reservations required.

I wish you the merriest Christmas this year! Make some memories and relax..

Karen
www.move2va.com