There’s a certain kind of magic that settles over Central Virginia in December – one that blends small-town charm, mountain-view sparkle, and the unmistakable feeling that the season is meant to be shared. From the brick-lined streets of Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall to the artisan enclaves of Crozet, the lakeside lights of Louisa, and the vineyard-wrapped hillsides of Nelson County, each community brings its own personality to the holidays. Markets pop up, streets swell with music and color, and long-cherished traditions welcome neighbors, visitors, and families home again.
This blog is your curated guide to the very best of it.
Whether you’re searching for handcrafted gifts, planning a family outing, or simply seeking that warm sense of local cheer, the region offers dozens of ways to celebrate – and each one reflects the heart of the communities we serve. At the Gunnels Group, we believe home is more than walls and windows; it’s where your life unfolds, season after season. And during the holidays, the rhythm of local events tells the story of why Central Virginia is such a cherished place to live.
From festive markets to parades on Main Streets to vineyard light trails tucked between Blue Ridge peaks, December invites you to explore, connect, and savor the moments that matter most. Let’s dive into where the magic is happening across Charlottesville, Crozet, Louisa, and Nelson County this holiday season.
Charlottesville is the glowing center of Central Virginia’s holiday season – a place where historic architecture, local artistry, and community traditions converge into a month-long celebration. December transforms the city into a walkable wonderland filled with music, markets, lights, and immersive experiences. Whether you love the energy of big holiday events or the intimacy of maker-focused markets, Charlottesville delivers something for every kind of festive explorer.
From the Grand Illumination to the UVA Lighting of the Lawn, from Saturday markets to the Peppermint Trail that winds through downtown shops, the city’s holiday spirit is both joyful and unmistakably local.
Charlottesville’s holiday season officially begins at the 28th Annual Grand Illumination, held on the iconic Downtown Mall at Ting Pavilion. Running from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, this event draws thousands every year – and 2025 is no exception. The highlight is the lighting of the towering community tree, covered in 20,000 shimmering LED lights, which bursts to life at 7:30 PM following a crowd-wide countdown.
But the magic is in much more than the lights.
Live performances from local favorites such as the Virginia Consort Carolers and The Virginia Sil’hooettes fill the air with familiar melodies, while kids enjoy bounce houses, festive games, face painting, and a dedicated "Reindeer Games" area designed to keep little ones as entertained as adults. Food vendors and downtown restaurants add to the festive energy, making it easy to pair an evening out with holiday shopping or a cozy dinner.
Parking garages on Market and Water Streets even offer free parking during event hours – an intentional move by the city to keep the event accessible and stress-free.
Running concurrently with the Grand Illumination is one of the region’s most celebrated traditions: the University of Virginia’s Lighting of the Lawn. What began as a student-driven event has grown into a community-wide celebration that blends artistry, history, and togetherness.
This year’s event, themed “Remix,” promises a modern light-and-sound spectacle across the UNESCO World Heritage–designated Academical Village. From 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, the UVA Lawn becomes a canvas of synchronized music, storytelling, and dazzling illumination – an immersive experience curated in part by UVA engineering students.
If the Grand Illumination warms the heart, Lighting of the Lawn electrifies the spirit.
Charlottesville Holiday Market (Nov 29–Dec 20) – Every Saturday from November 29 through December 20, the Water Street parking lot turns into a lively holiday marketplace with more than 110 local vendors offering handcrafted gifts, artisan foods, baked goods, décor, seasonal produce, and more.
Even better, this market remains one of the region’s most accessible, accepting SNAP benefits and participating in the Double Up Bucks program so everyone can enjoy holiday shopping.
IX Art Park Holiday Market (Thanksgiving - Mid-December) – For a more eclectic, arts-focused experience, the IX Art Park Holiday Market is the place to go. Set within the city’s beloved outdoor art park – surrounded by murals, sculptures, and vibrant installations – this market showcases 60+ creators specializing in contemporary crafts, visual arts, and small-batch foods.
It’s a colorful, creatively charged alternative to the traditional market setting.
Dairy Market Holiday Hangout (Dec 13) – If the weather turns cold, the Dairy Market’s indoor Holiday Hangout offers a family-friendly, weather-proof celebration complete with Santa photos, a hot cocoa station, and ticketed holiday cookie-decorating kits. With its array of local eateries and shops, it’s the perfect “one-stop holiday afternoon.”
Through January 7, Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall transforms into a holiday scavenger hunt with the whimsical Elves in Cville. This activity encourage locals and visitors to wander, explore, shop, and discover hidden elves in shop windows, and special store offerings. It’s a delightful way to support local businesses while soaking up the season.
Charlottesville’s performing arts scene shines in December:
Each show adds a unique flair to the season, offering something for families, date nights, and lovers of the arts.
Just west of Charlottesville, Crozet transforms into one of Central Virginia’s most charming holiday destinations – a place where small-business creativity, vineyard warmth, and neighborly connection come together in a way that feels authentic, relaxed, and deeply local. If Charlottesville is the region’s holiday hub, Crozet is its artisanal heart. Here, you’ll find weekend markets tucked into bookshops and breweries, wreath-making classes overlooking rolling vineyards, and community festivals that make an entire day feel like a festive stroll with friends.
Crozet’s holiday offerings stretch across its town center and into the scenic foothills, giving residents and visitors alike a full menu of things to do – whether you’re in the mood for handcrafted gifts, cozy tastings, or family-friendly outdoor fun.
One of the most anticipated events of the season, the Crozet Holiday Market Crawl (10 AM–4 PM), is more than a market – it’s an all-town celebration of local makers. Instead of gathering everyone in a single location, vendors are intentionally spread throughout Crozet’s small businesses, turning the town into a walkable (or short-drive) discovery trail.
Shoppers can browse artisan jewelry, handmade home goods, pottery, candles, baked treats, and one-of-a-kind gifts across multiple venues – including community favorites like Bluebird & Co., a beloved bookstore and gift shop that serves as one of the central hosts.
Breweries, pop-up spaces, and locally owned boutiques join in, each offering its own twist on holiday shopping. This structure keeps the day relaxed and community-driven – perfect for grabbing a warm drink, exploring a few stops, and getting to know the small businesses that make Crozet special.
Crozet’s wineries and breweries elevate the holiday season with immersive, hands-on events surrounded by vineyard views and cozy tasting rooms.
King Family Vineyards – Few places capture Crozet’s December charm better than King Family Vineyards, where holiday traditions meet Blue Ridge beauty.
Starr Hill Brewery (Crozet Tap Room) – Starr Hill adds festive fun to the season with active and creative events:
Pro Re Nata Brewery – Another Crozet favorite, Pro Re Nata offers a festive Paint + Sip: Holiday Cheer workshop on December 18, blending creativity with their signature farmhouse-brewery ambiance.
For craft beer lovers, the Crozet Winter Brews Festival (12 PM–5 PM at Crozet Park) is a cornerstone event of the season. Featuring winter warmers, dark ales, and seasonal releases from regional breweries, the festival pairs perfectly with the Market Crawl – making December 6 one of Crozet’s most event-packed days.
Beyond official events, Crozet’s neighborhoods bring their own kind of festive magic. Areas like Old Trail and Western Ridge are well-known for their holiday light displays, making them a favorite for evening drives with hot cocoa in hand.
If Charlottesville brings the bustle and Crozet brings the artisan touch, Louisa County delivers pure small-town holiday nostalgia – the kind that feels pulled from a classic Christmas movie. With its historic courthouse square, thriving local businesses, and deep community ties, Louisa turns December into a celebration of hometown pride. Here, holiday cheer is expressed through beloved traditions, lakeside lights, and gatherings where neighbors greet one another by name.
Whether you’re strolling through the Christmas Festival, catching a parade float, or watching boats decked in twinkling lights drift along Lake Anna, Louisa offers some of the most heartfelt holiday experiences in Central Virginia.
The centerpiece of Louisa’s holiday season is the Louisa Christmas Festival & Parade, an all-day celebration centered around the Courthouse Square at 100 W Main Street. From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the square transforms into a bustling holiday village with dozens of vendors selling handmade woodcrafts, quilts, jewelry, seasonal foods, and festive décor. The aroma of kettle corn and hot cocoa drifts through the air as families browse, mingle, and enjoy live entertainment.
At 2:00 PM, the beloved Christmas Parade marches through downtown, drawing crowds from throughout the county. Floats from local organizations, marching bands, antique cars, and costumed groups bring color and energy to Louisa’s Main Street. The atmosphere is vibrant but intimate – holiday spirit delivered with that unmistakable small-town warmth.
For many local families, the festival and parade mark the true start of the season.
As night falls, the celebration moves from downtown to the water. The Lighted Boat Parade at Lake Anna is one of the area’s most unique holiday experiences – a floating festival of lights that glides along the shoreline in a procession of brilliantly decorated boats.
Spectators can catch the parade from several key points:
This event captures the magic of the season in a distinctly Louisa way – where the beauty of lake life meets festive community creativity.
Louisa’s wineries and breweries also embrace the holiday spirit with culinary experiences, live music, and festive gatherings throughout December.
Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyard – Located amid rolling countryside, Fifty-Third hosts two standout December events:
Cooling Pond Brewery – This family-friendly brewery brings playful holiday energy with their seasonal events, so make sure to check their Facebook page for what's coming up
These events make Louisa the perfect destination for those who love holiday cheer with a side of local flavor.
With the Blue Ridge Mountains rising like a backdrop to every seasonal moment, Nelson County brings a special kind of holiday charm – one shaped by twinkling vineyards, festive breweries, rustic farms, and the region’s iconic ski resort. If you’re drawn to scenic drives, outdoor adventures, and elevated seasonal experiences, Nelson County is where the holidays feel both peaceful and wonderfully alive.
Throughout December, Route 151 becomes a corridor of celebration, with each winery, cidery, and brewery adding its own festive flair. Meanwhile, Wintergreen Resort and Veritas Vineyard anchor the season with immersive light trails and mountaintop traditions that have become quintessential holiday favorites.
At the top of many local holiday lists is Veritas Illuminated, an enchanting walking light trail weaving through the vineyard rows of Veritas Winery in Afton. Unlike traditional light shows, Veritas offers an immersive, vineyard-inspired experience with over 100,000 lights guiding guests along a curated path that blends artistry, nature, and holiday wonder.
Warm tasting-room moments and elevated dining options add to the experience, making this a perfect date night or family outing. Visitors can sip wine before or after the walk, and those looking for a winter getaway can even book a stay at The Farmhouse at Veritas – turning the evening into a full mountain retreat.
High atop the mountains, Wintergreen Resort makes the most of its winter season with events that combine outdoor fun, festive décor, and family-friendly activities.
Light the Night Ceremonies – Held on December 28, this beloved tree-lighting event brings together resort guests and locals for an evening of carols, hot cocoa, mountain views, and holiday warmth.
Workshops & Creative Classes – Wintergreen also offers hands-on holiday workshops, including:
Together, these events turn Wintergreen into more than just a ski destination – it becomes a cozy, festive mountain village for the entire month of December.
Nelson County’s renowned beverage trail shines during the holidays as vineyards, breweries, and farms host themed events that are equal parts cozy, quirky, and delightfully festive.
Flying Fox Vineyard – Christmas Vacation Pop-Up Bar – One of the region’s most creative holiday experiences, Flying Fox hosts “Christmas Vacation 2”, a nostalgic cocktail pop-up (Fridays & Saturdays, Nov 29–Dec 21). Expect themed cocktails, playful décor, Christmas Tree Cakes, and charitable tie-ins supporting the One Love Foundation.
Bold Rock Hard Cider – Seasonal Fun in Nellysford – Bold Rock transforms its taproom into a hub of seasonal activity with:
Perfect for families, groups, and cider lovers alike.
Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery – A Rustic Holiday Tradition – On December 13, Hill Top Berry Farm hosts its beloved Chestnut Roast, where visitors gather around open-fire roasters, sip honey meads, and grab festive photos with costumed donkeys dressed for Christmas. It’s a wholesome, old-world experience that feels wonderfully removed from the rush of the season.
Massies Mill Christmas Parade (Dec 6) – This hyper-local parade – featuring horseback riders, classic cars, marching groups, and even a dog-walking brigade – captures the rural holiday spirit at its most authentic.
Nelson County blends the grandeur of mountain scenery with welcoming holiday traditions, making it one of the most memorable places to celebrate the season in Central Virginia.
The holiday season in Central Virginia is more than a collection of events – it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the places we call home. Whether you’re strolling a festive market in Charlottesville, sipping wine among the vines in Nelson County, cheering at a parade in Louisa, or exploring artisan pop-ups in Crozet, each moment reflects the heart of this region and the lifestyle it offers year-round.
At the Gunnels Group, we believe that choosing where you live is ultimately about choosing the experiences, connections, and memories that shape your life. If you’re considering a move – or simply curious about what it might look like to put down deeper roots here – our team is here to guide you with local insight, trusted expertise, and a genuine passion for helping you find a place that fits your life plan. When you’re ready to explore your next chapter, we’re here to make it seamless. Let’s talk.
