From local events to new traditions you can start in your own home, there are many ways to enjoy and cherish this season.
Here are just a few (or 50!) ideas to get you started.
1. Visit Bright Nights in Downtown Lynchburg
Enjoy the festive light displays and holiday decorations throughout the downtown area.
2. Attend the Christmas Parade
Participate in Lynchburg’s annual Christmas parade, featuring floats, bands, and Santa Claus.
3. Shop at the Holiday Maker’s Market at the Academy Center of the Arts
Browse through local crafts, holiday gifts, and seasonal treats at this charming market.
4. Take a Scenic Winter Hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Enjoy the beauty of winter in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains with a peaceful hike.
5. Ice Skating at the Ice at River Ridge
Spend a fun-filled day ice skating with family or friends at this popular local spot.
6. Attend a Christmas Concert at the Academy Center of the Arts
Enjoy holiday music performances ranging from classical to contemporary.
7. View the Decorated Historic Homes in Garland Hill
Take a self-guided tour of the beautifully decorated historic homes in Lynchburg’s Garland Hill neighborhood.
8. Attend the Christmas Tree Lighting at Craddock Terry
Welcome the holidays with the rest of the community at this treasured annual event
9. Bake Holiday Cookies with Family
Spend an afternoon baking and decorating festive cookies together.
10. Host a Holiday Movie Marathon
Gather loved ones for a cozy movie night featuring classic holiday films.
11. Participate in a Christmas Eve Luminary Event
Light up your neighborhood by participating in a luminary display.
12. Have a Hot Chocolate Bar
Set up a hot chocolate station with different toppings like marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and whipped cream.
13. Go Caroling in Your Neighborhood
Spread holiday cheer by singing carols with friends or family around your neighborhood.
14. Host a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest
Invite friends and family for a fun and competitive gingerbread house decorating session.
15. Create a Holiday Scrapbook
Document your favorite holiday memories and activities in a special scrapbook.
16. Volunteer at a Local Charity
Give back by volunteering your time at a food bank, shelter, or community event.
17. Organize a Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Arrange a fun and festive gift exchange with friends, family, or coworkers.
18. Make Homemade Holiday Cards
Craft personalized cards to send to loved ones, adding a special touch to your holiday greetings.
19. Attend Christmas at Avoca
Step into a winter wonderland of enchantment and joy as Avoca Victorian Mansion opens its doors for a heartwarming celebration of the season.
20. Visit Poplar Forest for Christmas Tours
Explore Thomas Jefferson’s retreat, decorated for the holidays with special tours and events.
21. Attend the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concert
Enjoy a festive evening of holiday music with the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra.
22. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride in Downtown Lynchburg
Experience the charm of the season with a scenic carriage ride through the city. Carriage rides are available during the Lynchburg Community Market’s Mistletoe Market season.
23. Enjoy a Christmas Tea at Ploughcroft Tea Room
Relax with a holiday-themed tea service. The Ploughcroft Tea Room will close for business on December 18 after an incredible 14 years in our community. They have become a pillar in Lynchburg’s downtown and will be missed.
24. Attend a Holiday Wine Tasting at a Local Vineyard
Sample seasonal wines and enjoy the festive atmosphere at a nearby vineyard. For a nearby experience, visit Reserve in downtown Lynchburg, or travel a bit further to visit Veritas Vineyards & Winery, including their walking lights display.
25. Take a Holiday Photo at Monument Terrace
Capture a memorable holiday photo with the iconic Monument Terrace as your backdrop.
26. Visit the Lynchburg Museum’s Holiday Exhibit
Learn about local holiday traditions and history at the museum’s seasonal exhibit.
27. Experience a Christmas Candlelight Service
Attend a traditional candlelight service at one of Lynchburg’s historic churches.
28. Go Sledding or Have a Snowball Fight
Enjoy a wintery day outdoors with some classic snowy fun. Fingers crossed for snow this year! If not, visit Snowflex or nearby Wintergreen.
29. Decorate the Christmas Tree Together
Make tree decorating a special family tradition.
30. Host a Holiday Potluck Dinner
Gather friends and family for a potluck with everyone bringing their favorite holiday dish.
31. Organize a Winter Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of holiday-themed items for a fun scavenger hunt around your home or neighborhood.
32. Go on a Winter Nature Walk
Explore the winter landscape and look for seasonal wildlife.
33. Create a DIY Advent Calendar
Make your own advent calendar filled with small treats or activities for each day. See opposite page for ideas.
34. Make a Holiday Playlist
Curate a playlist of your favorite holiday songs to enjoy throughout the season.
35. Have a Pajama Day with Holiday Activities
Spend a relaxing day at home in your pajamas, doing holiday crafts, and watching movies.
36. Attend a Holiday-Themed Workshop at Vector Space
Join a community makerspace for a creative holiday project.
37. Make Handmade Ornaments
Create personalized ornaments to decorate the tree or give as gifts.
38. Host a Holiday Game Night
Play festive games with family or friends.
39. Make and Deliver Holiday Treats to Neighbors
Spread goodwill by sharing homemade treats with your neighbors.
40. Go for a Drive to See Christmas Lights
Take a leisurely drive through Lynchburg to admire the best holiday light displays. Keep an eye on Living in Lynchburg and Lynchburg Macaroni Kids for an updated listing of houses.
41. Host a Virtual Holiday Gathering
Connect with distant loved ones through a festive online celebration.
42. Reflect on the Season with Gratitude Journaling
Take time to write down what you’re thankful for and cherish the season’s moments.
43. Attend the Celebration of Lights at Riverside Park
Keep an eye on the Lynchburg Parks and Recreation’s social media for specific walking-only nights. Otherwise, cars are allowed at any time.
44. Have a Cozy Night in with Holiday Books
Spend an evening reading holiday-themed books with hot cocoa.
45. Attend a Holiday Cooking Class
Learn how to prepare a special holiday dish at a Flour District Cooking Class.
46. Start a Yule Log Tradition
Craft your own with foraged materials or try your hand at baking one (recipe on page 119).
47. Attend a Community Hanukkah Celebration
Check out local synagogues or community centers for events featuring music, games, and menorah lightings to celebrate the Festival of Lights together.
48. Host a Winter Solstice Celebration
Embrace the longest night of the year by gathering friends for a cozy evening of storytelling, reflecting on the past year, and sharing hopes for the future.
49. Create a New Year’s Reflection Ritual
As the year ends, set aside time for family or friends to share their highlights and challenges of the past year and intentions for the year ahead, perhaps while enjoying a festive meal or treats.
50. Visit Mistletoe Market
Enjoy a cozy morning at the Lynchburg Community Market during their Mistletoe Market season. Special seasonal vendors will be present alongside the market’s regulars.
