December is a busy month for families. With school events, holiday shopping, and many tasks on your to-do list, it's easy to get bogged down. Add a few of these events to your calendar during December and bring some Christmas cheer into your family time. Check out our list of SOME of the most popular holiday and Christmas events here in Central Virginia.
Due to the volume of holiday events in the Lynchburg area, we've created separate guides this year for the November and December holiday events. Check the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid calendar of events for detailed information about these and many other family-friendly events in Lynchburg and the surrounding counties. You'll find our November Holiday Events HERE. Check the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Visits with Santa Guide to find Santa in Central Virginia.
Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® for the holidays in Central Virginia!
Santa at River Ridge Mall - Nov. 10 - Dec. 24 at River Ridge Mall, Lynchburg
Breakfast with Santa - Nov. 10 at Chick-Fil-A in River Ridge Mall, Lynchburg
The River Ridge Express - Nov. 10 - Dec. 24 at River Ridge Mall, Lynchburg
Salvation Army Angel Tree - Starts Nov. 10 at River Ridge Mall, Lynchburg
Festival of Trees - Nov. 20 - Jan. 4 at Bedford Area Welcome Center, Bedford
Trees of Hope - Nov. 21 - Dec. 9 (M-F only) at Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, Lynchburg
Festival of Trees - Nov. 23 - Jan. 1 at Natural Bridge State Park, Natural Bridge
Christmas Light Display - Nov. 23 - Jan. 1 at Liberty Lake Park, Bedford
Trains Exhibit at Bedford Museum - Nov. 23 - Jan. 2 (Includes the Polar Express during Christmas break) at Bedford Museum, Bedford
Mistletoe Market - Nov. 24, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15, and Dec. 22 at Lynchburg Community Market, Lynchburg
Bluffwalk Lights - Nov. 24 through the holiday season on the Bluffwalk, Lynchburg
Lighting of the Garden - Daily from Dec. 6 - Jan. 12 at Awareness Garden, Lynchburg
Celebration of Lights - Dec. 7-31 at Riverside Park, Lynchburg
Light Display at English Meadows - Dec. 7 - Dec. 31 at Elks Home Campus, Bedford
Scrooged (1988) - Dec. 14-20 at Venue Cinemas, Lynchburg
Jingle Bella - Dec. 14, 15, 21, and 22 at Bella Rose Plantation, Lynchburg
The Nutcracker - Dec. 7, 14, 16, and 21 at Ecclesia School of the Arts, Lynchburg
Winter Craft Day - Dec. 20 at Lynchburg Public Library, Lynchburg
Cookies With Santa - Dec. 20 at J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library, Appomattox
Jingle Bella - Dec. 14, 15, 21, and 22 at Bella Rose Plantation, Lynchburg
The Nutcracker - Dec. 7, 14, 16, and 21 at Ecclesia School of the Arts, Lynchburg
The Polar Express (2004) - Dec. 21-27 at Venue Cinemas, Lynchburg
Breakfast with Santa - Dec. 22 at The Virginian Hotel, Lynchburg
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus - Dec. 22 at Putt Putt Fun Center, Lynchburg
Frozen Christmas - Dec. 22 and Dec. 23 at Yogurt Yeti, Lynchburg
Visit with Santa - Dec. 22 at Givens Books and Little Dickens, Lynchburg
Ugly Christmas Sweater Half Price Night - Dec. 22 at AJ Skateworld, Appomattox
Holiday Open House - Dec. 9 Dec. 23 at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Appomattox
Meet and Greet with Santa - Dec. 23 at 19706 Leesville Road, Lynchburg
The Grinch Christmas Eve Party - Dec. 24 at FunQuest, Lynchburg
Past Events
Santa at Forest Lions Club Annual Christmas Tree Sale - Nov. 24-25 and Dec. 1-2 beside Benjamin's Restaurant, Forest
Holiday Pop-Up for Pets - Nov. 29 - Dec. 1 at Boonsboro Shopping Center, Lynchburg
Christmas at Hydaway - Nov. 29 - Dec. 1 at Hydaway Outdoor Recreation Center, Lynchburg
Appomattox Christmas Market 2018 - Nov. 30 - Dec. 1 at Appomattox Christian School, Appomattox
"A Seussified Christmas Carol" - Nov. 30 - Dec. 2 at Bower Center for the Arts, Bedford
Virginia Christmas Spectacular - Nov. 30 - Dec. 2 at Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg
Cool Yule: A Holiday Cabaret - Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1-2, Dec. 6-9 at Jefferson Forest High School, Forest
Holiday Candlelight Tours at Poplar Forest - Nov. 30 - Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13-14 at Poplar Forest, Forest
Christmas at Avoca Museum - Dec. 1-2 and Dec. 8-9 at Avoca Museum, Altavista
Breakfast with Santa and Christmas Bazaar - Dec. 1 at Holy Cross Regional School, Lynchburg
Holiday Bazaar - Dec. 1 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Lynchburg
Santa Paws is Coming to Town - Dec. 1 at Shaggy to Chic Grooms, Lynchburg
Santa Claws Holiday Bazaar - Dec. 1 at Knights of Columbus, Forest
Breakfast with Santa - Dec. 1 at Yellow Branch Elementary, Rustburg
Breakfast with Santa - Dec. 1 at Tomahawk Elementary School, Lynchburg
Breakfast with Santa - Dec. 1 at Leesville Road Elementary School, Lynchburg
Holiday Craft and Vendor Event - Dec. 1 at Lynchburg South Moose Lodge 1727, Lynchburg
Sled with Reindeer - Dec. 1 at The Home Depot, Lynchburg
Vendor FAIR and Christmas Extravaganza - Dec. 1 at Brookville High School, Lynchburg
Experience the Holidays - Dec. 1 in downtown Appomattox
Christmas Extravaganza - Dec. 1 at Rustburg High School, Rustburg
Reindeer Run 2 Miler - Dec. 1 at Hydaway Outdoor Rec Center, Lynchburg
Peaks of Otter Christmas Classic 5K - Dec. 1 at Bedford Middle School (old school), Bedford
Pet Photos with Santa Paws - Dec. 1 at Boonsboro Shopping Center, Lynchburg
Photos with Santa and The Grinch - Dec. 1 at Harley Davidson of Lynchburg
Photos with Santa at Mistletoe Market - Dec. 1 and 8 at Lynchburg Community Market, Lynchburg
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides at Mistletoe Market - Dec. 1 and 8 at Lynchburg Community Market, Lynchburg
Christmas Open House - Dec. 1 at the Vintage Shoppes of Amherst, Amherst
Lunch with Santa - Dec. 1 at New Prospect Baptist Church, Monroe
Cookie Decorating with the Elves - Dec. 1 at Saunders Brothers, Piney River
Santa at Forest Lions Club Annual Christmas Tree Sale - Dec. 1-2 beside Benjamin's Restaurant, Forest
Bedford Christmas Parade - Dec. 1 in Centertown Bedford
Story Time with Santa - Dec. 1 (3 story times) at Miller Claytor House in Lynchburg
Red Shoes Dance Academy Presents "Magical Christmas" Recital - Dec. 1 at Randolph College, Lynchburg
Lighting of the Tree - Dec. 1 in Centertown Bedford
Pictures with Santa - Dec. 1 at the Bedford Fire Department, Bedford
Altavista Christmas Parade - Dec. 1 in Downtown Altavista
Jefferson Choral Society Presents "Season of Joy" - Dec. 1-2 at Timberlake United Methodist Church, Lynchburg
Santa Cares Sensory Friendly Santa Experience - Dec. 2 and Dec. 8 at River Ridge Mall, Lynchburg
Advent Lessons & Carols and Blessing of the Angel Tree - Dec. 2 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Lynchburg
36th Annual Christmas Open House - Dec. 2 at Point of Honor, Lynchburg
Christmas Open House - Dec. 2 at Patrick Henry's Red Hill, Brookneal
2nd Annual Holiday Jubilee NCCO Concert - Dec. 2 at Rockfish Valley Community Center, Afton
Lynchburg Christmas Parade - Dec. 2 from Lynchburg City Stadium to E.C. Glass, Lynchburg
Holiday Pops and Vespers Service - Dec. 2 at Sweet Briar College, Sweet Briar
University of Lynchburg Carols by Candlelight - Dec. 2 at University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg
Christmas Vespers - Dec. 2 at Randolph College, Lynchburg
Santa Paws - Nov. 25 and Dec. 3 at River Ridge Mall, Lynchburg
Christmas On The Boulevard: The Messiah - Dec. 3 at Liberty University, Lynchburg
Christmas On The Boulevard: Christmas Ornaments - Dec. 4 at Liberty University, Lynchburg
Elf (2003) - Dec. 2-6 at Venue Cinemas, Lynchburg
Free Photos with Santa and Christmas Open House - Dec. 5 at Brown's Heating and Air, Lynchburg
Lighting of the Garden - Dec. 5 - Jan. 12 at the Awareness Garden, Lynchburg
Holiday Concert by Wind Symphony and Orchestra - Dec. 5-7 at University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg
Holiday Craft - Dec. 6 at Timbrook Library, Lynchburg
Brookneal Christmas Parade - Dec. 6 in Downtown Brookneal
Buena Vista Christmas Parade - Dec. 6 in Downtown Buena Vista
Puppets Alamode Christmas Show - Dec. 6 at The Arc of Central Virginia, Lynchburg
Holiday Concert by Wind Symphony and Orchestra - Dec. 6 at University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg
Christmas On The Boulevard: Amahl and the Night Visitors - Dec. 6 at Liberty University, Lynchburg
Cool Yule: A Holiday Cabaret - Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1-2, Dec. 6-9 at Jefferson Forest High School, Forest
Holiday Vendor Fair - Dec. 7 at University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg
Pix with Santa - Dec. 7 at Timberlake Family Pharmacy, Lynchburg
Timberlake Garden Club Christmas Bazaar - Dec. 7-8 at the Barn on Timberlake, Lynchburg
Christmas Show and Sale - Dec. 7-9 at Lynchburg Art Club and Gallery, Lynchburg
First Friday December: Holiday Mugs - Dec. 7 at Vector Space, Lynchburg
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) - Dec. 7-13 at Venue Cinemas, Lynchburg
Open House - Dec. 7 at English Meadows Elks Campus, Bedford
Santa Claus is Coming to the Patch - Dec. 7 at Smith's Pumpkin Patch, Lynchburg
Christmas in Clifford - Dec. 7 at Clifford Baptist Church, Amherst
Music Department Recital - Dec. 7 at Randolph College, Lynchburg
Lexington Christmas Parade - Dec. 7 in Downtown Lexington
Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Caroling - Dec. 7 in Downtown Lovingston
Holiday Concert by Wind Symphony and Orchestra - Dec. 7 at University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg
Christmas On The Boulevard: President's Encore Performance - Dec. 7 at Liberty University, Lynchburg
Breakfast with Santa - Dec. 8 at Campbell County Rescue Squad, Lynchburg
Liberty Craft Fair - Dec. 8 at Liberty University, Lynchburg
Holiday Hustle Fun Run/Walk - Dec. 8 at the Downtown YMCA, Lynchburg
Santa Cares Sensory Friendly Santa Experience - Dec. 8 at River Ridge Mall, Lynchburg
Breakfast with Santa - Dec. 8 at Goode Volunteer Rescue Squad, Goode
Breakfast with Santa - Dec. 8 at English Meadows Elks Campus, Bedford
Breakfast with Santa - Dec. 8 at Rustburg Elementary School, Rustburg
Children's Holiday Festival - Dec. 8 at Amazement Square, Lynchburg (two seating times)
Breakfast with Santa Hosted by Blue Ridge Montessori School - Dec. 8 at Big Lick Tropical Grill, Lynchburg
4th Annual Downtown Historic Lynchburg Church Open House and Music Concerts - Dec. 8 at various downtown churches, Lynchburg
Christmas in Sedalia - Dec. 8 at Sedalia Center, Big Island
Holiday Movie Marathon - Dec. 8-9 at Academy Center of the Arts, Lynchburg
St Nick's Workshop - Dec. 8 at Timberlake United Methodist Church, Lynchburg
Christmas at Avoca Museum - Dec. 8-9 at Avoca Museum, Altavista
Holiday Open House - Dec. 8 at the Amherst Depot (Visitor Center), Amherst
Christmas Open House - Dec. 8 at Historic Sandusky - Lynchburg College, Lynchburg
Santa Comes to Timbrook Library - Dec. 8 at Timbrook Library, Lynchburg
Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church 1st Annual Christmas Bazaar - Dec. 8 at Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg
Christmas in the Village - Dec. 8 at Clover Hill Village, Appomattox
Cookies with Santa - Dec. 8 at T.C. Miller Elementary School, Lynchburg
Santa Paws at Lynchburg Humane Society - Dec. 8 at Lynchburg Humane Society, Lynchburg
Avenel's Gilded Christmas of Olde - Dec. 8 at Avenel, Bedford
Christmas at Woodruff’s Store - Dec.8 at Woodruff's Store, Monroe
Southwest Virginia Ballet's "The Nutcracker" - Dec. 8-9 at the Berglund Center, Roanoke
Visits with Santa - Dec. 8 in Downtown Lovingston
Nelson County Christmas Parade - Dec. 8 in Downtown Lovingston
2nd Annual Holiday Jubilee NCCO Concert - Dec. 8 at at Second Stage, Amherst
Holiday Paint Class - Dec. 9 at the White Hart Cafe, Lynchburg
Trees of Hope Open House - Dec. 9 Cancelled at Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, Lynchburg
December Homeschool Skate Featuring Santa Claus - Dec. 11 at FunQuest, Lynchburg
Santa is Coming - Dec. 11 at Patrick Henry Memorial Library, Brookneal
Blue Christmas Service - Dec. 12 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Lynchburg
Tiny Tots Christmas Party - Dec. 13 at FunQuest, Lynchburg
Holiday Candlelight Tours at Poplar Forest - Nov. 30 - Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13-14 at Poplar Forest, Forest
Live Christmas Nativity - Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 14-15 at at One Body in Christ Ministries, Lynchburg
Frozen Christmas - Dec. 8, 9, 15, and 16 at Yogurt Yeti, Lynchburg
Christmas Cantata - Dec. 9 Dec. 16 at Timberlake United Methodist Church, Lynchburg
Holiday Open House - Dec. 9 Dec. 23 at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Appomattox
Holiday Open House and Concert - Dec. 9 Dec. 15 and Jan. 6 at Old City Cemetery, Lynchburg
Rustburg Christmas Parade - ***Postponed to Dec. 16*** in Downtown Rustburg
Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra Presents: There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays - Dec. 9 Dec. 16 at Academy Center of the Arts, Lynchburg
Glasgow Christmas Parade - Dec. 9 Dec. 16 in Downtown Glasgow
Bella Noel “Christmas in Italy” - Dec. 9 Dec. 19 at Impact Church, Forest
Santa at Rustburg Christmas Light Show - Dec. 10, 12, and 14 behind Rustburg Elementary School, Rustburg
Christmas Open House - Dec. 13-15 at Timberlake Family Pharmacy, Lynchburg
Santa is Coming - Dec. 14 at Campbell County Public Library, Rustburg
Polar Express Theme Night - Dec. 14 at River Ridge Mall, Lynchburg
Live Christmas Nativity - Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 14-15 at at One Body in Christ Ministries, Lynchburg
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides - Dec. 14-15 at Natural Bridge State Park, Natural Bridge
Luminary Nights - Dec. 14-15 at Natural Bridge State Park, Natural Bridge
Bethlehem Village at Hebron Baptist Church - Dec. 14-18 at Hebron Baptist Church, Afton
Flames of Memory and Christmas in Wartime Presentation - Dec. 14-16 at National D-Day Memorial, Bedford
Riverside Runners Jingle Bell Fun Run - Dec. 15 at Riverside Runners, Lynchburg
Wreaths Across America - Dec. 15 at National D-Day Memorial, Bedford
Wreaths Across America - Dec. 15 at Old City Cemetery, Lynchburg
Santa Visit - Dec. 15 at Madison Heights Library, Madison Heights
Holiday Open House and Concert - Dec. 9 Dec. 15 and Jan. 6 at Old City Cemetery, Lynchburg
Mistletoe Makers Brunch - Dec. 15 at Bower Center for the Arts, Bedford
Christmas Open House - Dec. 15 at St. Nic's, Forest
Holiday Happiness Adoption Event Rabies and Microchip Clinic and Photos with Santa - Dec. 15 at Bedford County Animal Shelter, Bedford
Winter Gift Fair and Brunch with Santa - Dec. 15 at Acorn Hill Lodge, Lynchburg
Indoor Market Featuring Santa Paws - Dec. 15 at Second Stage, Amherst
Christmas in the Park - Dec. 15 at Miller Park, Lynchburg
Winter Wonderland Lunch with Santa (special needs families) - Dec. 15 at Heritage United Methodist Church, Lynchburg
Frozen Christmas - Dec. 8, 9, 15, and 16 at Yogurt Yeti, Lynchburg
Charlottesville Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” - Dec. 15 at Academy Center of the Arts, Lynchburg
Tuba Christmas - Dec. 15 at River Ridge Mall, Lynchburg
Peace and Joy to the World String Quartet, Community Chorus and Sing-Along - Dec. 15 at Ascension Episcopal Church, Amherst
Bells of the Blue Ridge - Dec. 15 at Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg
Festival of Gingerbread - Dec. 15 at Natural Bridge Historic Hotel and Conference Center, Natural Bridge
Walk Through Bethlehem - Dec. 15-16 at Bedford Christian Church, Bedford
KidzNite: "Grinchy Adventure" & Meet Santa - Dec. 15 at Elite Athletics, Forest
Christmas Edition Sip and Paint of the Northern Lights - Dec. 15 at Depot Grille, Lynchburg
2018 Christmas Cantata - Dec. 15-16 at Mountain View United Methodist Church, Forest
Amherst Christmas Parade - Dec. 14 at 6:30 PM ***Canceled*** in Downtown Amherst
The Nutcracker - Dec. 7, 14, 16, and 21 at Ecclesia School of the Arts, Lynchburg
Christmas Cantata - Dec. 9 Dec. 16 at Timberlake United Methodist Church, Lynchburg
Rustburg Christmas Parade - ***Cancelled*** ***Postponed to Dec. 16*** in Downtown Rustburg
Glasgow Christmas Parade - Dec. 9 Dec. 16 in Downtown Glasgow
Lynchburg Symphony Youth Orchestra and Junior Strings Present: Sounds of the Season - ***Postponed to Dec. 16 at Academy Center of the Arts, Lynchburg
Holiday Pajama Storytime - Dec. 17 at Lynchburg Public Library, Lynchburg
Bells of the Blue Ridge Holiday Concert - Dec. 18 at University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg
Christmas Caroling - Dec. 19 at Timberlake United Methodist Church, Lynchburg
Bella Noel “Christmas in Italy” - Dec. 9 Dec. 19 at Impact Church, Forest
The Christmas and Holiday event list is updated as information is received. To add your organization’s Christmas or Holiday event or your family-friendly event to the list, click the “submit an event” link on our website or send us a message at our Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Facebook page. You’ll find details about all of these events on the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid calendar of events.
