December is always a busy month for families. As Covid-19 continues to cause changes to holiday traditions, adding a few of these events to your calendar during December will bring some holiday cheer into your family time.
As always, we've created separate guides this year for the November and December 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 Family Fun, Festivals, and Shopping Guide HERE and our Lynchburg Area Holiday and Christmas Events for December HERE.
Plan your Christmas light viewing family field trips with our Lynchburg Christmas Lights and Area Holiday Tree Lightings Guide HERE.
If you have a large holiday display at your home or business, reach out to us on our Facebook page or by email to sandyw@macaronikid.com to have your location added to our guide!
Watch for the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Visits with Santa Guide -- coming soon -- to find Santa in Central Virginia.
Check the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid 2020 Christmas Holiday Guide for holiday parade dates, Santa locations and dates, holiday crafts, foods, gift ideas, and much more all in one place.
Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® for the holidays in Central Virginia!
December 2020 Holiday Events
Week of Dec. 1-5
Virtual Santa Experience - Nov. 2 - Dec. 24 from 9 AM - 9 PM at your own home
Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign at River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg - Nov. 7 - Dec. 24 during business hours
Salvation Army Angel Tree at River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg - Nov. 9 - Dec. 7 during business hours
Christmas Tree Lighting at Liberty University - Nov. 18 at 10:30 PM (lit throughout the holiday season)
Santa at River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg - Nov. 21 - Dec. 24 (schedule visits in advance if possible) Monday - Saturday from 11 AM - 8 PM; Sundays from 12-6 PM
2020 Virtual Trees of Hope - Nov. 23 at 9 AM - Dec. 11 at 12 PM
Festival of Trees at Bedford Welcome Center, Bedford -- Nov. 24 - Jan. 3 from 9 AM - 5 PM (extended to 8 PM on Dec. 3-6 and Dec. 10-13)
Holiday Online Shopping Extravaganza - Nov. 25 - Dec. 15 online
Christmas Tree at Craddock-Terry Hotel in Lynchburg - Nov. 26 - Dec. 31
Downtown Decorations Walking Tour in Lynchburg - Dec. 4 - Dec. 31
Illuminights - Explore Park's Winter Walk of Lights in Roanoke - Nov. 25, Nov. 27 - Dec. 23, Dec. 26 - Jan. 2 from 5-10 PM (date change, advance tickets only)
Festival of Trees at Natural Bridge State Park in Natural Bridge - Nov. 27 - Jan. 1 from 9 AM - 5 PM
Trains Exhibit at Bedford Museum in Bedford - Nov. 27 - Jan. 2 (Open Monday - Saturday from 10-5; Open until 8 PM on Dec. 4, 11, and 18; Closed Sundays and holidays)
Christmas Light Display at Liberty Lake in Bedford - Nov. 27 - Jan. 1 from 5 PM - 10 PM
Lynchburg Community Market Mistletoe Market in Lynchburg - Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, and 19 from 7 AM - 2 PM
Santa Dallas and Frances Claus at Forest Lions Club Annual Christmas Tree Sale in Forest - Nov. 28 from 2-4 PM; Nov. 29 from 2-4 PM; Dec. 5 from 2-4 PM and Dec. 6 from 2-4 PM
Liberty Christmas Lights Show at Liberty Baptist Church in Appomattox - Nov. 29 - Dec. 25 from 5-10 PM
Lights in the Garden at Awareness Garden in Lynchburg - Dec. 2 - Jan. 10 starting at 5:30 PM
Christmas at Hydaway Outdoor Rec Center in Lynchburg (drive-through event) - Dec. 3, 4, and 5 from 6 PM - 9 PM
Holiday Candlelight Tours at Poplar Forest in Forest - Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, and 18 at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM
Buena Vista Christmas Parade (Reverse parade) - Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7 PM starting on 23rd Street and ending at 17th Street
***CANCELLED Brookneal Christmas Parade - Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7 PM on Main Street
CANCELLED
"The Cool Yule Holiday Cabaret 2020" at Jefferson Forest Silo Field in Forest - Dec. 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13 at 7 PM
Alluvion Stage Company Presents "A Christmas Carol" at Liberty University Tower Theatre - Dec. 3-6 and Dec. 8-13 (various times)
Lynchburg Community Market Friday Night Market - Dec. 4 from 5 PM - 8 PM
Flames of Memory at National D-Day Memorial in Bedford - Dec. 4, 5, and 6 from 5 PM - 9 PM
Christmas Lights Display at English Meadows Elks Campus in Bedford - Dec. 4 - Dec. 31 from 5:30 PM - 10 PM
Family Pottery Night: Christmas Ornaments at Jackson Heights Art Studio in Lynchburg - Dec. 4 at 6 PM
Lexington Christmas Parade (reverse parade) - Friday, Dec. 4 from 6 PM - 7:30 PM on Main Street
Amherst Christmas Parade (reverse parade) - Friday, Dec. 4 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM starting on the north side of Amherst and driving south on Main Street past Amherst High School
Drive-Thru Santa at the Library in Rustburg - Dec. 4 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Lynchburg Community Market Mistletoe Market in Lynchburg - Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, & 19 from 7 AM - 2 PM
Vintage and Artisan Merry Christmas at J.E. Sears Building in Appomattox - Dec. 5 from 9 AM - 2 PM
Food Market at School Board Parking lot in Appomattox - Dec. 5 from 9 AM - 2 PM
Christmas at Avoca Museum in Altavista - Dec. 5, 6, 12, and 13 from 9 AM - 5 PM
Local APX Market at Venue 1848 on Church Street in Appomattox - Dec. 5 from 9 AM - 5 PM
Live Music at Courtland Festival Park in Appomattox - Dec. 5 from 10 AM - 2 PM
Christmas Open House at The Vintage Shoppes of Amherst - Dec. 5 from 10 AM - 5 PM
Appomattox Christmas Parade - Dec. 5 from 11 AM - 12 PM on Main Street
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at Courtland Festival Park in Appomattox from 11:30 AM - 2 PM
***CANCELLED Jeter Farm's Olde Tyme Christmas at Jeter Farm in Roanoke - Dec. 5, 6, 12, and 13 from 2-7 PM
CANCELLED***
Glasgow Christmas Parade - Saturday, Dec. 5 at 4 PM starting at 10th and Rockbridge Road
Santa and Lighting Of The Tree in Bedford - Dec. 5 from 4:30 PM - 6 PM
Christmas Carriage Rides in Centertown Bedford - Dec. 5 from 2 PM - 5 PM (reserved times)
Liberty Lake Christmas Parade (reverse parade) Saturday, Dec. 5 from 6 PM - 8 PM through Liberty Lake Park in Bedford
Altavista Old Fashioned Reverse Christmas Parade (reverse parade) - Saturday, Dec. 5 from 6-8 PM at English Park in Altavista
Week of Dec. 6-12
Virtual Santa Experience - Nov. 2 - Dec. 24 from 9 AM - 9 PM at your own home
Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign at River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg - Nov. 7 - Dec. 24 during business hours
Salvation Army Angel Tree at River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg - Nov. 9 - Dec. 7 during business hours
Christmas Tree Lighting at Liberty University - Nov. 18 at 10:30 PM (lit throughout the holiday season)
Illuminights - Explore Park's Winter Walk of Lights in Roanoke - Nov. 25, Nov. 27 - Dec. 23, Dec. 26 - Jan. 2 from 5-10 PM (advance tickets only)
Santa at River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg - Nov. 21 - Dec. 24 (schedule visits in advance if possible) Monday - Saturday from 11 AM - 8 PM; Sundays from 12-6 PM
2020 Virtual Trees of Hope - Nov. 23 at 9 AM - Dec. 11 at 12 PM
Festival of Trees at Bedford Welcome Center, Bedford -- Nov. 24 - Jan. 3 from 9 AM - 5 PM (extended to 8 PM on Dec. 3-6 and Dec. 10-13)
Christmas Tree at Craddock-Terry Hotel in Lynchburg - Nov. 26 - Dec. 31
Festival of Trees at Natural Bridge State Park in Natural Bridge - Nov. 27 - Jan. 1 from 9 AM - 5 PM
Trains Exhibit at Bedford Museum in Bedford - Nov. 27 - Jan. 2 (Open Monday - Saturday from 10-5; Open until 8 PM on Dec. 4, 11, and 18; Closed Sundays and holidays)
Christmas Light Display at Liberty Lake in Bedford - Nov. 27 - Jan. 1 from 5 PM - 10 PM
Lynchburg Community Market Mistletoe Market in Lynchburg - Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, and 19 from 7 AM - 2 PM
Santa Dallas and Frances Claus at Forest Lions Club Annual Christmas Tree Sale in Forest - Nov. 28 from 2-4 PM; Nov. 29 from 2-4 PM; Dec. 5 from 2-4 PM and Dec. 6 from 2-4 PM
Liberty Christmas Lights Show at Liberty Baptist Church in Appomattox - Nov. 29 - Dec. 25 from 5-10 PM
Holiday Candlelight Tours at Poplar Forest in Forest - Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, and 18 at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM
Downtown Decorations Walking Tour in Lynchburg - Dec. 4 - Dec. 31
Santa Visits at Moore's Country Store off Graves Mill Road in Lynchburg - Dec. 6 from 11 AM to 4 PM
Christmas Open House at Patrick Henry's Red Hill in Brookneal - Dec. 6 from 2 PM - 4 PM
Lynchburg Christmas Parade (reverse parade) - Sunday, Dec. 6 from 4 PM - 7 PM starting at Bank of the James Stadium
Flames of Memory at National D-Day Memorial in Bedford - Dec. 4, 5, and 6 from 5 PM - 9 PM
Advent Community Drive-Through Event at Peakland United Methodist Church in Lynchburg - Dec. 6 from 5:30 PM - 8 PM
Christmas Lights Display at English Meadows Elks Campus in Bedford - Dec. 4 - Dec. 31 from 5:30 PM - 10 PM
"The Cool Yule Holiday Cabaret 2020" at Jefferson Forest Silo Field in Forest - Dec. 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13 at 7 PM
Alluvion Stage Company Presents "A Christmas Carol" at Liberty University Tower Theatre - Dec. 3-6 and Dec. 8-13 (various times)
Drive-Thru Santa at the Library in Brookneal - Dec. 8 from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Polar Express Story Time at Forest Library in Forest - Dec. 9 at 10:30 AM
Luminary Nights at Natural Bridge State Park in Natural Bridge - Dec. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20 from 5 PM - 8 PM
How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Parent Night Out Pajama Party at Bounce About in Lynchburg - Dec. 11 and Dec. 18 from 5:30-7:30 PM and 6:30-8:30 PM
Drive-Thru Santa at Timbrook Library in Lynchburg - Dec. 11 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Live Drive Thru Nativity at Penuel Baptist Church in Altavista - Dec. 11 and 12 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
The Academy Youth Theatre's A Christmas Carol at Academy Center of the Arts in Lynchburg - Dec. 11 at 7 PM and Dec. 12 at 2 PM
Academy Youth Theatre Presents: A Christmas Carol Livestream - Dec. 11 at 7 PM (advance livestream tickets required)
Lynchburg Community Market Mistletoe Market in Lynchburg - Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, & 19 from 7 AM - 2 PM
Children's Holiday Festival at Amazement Square in Lynchburg - Dec. 12 at 8 AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:30 AM (three time slots)
Santa at Kissed Cupcakes in Forest - Dec. 12 from 9 AM - 12 PM
Forest Farmer's Market Holiday Market in Forest - Dec. 12 from 9 AM - 12 PM
A Blue Ridge Christmas at Glass Hill Venue in Goode - Dec. 12 from 10 AM - 2 PM
Canes and Cocoa Drive Thru at Amherst County High School in Amherst - Dec. 12 from 10 AM - 12 PM
***CANCELLED
Rustburg Christmas Market at Social Services Parking Lot in Rustburg - Dec. 12 from 10 AM - 3 PM
CANCELLED***
***CANCELLED Drive-Thru Saturday with Santa at Forest Library in Forest - Dec. 12 from 1 PM - 2:30 PM CANCELLED***
Santa and Mrs. Claus at Chick-fil-A Wards Road in Lynchburg - Dec. 12 from 3 PM - 5 PM
Drive Through Cookies With Santa at Heritage High School in Lynchburg - Dec. 12 from 3:30 PM - 5 PM
***CANCELLED Jeter Farm's Olde Tyme Christmas at Jeter Farm in Roanoke - Dec. 5, 6, 12, and 13 from 2-7 PM
CANCELLED***
***EVENT CANCELLED*** Christmas in Sedalia at Sedalia Center in Big Island - Dec. 12 from 12 PM - 4 PM
Drive Thru Nativity at Mountain View United Methodist Church in Forest - Dec. 12-13 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Santa is Coming to Trinity United Methodist Church in Concord - Dec. 12 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Live from Music Hall: Holiday Pops with Cincinnati Pops Orchestra (online event) - Dec. 12 at 8 PM
Week of Dec. 13-19
Virtual Santa Experience - Nov. 2 - Dec. 24 from 9 AM - 9 PM at your own home
Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign at River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg - Nov. 7 - Dec. 24 during business hours
Christmas Tree Lighting at Liberty University - Nov. 18 at 10:30 PM (lit throughout the holiday season)
Illuminights - Explore Park's Winter Walk of Lights in Roanoke - Nov. 25, Nov. 27 - Dec. 23, Dec. 26 - Jan. 2 from 5-10 PM (advance tickets only)
Christmas Tree at Craddock-Terry Hotel in Lynchburg - Nov. 26 - Dec. 31
Santa at River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg - Nov. 21 - Dec. 24 (schedule visits in advance if possible) Monday - Saturday from 11 AM - 8 PM; Sundays from 12-6 PM
Festival of Trees at Bedford Welcome Center, Bedford -- Nov. 24 - Jan. 3 from 9 AM - 5 PM (extended to 8 PM on Dec. 3-6 and Dec. 10-13)
Festival of Trees at Natural Bridge State Park in Natural Bridge - Nov. 27 - Jan. 1 from 9 AM - 5 PM
Trains Exhibit at Bedford Museum in Bedford - Nov. 27 - Jan. 2 (Open Monday - Saturday from 10-5; Open until 8 PM on Dec. 4, 11, and 18; Closed Sundays and holidays)
Christmas Light Display at Liberty Lake in Bedford - Nov. 27 - Jan. 1 from 5 PM - 10 PM
Christmas Lights Display at English Meadows Elks Campus in Bedford - Dec. 4 - Dec. 31 from 5:30 PM - 10 PM
Downtown Decorations Walking Tour in Lynchburg - Dec. 4 - Dec. 31
Lynchburg Community Market Mistletoe Market in Lynchburg - Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, and 19 from 7 AM - 2 PM
Liberty Christmas Lights Show at Liberty Baptist Church in Appomattox - Nov. 29 - Dec. 25 from 5-10 PM
***CANCELLED Holiday Open House with Civil War Santa at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park in Appomattox - Dec. 13 from 11 AM - 3 PM
CANCELLED***
Santa Visits at Moore's Country Store on Waterlick Road in Lynchburg - Dec. 13 from 11 AM to 4 PM
***CANCELLED Jeter Farm's Olde Tyme Christmas at Jeter Farm in Roanoke - Dec. 5, 6, 12, and 13 from 2-7 PM
CANCELLED***
Live Nativity at Randolph Memorial Baptist Church in Madison Heights - Dec. 13 from 5 PM - 7 PM
Drive Thru Nativity at Mountain View United Methodist Church in Forest - Dec. 12-13 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Lynchburg Tacky Lights Tour from Miller Center in Lynchburg - Dec. 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 at 6 PM and 8 PM
Gingerbread Storytime from Lynchburg Public Library (Virtual Event) - Dec. 16 at 10:30 AM virtually
Holiday Candlelight Tours at Poplar Forest in Forest - Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, and 18 at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM
"The Cool Yule Holiday Cabaret 2020" at Jefferson Forest Silo Field in Forest - Dec. 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13 at 7 PM
Alluvion Stage Company Presents "A Christmas Carol" at Liberty University Tower Theatre - Dec. 3-6 and Dec. 8-13 (various times)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Parent Night Out Pajama Party at Bounce About in Lynchburg - Dec. 11 and Dec. 18 from 5:30-7:30 PM and 6:30-8:30 PM
Lynchburg Community Market Mistletoe Market in Lynchburg - Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, & 19 from 7 AM - 2 PM
Christmas Market at Bedford Farmers Market in Bedford - Dec. 19 from 9 AM - 12 PM
Brunch with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at The Virginian Hotel in Lynchburg - Dec. 19 from 10 AM - 12 PM
Happy Pawlidays at Miller Center in Lynchburg - Dec. 19 from 12 PM - 2 PM
Happy Holidays with the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra at Academy Center of the Arts in Lynchburg - Dec. 19 at 7:30 PM
Week of Dec. 20-26
Virtual Santa Experience - Nov. 2 - Dec. 24 from 9 AM - 9 PM at your own home
Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign at River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg - Nov. 7 - Dec. 24 during business hours
Christmas Tree Lighting at Liberty University - Nov. 18 at 10:30 PM (lit throughout the holiday season)
Santa on Powtan Drive in Lynchburg - Nov. 22 from 5:30 PM - 11 PM at 205 Powtan Drive
Illuminights - Explore Park's Winter Walk of Lights in Roanoke - Nov. 25, Nov. 27 - Dec. 23, Dec. 26 - Jan. 2 from 5-10 PM (advance tickets only)
Christmas Tree at Craddock-Terry Hotel in Lynchburg - Nov. 26 - Dec. 31
Santa at River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg - Nov. 21 - Dec. 24 (schedule visits in advance if possible) Monday - Saturday from 11 AM - 8 PM; Sundays from 12-6 PM
Festival of Trees at Bedford Welcome Center, Bedford -- Nov. 24 - Jan. 3 from 9 AM - 5 PM (extended to 8 PM on Dec. 3-6 and Dec. 10-13)
Festival of Trees at Natural Bridge State Park in Natural Bridge - Nov. 27 - Jan. 1 from 9 AM - 5 PM
Trains Exhibit at Bedford Museum in Bedford - Nov. 27 - Jan. 2 (Open Monday - Saturday from 10-5; Open until 8 PM on Dec. 4, 11, and 18; Closed Sundays and holidays)
Christmas Light Display at Liberty Lake in Bedford - Nov. 27 - Jan. 1 from 5 PM - 10 PM
Liberty Christmas Lights Show at Liberty Baptist Church in Appomattox - Nov. 29 - Dec. 25 from 5-10 PM
Christmas Lights Display at English Meadows Elks Campus in Bedford - Dec. 4 - Dec. 31 from 5:30 PM - 10 PM
Downtown Decorations Walking Tour in Lynchburg - Dec. 4 - Dec. 31
Children's Christmas Drive Thru at Monroe First Baptist Church in Monroe - Dec. 20 from 5 PM - 7 PM
Christmas Eve -- Dec. 24 Everywhere
Christmas Day -- Dec. 25 Everywhere
Week of Dec. 27 - Jan. 1, 2021
Christmas Tree Lighting at Liberty University - Nov. 18 at 10:30 PM (lit throughout the holiday season)
Illuminights - Explore Park's Winter Walk of Lights in Roanoke - Nov. 25, Nov. 27 - Dec. 23, Dec. 26 - Jan. 2 from 5-10 PM (advance tickets only)
Festival of Trees at Bedford Welcome Center, Bedford -- Nov. 24 - Jan. 3 from 9 AM - 5 PM (extended to 8 PM on Dec. 3-6 and Dec. 10-13)
Christmas Tree at Craddock-Terry Hotel in Lynchburg - Nov. 26 - Dec. 31
Festival of Trees at Natural Bridge State Park in Natural Bridge - Nov. 27 - Jan. 1 from 9 AM - 5 PM
Trains Exhibit at Bedford Museum in Bedford - Nov. 27 - Jan. 2 (Open Monday - Saturday from 10-5; Open until 8 PM on Dec. 4, 11, and 18; Closed Sundays and holidays)
Christmas Light Display at Liberty Lake in Bedford - Nov. 27 - Jan. 1 from 5 PM - 10 PM
Christmas Lights Display at English Meadows Elks Campus in Bedford - Dec. 4 - Dec. 31 from 5:30 PM - 10 PM
Downtown Decorations Walking Tour in Lynchburg - Dec. 4 - Dec. 31
The list is updated as information is received about local family-friendly events. To add your organization’s Christmas or holiday family-friendly event to the list, message us at our Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Facebook page or click the “submit an event” link on our website. You’ll find more information about many of the local festival on the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid calendar of events.
Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® for the holidays in Central Virginia!
