From parades and Santa visits to Christmas tree lightings and and holiday markets, here are the best family-friendly holiday events for your family to check out during December.
Add a few of these events to your calendar during December along with your family's annual holiday traditions to bring some holiday cheer into your family time.
Some of these events require advance reservations or tickets. Please check details for each event at the link.
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!
Check out the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Visits with Santa Guide to find Santa in Central Virginia and our popular Christmas Parade Guide for all of the local parades.
Find unique gifts for everyone on your list with our guide to Holiday Shopping Events in Lynchburg and Central Virginia for 2021.
December 2021 Holiday Events:
Dec. 1-2
Salvation Army Angel Tree at River Ridge Mall - Nov. 9 - Dec. 10
Santa at River Ridge Mall - Nov. 19 - Dec. 24 (hours vary)
Bedford Festival of Trees at Welcome Center - Nov. 23 - Jan. 2 from 9 AM - 5 PM; extended hours on Dec. 3-5 and Dec. 10-12; closed major holidays
Christmas Light Display at Liberty Lake in Bedford - Nov. 24 - Jan. 1 from 5 PM - 10 PM
Fashions for Evergreens at Hotel Roanoke - Nov. 25 - Jan. 1 from 8 AM - 10 PM daily
Trains Exhibit at Bedford Museum - Nov. 26 - Jan.7 M-F 10-5; Saturday 1-3; extended hours on Dec. 3, 10, 17; closed Sundays and holidays
Hanukkah - Nov. 28 - Dec. 6
Illuminights - Explore Park's Winter Walk of Lights - Dec. 1-23 from 5 PM - 10 PM and Dec. 26-30 from 5 PM - 9 PM
Santa at SPA 4109 - Dec. 1 from 3 PM - 5 PM
Drive-Thru Winter Wonderland Lights at Legacy Wealth Management Group - Dec. 1-31 from 5 PM - 8 PM (also special event Dec. 3)
Celebration of Lights at Riverside Park - Dec. 1 - Jan. 1 from 5 PM - 10 PM
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical at the Berglund Center - Dec. 1 at 6 PM
Holiday Candlelight Tours at Poplar Forest - Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 16, and 17 at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM
Christmas at Hydaway Outdoor Rec Center - Dec. 2, 3, 4 from 6 PM - 9 PM
Buena Vista Christmas Parade - Dec. 2 at 7 PM
Brookneal Christmas Parade - Dec. 2 at 7 PM
"The Cool Yule Holiday Cabaret 2021" at Jefferson Forest High School - Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, and 10 at 7 PM; Dec. 5 and 12 at 3 PM
Dec. 3-9
Salvation Army Angel Tree at River Ridge Mall - Nov. 9 - Dec. 10
Santa at River Ridge Mall - Nov. 19 - Dec. 24 (hours vary)
Fashions for Evergreens at Hotel Roanoke - Nov. 25 - Jan. 1 from 8 AM - 10 PM daily
Trains Exhibit at Bedford Museum - Nov. 26 - Jan.7 M-F 10-5; Saturday 1-3; extended hours on Dec. 3, 10, 17; closed Sundays and holidays
Bedford Festival of Trees at Welcome Center - Nov. 23 - Jan. 2 from 9 AM - 5 PM; extended hours on Dec. 3-5 and Dec. 10-12; closed major holidays
Illuminights - Explore Park's Winter Walk of Lights - Dec. 1-23 from 5 PM - 10 PM and Dec. 26-30 from 5 PM - 9 PM
Christmas Light Display at Liberty Lake in Bedford - Nov. 24 - Jan. 1 from 5 PM - 10 PM
Hanukkah - Nov. 28 - Dec. 6
Celebration of Lights at Riverside Park - Dec. 1 - Jan. 1 from 5 PM - 10 PM
Drive-Thru Winter Wonderland Event at Legacy Wealth Management Group - Dec. 3 from 5 PM - 8 PM
Flames of Memory at National D-Day Memorial - Dec. 3-5 from 5 PM - 9 PM
Christmas Lights Display at The Elks (Former Elks National Home) - Dec. 3 - Dec. 31 from 5:30 PM - 10 PM
Christmas at Saunders Brothers Farm Market - Dec. 3 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Christmas at Hydaway Outdoor Rec Center - Dec. 2, 3, 4 from 6 PM - 9 PM
Drive-Thru Santa at the Library in Rustburg - Dec. 3 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Amherst Christmas Parade (Reverse Parade) - Dec. 3 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
"The Cool Yule Holiday Cabaret 2021" at Jefferson Forest High School - Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, and 10 at 7 PM; Dec. 5 and 12 at 3 PM
Very Merry Vendor Fair at the Jamerson YMCA - Dec. 4 from 8 AM - 2 PM
Santa at Long's Farm Supply in Brookneal - Dec. 4 from 8 AM - 1 PM
42nd Peaks of Otter Christmas Classic 5K and Peaks Junior - Dec. 4 at 8:30 AM/ 9:45 AM
Breakfast with Santa at the Glass House - Dec. 4 from 9 AM - 11:30 AM
Holiday Market at Amherst Second Stage - Dec. 4 from 9 AM - 12 PM
Holiday Craft and Vendor Event at Lynchburg South Moose Lodge 1727 - Dec. 4 from 9 AM - 3 PM
Experience the Holidays in Appomattox - Dec. 4 from 9:30 AM - 4 PM
Appomattox Christmas Parade - Dec. 4 at 11 AM
Bedford Christmas Parade - Dec. 4 at 11 AM
A Lavender Christmas at Evergreen Lavender Farm - Dec. 4 from 11 AM - 4 PM and Dec. 5 from 11 AM - 3 PM
Mr. and Mrs. Santa at Experience the Holidays in Appomattox - Dec. 4 from 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
5th Street Holiday Market - Dec. 4 from 12 PM - 6 PM
Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Timberlake Tavern - Dec. 4 from 1 PM - 3 PM
2021 Gift and Craft Bazaar at Timberlake Tavern - Dec. 4 from 1 PM - 4 PM
Christmas at Avoca Museum - Dec. 4, 5, 11, and 12 from 1 PM - 5 PM
Good News, TRBC Choir – Dec. 4 at 2 PM and 4 PM
Bedford Christmas Tree Lighting - Dec. 4 from 3 PM - 6 PM
Glasgow Christmas Parade - Dec. 4 at 4 PM
Altavista Christmas Parade - Dec. 4 at 5 PM
Holiday Candlelight Tours at Poplar Forest - Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 16, and 17 at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM
Happy Holidays with the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra at Academy Center of the Arts - Dec. 4 at 7:30 PM
Jefferson Choral Society Presents "A Christmas Celebration" - Dec. 4 at 7:30 PM and Dec. 5 at 4 PM
Sensory Santa at River Ridge Mall - Dec. 5 from 9 AM - 10:30 AM
Advent Lessons and Carols at St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Dec. 5 at 10 AM
Santa Visits at Moore's Country Store - Graves Mill - Dec. 5 from 11 AM - 4 PM
Christmas at the Firehouse at Gladys Volunteer Fire Department - Dec. 5 from 2 PM - 4 PM
Lynchburg Christmas Parade - Dec. 5 at 4 PM
Christmas at the Park at Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista - Dec. 5 at 5 PM
Tree Lighting at Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center - Dec. 5 at 6 PM
Born is the King Worship Celebration at West Lynchburg Baptist Church - Dec. 5 at 6 PM
Everyone is Special Family Night at Amazement Square - Dec. 7 from 4 PM - 7 PM
Royal Icing Cookies: Ugly Holiday Sweaters - Dec. 7 from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Drive-Thru Santa at the Library in Brookneal - Dec. 7 from 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Bake with Me: Mini Gingerbread Houses - Dec. 8 at 8:30 AM
Lighting of the Garden and Holiday Sing-a-Long at Awareness Garden - Dec. 8 at 5 PM (Lit through Jan. 10)
Holiday Ornament Decorating - Dec. 9 at 9:30 AM
Dedication of Lights Open House at Lynchburg Humane Society - Dec. 9 from 5 PM - 7 PM
Virginia Christmas Spectacular at Thomas Road Baptist Church - Dec. 9-12 (multiple performances)
Dec. 10-16
Salvation Army Angel Tree at River Ridge Mall - Nov. 9 - Dec. 10
Santa at River Ridge Mall - Nov. 19 - Dec. 24 (hours vary)
Fashions for Evergreens at Hotel Roanoke - Nov. 25 - Jan. 1 from 8 AM - 10 PM daily
Trains Exhibit at Bedford Museum - Nov. 26 - Jan.7 M-F 10-5; Saturday 1-3; extended hours on Dec. 3, 10, 17; closed Sundays and holidays
Bedford Festival of Trees at Welcome Center - Nov. 23 - Jan. 2 from 9 AM - 5 PM; extended hours on Dec. 3-5 and Dec. 10-12; closed major holidays
Illuminights - Explore Park's Winter Walk of Lights - Dec. 1-23 from 5 PM - 10 PM and Dec. 26-30 from 5 PM - 9 PM
Christmas Light Display at Liberty Lake in Bedford - Nov. 24 - Jan. 1 from 5 PM - 10 PM
Lighting of the Garden and Holiday Sing-a-Long at Awareness Garden - Dec. 8 at 5 PM (Lit through Jan. 10)
Celebration of Lights at Riverside Park - Dec. 1 - Jan. 1 from 5 PM - 10 PM
Holiday Candlelight Tours at Poplar Forest - Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 16, and 17 at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM
Christmas Lights Display at The Elks (Former Elks National Home) - Dec. 3 - Dec. 31 from 5:30 PM - 10 PM
Appomattox Fire and Appomattox Rescue Host a Breakfast with Santa - Dec. 10 at 8 AM
Candy Cane 5K at Timbrook Park - Dec. 10 at 9 AM
Drive-Thru Santa at the Timbrook Library in Lynchburg - Dec. 10 from 6 PM - 8 PM
Storytime with Mrs. Claus & Olaf at River Ridge Mall - Dec. 10 at 6 PM
A Holy Land Christmas - Dec. 10, 11, 17, and 18 from 6 PM - 9 PM
"The Cool Yule Holiday Cabaret 2021" at Jefferson Forest High School - Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, and 10 at 7 PM; Dec. 5 and 12 at 3 PM
Ecclesia School of the Arts Presents "A Christmas Celebration" - Dec. 10 at 7 PM
Songs of the Season at Heritage High School - Dec. 10 and 11 at 7 PM; Dec. 12 at 3 PM
Breakfast with Santa at Goode Volunteer Rescue Squad - Dec. 11 from 8 AM - 11 AM
Christmas Morning Interactive Storytelling at Miller Center - Dec. 11 at 8:30 AM
Breakfast with Santa at Amazing Amherst Baptist Church - Dec. 11 from 8:30 AM - 10 AM
Children's Holiday Festival at Amazement Square - Dec. 11 at 8:30 AM and 11 AM
December Winter Market at Bedford Farmers Market - Dec. 11 from 9 AM - 12 PM
Holiday Who-bilation at Forest Farmers Market Winter Market - Dec. 11 from 9 AM - 12 PM
3rd Annual A Blue Ridge Christmas - Dec. 10 from 9 AM - 1 PM
Mistletoe Market Photos with Santa at Lynchburg Community Market - Dec. 11 and 18 from 10 AM - 2 PM
Mistletoe Market Carriage Rides at Lynchburg Community Market - Dec. 11 and 18 from 10 AM - 2 PM
Photos with Santa at Kissed Cupcakes - Dec. 11 from 10 AM - 2 PM
Santa on the Farm at Lottie J Farm - Dec. 11 from 10 AM - 4 PM
Christmas in Sedalia - Dec. 11 from 12 PM - 4 PM
Christmas in the Village in Appomattox - Dec. 11 from 1 PM - 4 PM
Christmas at Avoca Museum - Dec. 4, 5, 11, and 12 from 1 PM - 5 PM
Advent Community Drive-Through Event at Peakland United Methodist Church - Dec. 11 from 5 PM - 8 PM
Nelson County Christmas Parade 2021 - Dec. 11 at 6 PM
Drive Thru Nativity at Mountain View United Methodist Church - Dec. 11 and 12 from 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Santa Visits at Moore's Country Store - Waterlick - Dec. 12 from 11 AM - 4 PM
Merry Tuba Christmas – Dec. 12 at 4 PM
Gretna Christmas Parade - Dec. 12 at 4:30 PM
Children's Christmas Drive Thru at Monroe First Baptist Church - Dec. 12 from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Lessons and Carols at St. Thomas More Catholic Church - Dec. 12 at 5 PM
A Night in Bethlehem: An Immersive Christmas Experience - Dec. 12 from 5:30 PM - 7 PM
Live Nativity at Bible Baptist Church - Dec. 12 at 6 PM
Part I of Handel's Messiah at Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church - Dec. 12 at 7 PM
Lynchburg Tacky Lights Tour - Dec. 14-18, Dec. 20-21 at 6 PM and 8 PM
Meet and Greet with Mrs. Claus and Olaf at Southern Roots Hair Studio (River Ridge Mall) - Dec. 15 from 5 PM - 7 PM
Tot Thursday at FunQuest with Santa - Dec. 16 from 11 AM - 2 PM
Cookies With Santa at J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library - Dec. 16 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Dec. 17-23
Santa at River Ridge Mall - Nov. 19 - Dec. 24 (hours vary)
Fashions for Evergreens at Hotel Roanoke - Nov. 25 - Jan. 1 from 8 AM - 10 PM daily
Trains Exhibit at Bedford Museum - Nov. 26 - Jan.7 M-F 10-5; Saturday 1-3; extended hours on Dec. 3, 10, 17; closed Sundays and holidays
Bedford Festival of Trees at Welcome Center - Nov. 23 - Jan. 2 from 9 AM - 5 PM; extended hours on Dec. 3-5 and Dec. 10-12; closed major holidays
Christmas Light Display at Liberty Lake in Bedford - Nov. 24 - Jan. 1 from 5 PM - 10 PM
Illuminights - Explore Park's Winter Walk of Lights - Dec. 1-23 from 5 PM - 10 PM and Dec. 26-30 from 5 PM - 9 PM
Lighting of the Garden and Holiday Sing-a-Long at Awareness Garden - Dec. 8 at 5 PM (Lit through Jan. 10)
Celebration of Lights at Riverside Park - Dec. 1 - Jan. 1 from 5 PM - 10 PM
Lynchburg Tacky Lights Tour - Dec. 14-18, Dec. 20-21 at 6 PM and 8 PM
Holiday Candlelight Tours at Poplar Forest - Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 16, and 17 at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM
Christmas Lights Display at The Elks (Former Elks National Home) - Dec. 3 - Dec. 31 from 5:30 PM - 10 PM
A Holy Land Christmas - Dec. 10, 11, 17, and 18 from 6 PM - 9 PM
Mistletoe Market Photos with Santa at Lynchburg Community Market - Dec. 11 and 18 from 10 AM - 2 PM
Mistletoe Market Carriage Rides at Lynchburg Community Market - Dec. 11 and 18 from 10 AM - 2 PM
A Charlie Brown Christmas at Liberty High School in Bedford - Dec. 16 and 17 at 7 PM
Academy Youth Theatre Presents: Elf the Musical at Academy Center of the Arts - Dec. 17 at 7 PM; Dec. 18 at 2 PM and 7 PM
Riverside Runners Jingle Bell Fun Run - Dec. 18 at 8:30 AM
Drive Through Santa Event at Amherst Fire Department - Dec. 18 from 9 AM - 11 AM
Donuts with Santa at Mt Comfort United Methodist Church in Appomattox - Dec. 18 from 9 AM - 11 AM
Photos with Santa at Kissed Cupcakes - Dec. 18 from 10 AM - 2 PM
Santa Saturday at FunQuest - Dec. 18 from 11 AM - 1 PM
Happy Pawlidays at Miller Center - Dec. 18 from 11 AM - 1 PM
Story Time with Santa at Drumheller's Orchard - Dec. 18 from 12 PM - 5 PM
Good News, TRBC Choir – Dec. 18 at 2 PM and 4 PM
An Afternoon with the Grinch at Mellow Mushroom - Dec. 18 from 2 PM - 4 PM
Here We Come A-Carol-Ringing! Bells Of The Blue Ridge At Fort Hill UMC - Dec. 18 at 4 PM and 7 PM
Living Nativity at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church - Dec. 18 from 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Drive Thru Bethlehem at Bedford Christian Church - Dec. 18 from 5 PM - 7 PM
Living Nativity at Evergreen Baptist Church - Dec. 18 and 19 from 6 PM - 8 PM
Live Nativity at Court Street United Methodist Church - Dec. 18 from 6 PM - 8 PM
Santa Visits at Moore's Country Store - Thomas Terrace - Dec. 19 from 11 AM - 4 PM
Here We Come A-Carol-Ringing! Bells Of The Blue Ridge At Lynchburg College - Dec. 21 at 7 PM
Dec. 24-31
Santa at River Ridge Mall - Nov. 19 - Dec. 24 (hours vary)
Christmas Light Display at Liberty Lake in Bedford - Nov. 24 - Jan. 1 from 5 PM - 10 PM
Fashions for Evergreens at Hotel Roanoke - Nov. 25 - Jan. 1 from 8 AM - 10 PM daily
Trains Exhibit at Bedford Museum - Nov. 26 - Jan.7 M-F 10-5; Saturday 1-3; extended hours on Dec. 3, 10, 17; closed Sundays and holidays
Bedford Festival of Trees at Welcome Center - Nov. 23 - Jan. 2 from 9 AM - 5 PM; extended hours on Dec. 3-5 and Dec. 10-12; closed major holidays
Illuminights - Explore Park's Winter Walk of Lights - Dec. 1-23 from 5 PM - 10 PM and Dec. 26-30 from 5 PM - 9 PM
Lighting of the Garden and Holiday Sing-a-Long at Awareness Garden - Dec. 8 at 5 PM (Lit through Jan. 10)
Celebration of Lights at Riverside Park - Dec. 1 - Jan. 1 from 5 PM - 10 PM
Christmas Lights Display at The Elks (Former Elks National Home) - Dec. 3 - Dec. 31 from 5:30 PM - 10 PM
New Years at Noon at Amazement Square - Dec. 31 from 10 AM - 1 PM
New Year's Eve Family Party at FunQuest - Dec. 31 from 12 PM - 5 PM
Check the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid 2021 Christmas Holiday Guide for links to all of our holiday guides as well as holiday crafts, foods, gift ideas, and much more all in one place.
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.
December is always a busy month for families with so many fun activities and events for children of all ages. Make time to make some memories this month!
Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® for the holidays in Central Virginia!
