Fall festival season in Central Virginia and the holiday season come together in November, with fun festivals, craft shows, and holiday events taking place during the month of November. From fun virtual runs and fall festivals to craft fairs and holiday markets, here are some local festivals, family-friendly events, and holiday open houses for your family to check out during November.
Watch for our Lynchburg Area Christmas and Holiday Events for December Guide - and plan ahead!
We add events as we receive information, so check back for updates!
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes Open in November
Layman Family Farms Fall Festival -- Nov. 4 from 10 AM - 5 PM, Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge Mountain Maze -- (Friday through Sunday from Oct. 6 through Nov. 5 - from 11 AM - 6 PM on all dates), at Blue Toad Hard Cider, Roseland
Yoders' Farm Fall Festival -- Nov. 4 from 10 AM - 7 PM, Rustburg
The events listed below are only a small sampling of the weekend events and a few of the weekday events taking place during the month of November. You'll find the full calendar of weekday and weekend events on our website to help you Find Your Family Fun® all month!
These events were chosen because they are free, inexpensive, or are unique events we feel many families will enjoy. If your organization is planning any free or inexpensive family-friendly events, please submit to our calendar of events HERE.
Trees, Lights, and More
Plan ahead for the holidays with these fun events! Many are FREE!
Nov. 17 - Dec. 24 - Santa at River Ridge Mall - Daily hours vary; see schedule (Photos Nov. 18 - Dec. 24)
Nov. 17 - Altavista Downtown Tree Lighting - Ceremony at 5:45 PM; Tree lighting at 6 PM
Nov. 18 - Dec. 29 - Illuminights - Explore Park's Winter Walk of Lights (Nov. 18-19, Nov. 24-26, Dec. 1-23, and Dec. 26-29) starting at 5 PM
Nov. 18 - Jan. 14 - The Ice at River Ridge Mall - Daily hours vary; see schedule
Nov. 19 - Jan. 14 - Bright Nights on the Bluffwalk Festival on Nov. 19 from 4 PM - 8 PM; lights on Bluffwalk through Jan. 14
Nov. 21 - Dec. 14 - Trees of Hope at Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center (Monday through Friday from 8 AM - 5 PM)
Nov. 21 - Jan. 5 - Festival of Trees at Bedford Area Welcome Center from 9 AM - 5 PM daily (open until 8 PM Dec. 1-3 and Dec. 8-10); closed major holidays)
Nov. 23 - Jan. 1 - Fashions for Evergreens at Hotel Roanoke - Daily from 8 AM - 9 PM at Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke
Nov. 23 - Jan. 1 - Christmas Light Display at Liberty Lake in Bedford - Nov. 23 - Jan. 1 around the clock
Nov. 24 - Dec. 31 - Festival of Trees at Natural Bridge State Park from 10 AM - 5 PM (Closed Christmas Day)
Nov. 24 - Jan. 6 - Trains Exhibit at Bedford Museum - Monday - Saturday from 10 AM - 5 PM (open until 3 PM on Nov. 25 and Jan. 6; open until 8 PM on Dec. 1, 8, and 15; closed Sundays and major holidays)
Nov. 24 - Dec. 31 - Tree Lighting Ceremony at Tree of Life Ministries from 5 PM - 6 PM (lights will remain lit through the season)
Nov. 26 - Dec. 31 - Christmas Display at 1487 Church Street in Appomattox - Starts Nov. 26 at 7 PM; lit through Dec. 31
Nov. 27 Dec. 1 - Jan. 7 - Select Air Mechanical Christmas Light Show in Altavista from 5:30 PM - 10 PM nightly - shows every 30 minutes; last show starts at 9:30 PM *tentative dates
November Festivals and Fun
Click on each link for more details about the event.
Nov. 2-5 - Rodgers and Hammerstein’s "Cinderella" at Liberty University Tower Theatre - Nov. 2-4 at 7:30 PM; Nov. 4 at 2 PM; Nov. 5 at 3 PM
Nov. 3-4 - Sweet Violet's Vintage Christmas at Virginia Found Goods from 10 AM - 5 PM *Santa event
Nov. 3 - Enchanted Trail at Timbrook Library: Halloween Take 2 from 11 AM - 4 PM
Nov. 3 - 62nd Annual Pancake Jamboree from 6 AM - 7 PM
Nov. 3 - First Fridays at Academy Center of the Arts from 5 PM - 8 PM
Nov. 3 - First Fridays in Lynchburg at Lynchburg Art Club and Art Galleries from 5 PM - 8 PM
Nov. 3 - First Friday at Vector Space from 5 PM - 8 PM
Nov. 3 - Friday Night Drop & Shop from 5 PM - 9 PM
Nov. 3 - Liberty University Chamber Singers Reunion Concert at 7:30 PM
Nov. 4 - Market at the Diamond at Rustburg Ruritan Club at 8 AM
Nov. 4 - Touch-a-Truck and First Responder Appreciation Day at Lowe’s of Madison Heights from 9 AM - 1 PM
Nov. 4 - 13th Annual Craft Fair at Heritage United Methodist Church from 9 AM - 2 PM
Nov. 4 - Merry Market at Bible Baptist Church from 9 AM - 3 PM
Nov. 4 - Bedford Cares Santa Claws Vendor and Craft Fair from 9 AM - 5 PM
Nov. 4 - 9th Annual Lynchburg CASA Superhero Run - 5K run at 10 AM; 5K walk at 10:05 AM; 1 Mile Children's Fun Runs at 11:45 AM and 11:55 AM
Nov. 4 - Christmas on the Farm in Amherst from 10 AM - 3 PM
Nov. 4 - 10th Annual Christmas Market at Spring Oak at Bedford from 10 AM - 3 PM
Nov. 4 - Layman Family Farms Fall Festival from 10 AM - 5 PM
Nov. 4 - Yoders' Farm Fall Festival from 10 AM - 7 PM
Nov. 4-5 - Blue Ridge Mountain Maze from 11 AM - 6 PM
Nov. 4 - Farm Tour at Maranatha Farms from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Nov. 4 - "Harmonious Reflections: Dohnányi and Brahms in Concert" at Court Street UMC at 4 PM
Nov. 4 - HalloWine at Lazy Days Winery from 5 PM - 10 PM
Nov. 4 - Four-Hand Piano Recital at Peakland United Methodist Church at 7 PM
Nov. 5 - Fall Back: Daylight Saving Time Ends at 2 AM
Nov. 5 - All Saints Sunday Concert at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 4 PM
Nov. 5 - A Haunted Halloween Family Concert at Liberty High School in Bedford at 5 PM
Nov. 5 - Liberty University Woodwind Chamber Ensembles at 7 PM
Nov. 7 - No School for Lynchburg City Schools - Election Day
Nov. 7 - "Something Unexpected" at Rustburg Library from 11 AM - 4 PM
Nov. 7 - Election Day Skate at FunQuest from 12 PM - 7 PM
Nov. 10-12 - The Stocked Market at Berglund Center - Friday from 8 AM - 6 PM; Saturday from 9 AM - 6 PM; Sunday from 10 AM - 5 PM
Nov. 10 - Music Department Recital at University of Lynchburg at 1 PM
Nov. 10 - Historic Courthouse Holiday Market: Rustburg from 4 PM - 7 PM
Nov. 10 - Sandwiches for Superheroes at Chick-fil-A River Ridge from 5 PM - 7 PM
Nov. 10-12 - Dunbar Theatre Presents "Drowsy Chaperone Jr." - Nov. 10-11 at 7 PM; Nov. 11 at 2 PM; Nov. 12 at 3 PM
Nov. 11 - National Park Service Fee Free Days - Veterans Day all day at all national parks
Nov. 11 - Jefferson Choral Society Holiday Craft Fair at Moose Lodge 715 from 8 AM - 2 PM
Nov. 11 - The Hill City Handmade Holiday Market from 8 AM - 3 PM
Nov. 11 - Timberlake Christian School Fall Festival and Bazaar from 9 AM - 1 PM
Nov. 11 - Fall-a-Days Makers Market & Vendor Event at Amherst Second Stage from 9 AM - 1 PM
Nov. 11 - Toddler Saturday Character Event at FunQuest Thanksgiving Party with Mickey from 10 AM - 12 PM
Nov. 11 - Santa Claus Visits Waffle House Wards Road from 10 AM - 12 PM *Santa event
Nov. 11 - Airport Day at Lynchburg Public Library from 10:30 AM - 12 PM
Nov. 11 - Veterans Day Ceremony at Monument Terrace at 11 AM
Nov. 11 - Veterans Day Observance at D-Day Memorial at 11 AM
Nov. 11 - Veterans Day Ceremony at Appomattox American Legion in Appomattox at 11 AM
Nov. 11 - Virginia's Veterans Parade in Roanoke at 11 AM
Nov. 11 - Riverside Park Walking Tours from 2 PM - 3:30 PM
Nov. 11 - Veterans Day Commemoration at National Center for Healthy Veterans at Valor Farm in Altavista at 4 PM
Nov. 11 - Faculty and Guest Recital at University of Lynchburg at 4 PM
Nov. 11 - Guest Artist Concert at Randolph College: Marcus Printup and Friends at 7:30 PM
Nov. 12 - Photos with Santa for Kids and Pets at Steph’s Bubbles and Bows from 11 AM - 1 PM *Santa event
Nov. 12 - Love Your Neighbor Interfaith Craft Fair at Peakland Baptist Church from 1 PM - 4 PM
Nov. 12 - Fall Fest at Lynchburg Humane Society from 2 PM - 5 PM
Nov. 12 - Veterans Day Service at American Legion Post 16 at 3 PM
Nov. 12 - Small Ensembles Concert at University of Lynchburg at 7:30 PM
Nov. 13 - book + art at Altavista Library from 3 PM - 5 PM
Nov. 13 - Christmas in Lights at Liberty University at 7 PM
Nov. 14 - book + art at Timbrook Library from 3 PM - 5 PM
Nov. 14 - 4th Annual Lighting Event at Chick-fil-A Candlers Crossing from 5 PM - 6 PM (Lights will be lit at 5:30 PM)
Nov. 14 - 4th Annual Lighting Event at Chick-fil-A Wards Road from 5 PM - 6 PM (Lights will be lit at 5:30 PM)
Nov. 14 - University of Lynchburg Jazz Ensemble and Community Big Band at 7:30 PM
Nov. 15 - book + art at Rustburg Library from 3 PM - 5 PM
Nov. 16 - book + art at Brookneal Library from 3 PM - 5 PM
Nov. 16 - Movie Night at J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library at 6 PM
Nov. 16-19 - Randolph College Theatre Presents "Sense and Sensibility" (Nov. 16, 17, and 18 at 7:30 PM; Nov. 18 and 19 at 2 PM)
Nov. 17-19 - Christmas Past Vintage Market at White Barn Vintage Nov. 17-18 from 10 AM - 4 PM; Nov. 19 from 12 PM - 4 PM *Santa event
Nov. 17 - Family Craft Days at Lynchburg Public Library from 10 AM - 2 PM
Nov. 17-18 - 12th Annual Kriskindlmarkt at Clifton Forge School of the Arts - Nov. 17 from 2 PM - 8 PM; Nov. 18 from 10 AM - 5 PM *Santa event
Nov. 17 - Santa's Arrival at River Ridge Mall and Tree Lighting from 5 PM - 7 PM
Nov. 17 - Roll with the Trolls at FunQuest from 5 PM - 10 PM
Nov. 17 - Altavista Downtown Tree Lighting - Ceremony at 5:45 PM; Tree lighting at 6 PM
Nov. 17 - Santa at Staunton River Memorial Library - Altavista from 6 PM - 8 PM *Santa event
Nov. 17-18 - "Elf the Musical Jr." at Linkhorne Middle School - Nov. 17 at 7 PM; Nov. 18 at 3 PM and 7 PM
Nov. 18 - Girls on the Run Central Virginia & Blue Ridge 5K Celebration at 8 AM
Nov. 18 - Bedford Cares Indoor Yard Sale from 8 AM - 12 PM
Nov. 18 - Greenview’s Annual Fall Festival from 8 AM - 2 PM
Nov. 18 - Bedford Farmers Market Holiday Market from 9 AM - 12 PM
Nov. 18 - November Market at Forest Farmers Market from 9 AM - 12 PM
Nov. 18 - Holiday Bazaar at St. Paul's Episcopal Church from 9 AM - 12 PM
Nov. 18 - St. Victoria Catholic Church Christmas Bazaar from 9 AM - 1 PM
Nov. 18 - Christmas Vendor Fair at Rainbow Forest Pool from 9 AM - 4 PM
Nov. 18 - 48th Annual GFWC Bedford Woman's Club Holiday Mart at Liberty Middle School from 9 AM - 4 PM
Nov. 18 - Lowe's Kids' DIY-U Workshop: Thanksgiving Turkey Photo Holder - Lynchburg from 10 AM - 1 PM
Nov. 18 - Lowe's Kids' DIY-U Workshop: Thanksgiving Turkey Photo Holder - Madison Heights from 10 AM - 1 PM
Nov. 18 - Market at Miller Claytor House from 10:30 AM - 2 PM - Rescheduled for Nov. 25 from 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Nov. 18 - Grandin Village Holiday Children's Parade at 11 AM
Nov. 18 - Jan. 14 - The Ice at River Ridge Mall - Daily hours vary; see schedule
Nov. 18 - Lovingston-Rockfish Valley Community Christmas in the Park from 2 PM - 6 PM *Santa event
Nov. 18 - Lynchburg Symphony Youth Orchestra Fall Concert at First Presbyterian Church at 4 PM
Nov. 18 - Tree Lighting Spectacular at The Shops at Stonefield from 5 PM - 7 PM *Santa event
Nov. 18 - Building Bridges Productions, Inc., Presents “A Christmas to Remember” at Academy Center of the Arts at 6:30 PM
Nov. 18 - Winfree Observatory Star Party at Randolph College from 7 PM - 8:30 PM weather permitting
Nov. 19 - Christmas at the Mercantile at Woods Goods & Mercantile from 12 PM - 4 PM *Santa event from 2-4
Nov. 19 - Bedford Humane Photos with Santa at Woods Goods & Mercantile from 2 PM - 4 PM *Santa event
Nov. 19 - Bright Nights on the Bluffwalk Festival and Tree Lighting from 4 PM - 8 PM (Lights on Bluffwalk through Jan. 14, 2024)
Nov. 19 - Craddock Terry Hotel Annual Christmas Tree Lighting - Ceremony at 6 PM; Tree Lighting at approximately 6:30 PM
Nov. 20 - "It's a Wonderful Life" at Academy Center of the Arts at 2 PM
Nov. 22-24 - No School for Lynchburg City Schools - Thanksgiving Holidays
Nov. 22 - Thanksgiving Eve Cheap Skate at FunQuest from 1 PM - 8 PM
Nov. 22 - Family and Friends Art Night and Movie Night "Nightmare before Christmas" at Madison House of the Arts from 5:30 PM - 9 PM
Nov. 22 - 4th Annual Battle of the Badges Charity Basketball Game at Lynchburg City Armory at 6 PM
Nov. 23 - Thanksgiving Day
Nov. 23 - Lynchburg Turkey Trot 5k Run and Walk at 8 AM
Nov. 23 - Altavista Giblet Jog 5K at 8:30 AM
Nov. 23 - Lexington Gobble Wobble 5k and Fun Run at 8:30 AM (Children's Fun Run at 8:30; 5k at 9 AM)
Nov. 23 - 2nd Annual Timbrook Turkey Toss at Timbrook Park at 8:30 AM
Nov. 23 - 97th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC from 8:30 AM - 12 PM
Nov. 24 - Dec. 31 - Festival of Trees at Natural Bridge State Park from 10 AM - 5 PM (Closed Christmas Day)
Nov. 24 - Black Friday Skate at Funquest from 12 PM - 10 PM
Nov. 24 - Santa Visits with 'Old Fuzzy Face' at Pet Cabana, LLC - Forest Road from 2 PM - 4 PM *Santa event
Nov. 24 - Tree Lighting Ceremony at Tree of Life Ministries from 5 PM - 6 PM (lights will remain lit through the season)
Nov. 23 - Jan. 7 - Select Air Mechanical Christmas Light Show in Altavista from 5:30 PM - 10 PM nightly (shows every 30 minutes; last show starts at 9:30 PM) *tentative dates
Nov. 24 - Nelson County Tree Lighting in Lovingston at 7:30 PM
Nov. 25 - Lynchburg Community Market Mistletoe Market from 8 AM - 1 PM
Nov. 25 - Annual Christmas Bazaar at Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex in Chatham from 8 AM - 2 PM
Nov. 25 - Peaksview Holiday Market at University of Lynchburg from 9 AM - 2 PM *Santa event
Nov. 25 - All Good Things Christmas Market at Mayhew Farm in Bedford from 9 AM - 2 PM *Santa event
Nov. 25 - First Annual Brunswick Stew at Old City Cemetery - pre-order online starting Nov. 1
Nov. 25 - Riverside Park Walking Tours from 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Nov. 25 - Small Business Saturday at Lottie J Farm from 10 AM - 2 PM
Nov. 25 - Mistletoe Makers Market at Bower Center for the Arts from 10 AM - 3 PM *Santa event
Nov. 25 - Holiday Maker's Market at Academy Center of the Arts from 10 AM - 3 PM
Nov. 25 - Santa Around Bridgewater Plaza at Smith Mountain Lake from 11 AM - 3 PM (Santa from 11 AM - 1 PM)
Nov. 25 - Saturday Skate at Funquest from 12 PM - 10 PM
Nov. 25 - Market at Miller Claytor House from 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Nov. 25 - Story Time with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Miller Claytor House at 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM (reserve by Nov. 17) *Santa event
Nov. 25 - Tory Bailey - Sounds of the Season at River Ridge at 3 PM
Nov. 26 - Sunday Skate at Funquest from 12 PM - 7 PM
Nov. 26 - Drive Thru Brunswick Stew and Christmas Event at Brightwell's Mill from 1 PM - 3 PM (pre-order stew on Facebook)
Nov. 26 - Experience the Holidays in Appomattox from 3:30 PM - 6 PM *Santa and Mrs. Claus event
Nov. 26 - Appomattox Christmas Parade at 4 PM
Nov. 26 - Appomattox Christmas Tree Lighting at 5 PM *Santa and Mrs. Claus event
Nov. 26 - Tree Lighting and Community Christmas Party at Liberty Baptist Church in Appomattox at 6:30 PM
Nov. 26 - “Christmas By Candlelight” at Liberty Baptist Church in Appomattox - performances at 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Nov. 26 - Dec. 31 - Christmas Display at 1487 Church Street in Appomattox - Starts Nov. 26 at 7 PM; lit through Dec. 31
Nov. 27 - The TMC Café at the Motherhood Collective at 9 AM
Nov. 28 - Coffee & Critters at River Ridge Mall from 10 AM - 12 PM (Tuesdays and Thursdays from Nov. 28 - Dec. 14)
Nov. 28 - Spirit FM Christmas Open House from 10 AM - 4 PM
Nov. 28 - Lynchburg Pops Community Band: 'Tis the Season' at Academy Center of the Arts at 7:30 PM
Nov. 29 - The Peaks Community Adventure Day at The Peaks Retreat & Adventure Center from 9 AM - 5 PM
Nov. 30 - Coffee & Critters at River Ridge Mall from 10 AM - 12 PM (Tuesdays and Thursdays from Nov. 28 - Dec. 14)
Nov. 30 - River Ridge Kids Club at 10:30 AM
Nov. 30 - Liberty Christian Academy Concert Choir - Sounds of the Season at River Ridge at 5:30 PM
Nov. 30 - Lynchburg Pops Community Band - Sounds of the Season at River Ridge at 7:15 PM
Nov. 30 - Dec. 2 - Christmas at Hydaway from 6 PM - 9 PM
Enjoy these fun daily and weekly happenings in the area too!
Visit the Liberty University Astronomical Observatory - Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights - MUST register in advance
Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM - 12 PM
Preschool Open Gym at Dynamic Gymnastics - Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 11 AM
Homeschool Open Gym at Dynamic Gymnastics - Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 AM - 12 PM
Kids' Day at Imagination Station Studio - Wednesdays from 12 PM - 5 PM
Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM - 12 PM
Family Storytime at Lynchburg Public Library - Thursdays Sept. 14 - Dec. 14 at 10:30 or 11:15 AM
Visit the Liberty University Astronomical Observatory - Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights - MUST register in advance
Monument Terrace Troop Rally - Fridays from 12 PM - 1 PM
The Nature Zone - Fridays and Saturdays from 12 PM - 4 PM at Miller Center in Lynchburg
Family Day at Imagination Station Studio - Fridays from 12 PM - 6 PM
Glow in the Dark Golf - Fridays and Saturdays from 8 PM - 10 PM at Tiny Town Golf in Lynchburg (closing for the season in mid-November)
Visit the Liberty University Astronomical Observatory - Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights - MUST register in advance
Lynchburg Community Market - Saturdays from 7 AM - 2 PM
Forest Farmers Market - Saturdays from 8 AM - 12 PM (seasonal)
Bedford Farmers Market - Saturdays from 8 AM - 12 PM (seasonal)
Visit the Liberty University Astronomical Observatory - Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights - MUST register in advance
Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg - Sundays at 8 AM
Check out some of our most popular fall and holiday articles and guides below:
Thanksgiving Guide 2023 - Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Nov. 23. Find Thanksgiving crafts, recipes, and gratitude tips here!
Thanksgiving Fun Runs: Turkey Trot, Giblet Jog, and Gobble Wobble - Get your Thanksgiving morning off to an active start this year with a fun run!
Lynchburg Virginia Parks Guide - Our most popular guide offers information about all of the public parks in Lynchburg and the surrounding counties!
Lynchburg Guide to Indoor Fun - Find Your Family Fun inside with Lynchburg Macaroni Kid!
Veterans Day: A Salute to America's Heroes - Virginia parades, observances, and ceremonies honor local veterans
It's Apple Orchard Time in Central Virginia! - Find Your Family Fun® and your favorite apples at a Central Virginia orchard!
Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Fall Family Fun Bucket List - Here's 50+ ways to Find Your Family Fun® this fall!
Lynchburg Macaroni Kid 2023 Christmas Holiday Guide - your one-stop guide for the holidays!
Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Visits with Santa Guide - Sponsored by Danielle Kramer, Realtor with Keller Williams Lynchburg - Find out where to visit with Santa in the Lynchburg area!
Holiday Shopping Events in Lynchburg and Central Virginia - Shop till you drop at these maker markets and vendor sales!
Christmas Parade Guide - Save these Christmas parade dates to your calendar!
Lynchburg Christmas Lights and Area Holiday Tree Lightings Guide - Enjoy the tradition of viewing holiday lights with the family in 2023!
Live Christmas Tree Locations in Lynchburg and Central Virginia - Bring the scent of Christmas to your home with a live Christmas tree!
Local Shopping in Lynchburg and Central Virginia - Sponsored by Bedford Area Welcome Center - coming soon!
Fall festivals and fun continue through November. You'll find the best family-friendly events on the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid calendar of events.
Our FREE newsletter publishes weekly on Thursdays at 7 AM. You can subscribe to our newsletter here. Our newsletter features local family-friendly events as well as crafts, recipes, boredom busters, and other ways to entertain your kids and keep them busy!
To add your organization’s fall festival 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.
Lynchburg Macaroni Kid helps you Find Your Family Fun® every season in Lynchburg and throughout Central Virginia!
