Here are the best family-friendly holiday events for your family to check out during the first week of December. This guide includes events from Dec. 12-18, 2025.
You'll find our top 75+ December events here: Lynchburg Area Top 75+ Holiday and Christmas Events for December 2025
This is the THIRD of our December weekly guides to help you find the best events in advance! Stay tuned for future weekly guides:
Nov. 29 - Dec. 4 Lynchburg Area Holiday and Family Fun Events for 2025 - The first of our December weekly event guides!
Dec. 5 - Dec. 11 Lynchburg Area Holiday and Family Fun Events for 2025 - The second of our December weekly event guides!
Dec. 12 - Dec. 18 Lynchburg Area Holiday and Family Fun Events for 2025 - The third of our December weekly event guides!
Dec. 19 - Jan. 1 Lynchburg Area Holiday and Family Fun Events for 2025 - Our final December weekly+ event guide!
Some of these events require advance reservations or tickets. Please check details for each event at the link.
** NOTE - First group of events below take place on multiple dates over an extended period. Most weekend events are only listed once for the entire weekend on the first date if times are the same all days. **
Ongoing Events
Trees, Lights, and More
Nov. 14 - Dec. 24 - Santa at River Ridge Mall - Daily hours vary; see schedule; closed Thanksgiving Day
Nov. 20 - early January - Select Air Mechanical Christmas Light Show in Altavista (1502 Avondale Drive) from 5:30 PM - 10 PM nightly - shows every 30 minutes; last show starts at 9:30 PM
Nov. 21 - Altavista Christmas Tree Lighting at 5:45 PM - lights will remain lit every evening through the holiday season
Nov. 22 - Jan. 4 - Illuminights - Explore Park's Winter Walk of Lights (closed some dates, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) starting at 5 PM
Nov. 23 - Jan. 4 - Bright Nights on the Bluffwalk Block Party and Tree Lighting from 5 PM - 9 PM on Nov. 24; lights on Bluffwalk from 5 PM - 11 PM through Jan. 5
Nov. 23 - Annual Tree Lighting at the Craddock Terry Hotel at 7 PM (remains lit through the holiday season)
Nov. 24 - Jan. 4 - Festival of Trees at Bedford Area Welcome Center from 9 AM - 5 PM (extended hours Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14; closed major holidays)
Nov. 27 - Jan. 1 - Fashions for Evergreens at Hotel Roanoke - Daily from 8 AM - 9 PM at Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke
Nov. 27 - Jan. 1 - Christmas Light Display at Liberty Lake Park in Bedford - Nov. 27 - Jan. 1 around the clock
Nov. 27 - Jan. 1 - The Grinch Projection Show: Holidays in Hooper Woods from 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Nov. 28 - Jan. 10 - Trains Exhibit at Bedford Museum - Monday - Saturday from 10 AM - 5 PM (open until 3 PM on Saturdays in Nov. and Jan; closed Sundays and major holidays)
Nov. 28 - Jan. 3 - Osborne Express Annual Christmas Lights Display and Train Rides - Nov. 28 - Jan. 3 from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM; No train rides on Dec. 24, Dec. 25, and Dec. 31
Nov. 28 - Nelson County Tree Lighting in Lovingston at 7:15 PM *Santa event
Nov. 29 - Jan. 3 - Buchanan Festival of Lights at Town Park from 6 PM - 11 PM
Nov. 30 - Appomattox Christmas Tree Lighting at 5 PM - Lights will remain lit throughout the holiday season - lights will remain lit every evening through New Year's
Nov. 30 - Tree Lighting and Community Christmas Party at Liberty Baptist Church in Appomattox from 5 PM - 7 PM - Tree Lit at 6 PM
Nov. 30 - Dec. 31 - Christmas Display at 1487 Church Street in Appomattox from 5 PM - 12 AM and 4:30 AM - 7 AM daily through Dec. 31
Dec. 1-31 - Settje Christmas House Light Display at 205 Powtan Drive planned from Dec. 1-31 from 5:30 PM - 11 PM daily *Santa visits TBD from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Dec. 1-31 - Ryan Family Lights Display at 64 Delaney Drive in Lynchburg - Synchronized light show from 6 PM - 10 PM nightly
Dec. 3 - early Jan. - Lighting of the Garden at Awareness Garden from 5 PM - 9 PM (sing-a-long on opening night)
Dec. 3 - Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Party at Tree of Life Ministries - starting at 7 PM (lights will remain lit through the season)
Dec. 4-31 - Legacy in Lights Drive-Thru Winter Wonderland from 5 PM - 11 PM (Community Night celebration Dec. 4 from 5 PM - 9 PM)
Dec. 5-31 - Christmas Lights Display at Spring Oak Bedford (Former Elks National Home) from 5:30 PM - 10 PM
Dec. 6 - Bedford Christmas Tree Lighting from 3 PM - 6 PM *Santa and Grinch event - Tree lighting at 6 PM
Dec. 6 - Victorian Christmas Tree Lighting at Old City Cemetery at 6:30 PM *Santa event
December 12-18 Lynchburg Area Holiday and Family Fun Events
Week 3: Dec. 12-18
Dec. 12-13 - Santa at the 'Mingo at The Pink Flamingo Play Cafe from 9 AM - 5:45 PM (six time slots each day) *Santa event
Dec. 12-14 - Luminary Nights at Natural Bridge State Park from 5 PM - 9 PM (also Dec. 19-21) *Carriage rides on Dec. 14 and Dec. 21
Dec. 12-14 - Virginia Christmas Spectacular at Thomas Road Baptist Church - times vary
Dec. 12 - Santa Under the Stars at Timbrook Library from 6 PM - 8 PM *Santa event - CANCELED
Dec. 12-14 - Bethlehem Village at Hebron Baptist Church in Afton - Dec. 12 from 6 PM - 9 PM; Dec. 13-14 from 5 PM - 9 PM
Dec. 12 - Family Movie Night at Terrace View Baptist Church: "The King of Kings" - Fellowship at 6 PM; Movie at 7 PM
Dec. 12-13 - Carriage Rides in Bedford (Bedford Primary School pickup location) from 6 PM - 9 PM (also Dec. 19 and 20)
Dec. 13 - Lynchburg Community Market Mistletoe Market from 8 AM - 3 PM *Santa event from 9 AM - 2 PM (also Dec. 20)
Dec. 13 - Breakfast with Santa and Mrs Claus at Fairview Christian Church from 8 AM - 11 AM *Santa and Mrs. Claus event
Dec. 13 - Santa and the Grinch at Long's Farm Supply in Brookneal from 8 AM - 1 PM *Santa and Grinch event
Dec. 13 - Breakfast with Santa at Indian Hill Church from 9 AM - 10:30 AM *Santa event
Dec. 13 - Donuts with Sensory Santa at Tree of Life Ministries from 9 AM - 11 AM *Santa event
Dec. 13 - Santa at the Grinnin' Bear Tavern from 9 AM - 11 AM *Santa event
Dec. 13 - Children's Holiday Festival: Candy Cane Carnival at Amazement Square from 9 AM - 12 PM *Santa event
Dec. 13 - Holiday Market at Forest Farmers Market from 9 AM - 12 PM
Dec. 13 - Breakfast with the Grinch at Market at Main from 9 AM - 2 PM *Grinch event
Dec. 13 - Vendor Fair at Fairview Christian Church from 9 AM - 2 PM
Dec. 13 - St. Mark's Episcopal Church Cookie Walk and Christmas Bazaar from 9 AM - 2 PM
Dec. 13 - Downtown Lynchburg Historic Church Open House from 9:15 AM - 1:30 PM
Dec. 13 - Meet and Greet Santa Claus at Madison Heights Library from 10 AM - 11 AM *Santa event
Dec. 13 - Breakfast with Santa and Snow Party at Mt. Comfort Methodist Church from 10 AM - 12 PM *Santa event
Dec. 13 - Breakfast with Santa at Bedford Central Library from 10 AM - 12 PM *Santa event
Dec. 13 - Happy Pawlidays at Miller Center from 10 AM - 12 PM *Santa paws event - Rescheduled from Dec. 6 due to weather
Dec. 13 - Wrapping For a Cause at J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library from 10 AM - 1 PM
Dec. 13 - Pictures with Santa at The Piney River Caboose from 10 AM - 2 PM *Santa event
Dec. 13 - Christmas in Sedalia from 10 AM - 3 PM *Santa event
Dec. 13 - Holiday Scavenger Hunt in the Wharton Garden from 10 AM - 3 PM
Dec. 13 - Christmas Open House at American Civil War Museum from 10 AM - 3 PM *Santa event
Dec. 13 - Christmas Open House at Woodruff's Store from 10 AM - 4 PM
Dec. 13 - Holiday Market at Mountain Run Farm from 10 AM - 4 PM
Dec. 13 - A Hometown Christmas at Hometown Finds from 10 AM - 5 PM *Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Grinch event
Dec. 13 - Holiday Handbell Concert at Bedford Central Library at 10:30 AM
Dec. 13 - Lynchburg Food Not Bombs Food Giveaway at Miller Park from 11 AM - 1 PM
Dec. 13 - MESH Sensory Friendly Christmas on the Farm from 11 AM - 3 PM *Santa event
Dec. 13 - Holiday Open House at Gross' Orchard from 11 AM - 3 PM
Dec. 13 - Pancakes With Santa at Bold Rock Hard Cider from 11 AM - 5 PM - *Santa and Mrs. Claus event from 11 AM - 4 PM
Dec. 13 - Wreaths Across America at Old City Cemetery at 12 PM
Dec. 13 - Winter Benefit Show at Rustburg High School at 12 PM
Dec. 13 - Cocoa and Story Time at Belle-Vie in Elon from 12 PM - 2 PM
Dec. 13 - Santa at The Sweet Fox in Forest from 12 PM - 4 PM *Old Fuzzy Face Santa event
Dec. 13 - Family Holiday Movie: "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" at Bedford Central Library at 12:30 PM
Dec. 13 - Santa Story Time and Photos at Trading Post by Traber Ranch from 12:30 PM - 3 PM (also Dec. 20) *Santa event
Dec. 13 - Family & Friends Holiday Portraits at Miller Center from 1 PM - 3 PM *Santa event - Rescheduled from Dec. 6 due to weather
Dec. 13-14 - World of Nativities at St Thomas More Catholic Church - Dec. 13 from 1 PM - 5 PM and 6 PM - 8 PM; Dec. 14 from 12 PM - 4 PM
Dec. 13 - Free Holiday Fun at Madison House of the Arts from 1 PM - 9 PM *Santa event
Dec. 13 - Free Santa Photos at Madison House of the Arts from 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (also from 6 PM - 7:30 PM during The Warm & Bright Craft Night)
Dec. 13 - Happy Pawlidays at Humane Society of Amherst County from 2 PM - 4 PM *Santa Paws and Mrs. Claws event
Dec. 13 - Meet Santa at Apocalypse Ale Works from 2 PM - 5 PM *Santa event
Dec. 13 - Santa is Coming to Bruster's Real Ice Cream from 2 PM - 5 PM *Santa event
Dec. 13 - Merry Market at Loose Shoe Too Brewery from 2 PM - 7 PM
Dec. 13 - Dedication of Lights and Holiday Open House at Lynchburg Humane Society from 3 PM - 5 PM *Santa event
Dec. 13 - Deck the Heels 5k Night Run at the Booker Building at 5 PM *Santa and Mrs. Claus event
Dec. 13-14 - Christmas in Wartime at National D-Day Memorial from 5 PM - 9 PM - Canceled for Dec. 12 only
Dec. 13-14 - Flames of Memory at National D-Day Memorial from 5 PM - 9 PM - Canceled for Dec. 12 only
Dec. 13 - The Warm & Bright Craft Night at Madison House of the Arts from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM *Santa event from 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Dec. 13-14 - The Jefferson Choral Society "Welcome Yule" Concert at University of Lynchburg - Dec. 13 at 7:30 PM; Dec. 14 at 4 PM
Dec. 13 - Bad Santa's Ugly Sweater Party Sip 'n Skate at FunQuest from 9 PM - 1 AM (ages 21+ only)
Dec. 14 - Sensory Santa at River Ridge Mall from 8:30 AM - 10 AM *Santa event
Dec. 14 - Pictures with Santa at Four Paws Pet Spa from 10 AM - 2 PM *Santa event
Dec. 14 - MESH Christmas On The Farm with Minicamelots Emotional Support Horses from 10 AM - 3 PM *Santa event
Dec. 14 - "A Family Christmas" Christmas Program at Gracepointe Baptist Church at 11 AM
Dec. 14 - Santa Saturday at Buddy's Home Furnishings from 12 PM - 4 PM *Santa event
Dec. 14 - Christmas on the Farm at Bryant's Cidery and Brewery from 12 PM - 5 PM *Santa and Mrs. Santa event from 2 PM - 4 PM - Rescheduled from Dec. 6
Dec. 14 - Christmas at craveABLEs with Santa from 1 PM - 3 PM *Santa event
Dec. 14 - Open House & Pictures with Santa at Brookville-Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department from 1 PM - 5 PM *Santa event
Dec. 14 - Christmas Open House at Amherst County Museum from 1:30 PM - 4 PM
Dec. 14 - Milk and Cookies with Santa at American Legion Post 16 from 2 PM - 4 PM *Santa event
Dec. 14 - Rustburg Christmas Parade at 3 PM - Postponed to Dec. 21 at 3 PM
Dec. 14 - Meet and Greet Santa at The Village Deli in Rustburg at 4 PM (approximate time - after Rustburg Christmas Parade) *Santa event
Dec. 14 - A Festival of Christmas Lessons and Carols at St. John's Episcopal Church at 4 PM
Dec. 14 - Gretna Ugly Sweater Christmas Parade at 4:30 PM
Dec. 14-22 - Hanukkah is observed from Dec. 14-22 in 2025
Dec. 14 - Christmas Cantata at El Bethel Church and Community Association at 5 PM
Dec. 14 - Gingerbread Bash at Liberty Baptist Church in Appomattox from 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Dec. 14 - The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting at Church of the Covenant at 6:45 PM
Dec. 15 - Get Lit Fun Run at Depot Grille at 4:30 PM
Dec. 15 - Winterfest Celebration and Choral Concert at Amherst County High School - Celebration from 5-7 PM; Concert at 7 PM
Dec. 16 - All Inclusive Santa Party at Compass Behavioral Group from 4 PM - 6 PM *Santa event
Dec. 16 - Wrapping For a Cause at J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library from 5 PM - 8 PM
Dec. 16 - Brookville High School Winter Choir Concert at 7 PM
Dec. 17 - Santa is Coming to Town and Kids Eat Free at East Coast Wings + Grill from 4 PM - 8 PM *Santa event
Dec. 17 - Cookies with Santa at J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM *Old Fuzzy Face Santa event
Dec. 17 - Wolfbane at The Water Dog: Howliday Party from 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Dec. 17 - Santa at Settje Christmas House Light Display at 205 Powtan Drive *Santa event from 6 PM - 8:30 PM
Dec. 17 - Starfire Live Christmas Celebration at The Briar Patch from 6 PM - 9 PM
Dec. 17 - Bells of the Blue Ridge: “Holiday Rings from the Holiday Screen” at University of Lynchburg at 7 PM (also Dec. 20 at 4 PM)
Dec. 17 - Heritage High School and Sandusky Middle School Winter Concert at 7 PM
Dec. 18 - Christmas Story Time at Forest Library at 10:30 AM
Dec. 18 - Free Community Christmas Dinner at The Aviary from 1 PM - 6 PM
Dec. 18-19 - Hot Cocoa and Legos at J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library from 2 PM - 4 PM
Dec. 18 - Last Minute Holiday Market at Rustburg Ruritan Community Farmers Market from 3 PM - 7 PM
Dec. 18 - Longest Night / Blue Christmas Service at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church at 7 PM
Weekly Repeating Events
These free, inexpensive, or unique events take place on multiple dates throughout the year. Check our website or event calendar for more details about each!
Spring Valley Farm in Moneta Open to the Public - Monday through Saturday from 8 AM - 7 PM
Claytor Nature Center Open to the Public - Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM starting Aug. 4
Visit Lynchburg Museum - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 AM - 4 PM; Sundays from 12 PM - 4 PM
Rock-A-Bye Reader at Forest Library (0-21 months) - Mondays at 10:15 AM through Dec. 29
Rock-A-Bye Reader at Forest Library (21 months - 3 years) - Mondays at 11:15 AM through Dec. 29
Cheap Skate at FunQuest - Mondays from 6 PM - 9 PM
Preschool Play Group at Yoder Neighborhood Center - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM - 11:30 AM from Sept. 2 - May 28
Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg - Tuesdays from 10 AM - 12 PM
Preschool Open Gym at Dynamic Gymnastics - Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 11 AM from Aug. 20 - late May
Preschool Play Group at Daniel's Hill Neighborhood Center - Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 11:30 AM from Sept. 3 - May 29
Homeschool Open Gym at Dynamic Gymnastics - Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 AM - 12 PM from Aug. 20 - late May
Preschool Play Group at Yoder Neighborhood Center - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM - 11:30 AM from Sept. 2 - May 28
Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg - Thursdays from 10 AM - 12 PM
Preschool Open Gym at Dynamic Gymnastics - Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 11 AM from Aug. 20 - late May
Preschool Play Group at Daniel's Hill Neighborhood Center - Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 AM - 11:30 AM from Sept. 3 - May 29
Family Swim Fridays at Crosswhite Athletic Club - Fridays from 10 AM - 12 PM
Homeschool Open Gym at Dynamic Gymnastics - Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 AM - 12 PM from Aug. 20 - late May
Monument Terrace Troop Rally - Fridays from 12 PM - 1 PM
Free Music Friday at Loose Shoe Too Brewery - Fridays from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Weekend Activities at Virginia State Parks - Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year
Lynchburg Community Market - Saturdays from 8 AM - 1 PM
Toddler Time at Get Air Lynchburg - Sundays from 8 AM - 10 AM
Sundays at Amazement Square - Sundays from 1 PM - 5 PM
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.
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 the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid 2025 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.
Holiday Shopping Events in Lynchburg and Central Virginia
Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Visits with Santa and Friends Guide
Christmas and Holiday Parade Guide
Live Christmas Tree Locations in Lynchburg and Central Virginia
Lynchburg Christmas Lights and Area Holiday Tree Lighting Guide
25 Lynchburg Area Holiday Photo Shoot Locations
Local Shopping in Lynchburg and Central Virginia
Give the Gift of LOCAL Family Fun for the Holidays
Dec. 12-18 Lynchburg Area Holiday and Family Fun Events
8 Ways To Celebrate Hanukkah - Hanukkah is observed Dec. 14-22 in 2025
Spin, Play, Celebrate! How to Play Dreidel This Hanukkah - Hanukkah is observed Dec. 14-22 in 2025
Hanukkah Made Simple: Traditions, Foods & Fun Kids Will Love - Hanukkah is observed Dec. 14-22 in 2025
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.
Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® for the holidays in Central Virginia!
