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 the first week of December. This guide includes events from Dec. 19, 2025 - Jan. 1, 2026.
You'll find our top 75+ December events here: Lynchburg Area Top 75+ Holiday and Christmas Events for December 2025
This is the FOURTH and FINAL of our December weekly guides to help you find the best events in advance! Here's links to all of our December 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!
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. Schedules are subject to change. Please check details for each event at the link.
** NOTE - First group of events below take place on multiple dates over an extended period and are not included in the daily listings below. 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
Plan ahead for the holidays with these fun events! Many are FREE!
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
Outdoor Fun in the Lynchburg Area
Enjoy outdoor fun while the kids are out of school. You'll find some ideas in these articles and guides:
Lynchburg Virginia Parks Guide - Parks in Lynchburg and the Surrounding Counties
10 Lynchburg VA Area Places to Ride Bikes - Riding bikes together is a fun way to enjoy nature while you get in some great exercise!
25 Places in the Lynchburg Area to Walk or Hike - From paved trails to earthen pathways, Find Your Family Fun® on one of these trails!
December 19-31 Lynchburg Area Holiday and Family Fun Events
Dec. 14-22 - Hanukkah is observed from Dec. 14-22 in 2025
Dec. 18-19 - Hot Cocoa and Legos at J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library from 2 PM - 4 PM
Dec. 19 - Enchanted Trail at Timbrook Library from 11 AM - 4 PM
Dec. 19 - Early Dismissal for Lynchburg City Schools
Dec. 19 - Live Violin Music at Madison Heights Library from 3 PM - 5 PM
Dec. 19 - Pajama Grinch Party at Bounce LYH from 5 PM - 8 PM *Grinch event
Dec. 19-21 - Luminary Nights at Natural Bridge State Park from 5 PM - 9 PM *Carriage rides on Dec. 21
Dec. 19 - Candy Cane Carnival at FunQuest from 5 PM - 10 PM
Dec. 19 - The Grinch, Drive Through Lights, and Christmas Minis at Pleasant Vista on Dancing Creek from 6 PM - 8 PM *Grinch event
Dec. 19-20 - Carriage Rides in Bedford (Bedford Primary School pickup location) from 6 PM - 9 PM
Dec. 20 - Moore's Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus to Bethlehem United Methodist Church from 8 AM - 10:30 AM *Old Fuzzy Face Santa event
Dec. 20 - Lynchburg Community Market Mistletoe Market from 8 AM - 3 PM *Santa event from 9 AM - 2 PM
Dec. 20 - Riverside Runners Jingle Bell Fun Run at 8:30 AM
Dec. 20 - A Very Deere Christmas at James River Equipment from 9 AM - 12 PM *Santa and Grinch event
Dec. 20 - Santa Visits Waffle House Madison Heights from 9 AM - 12 PM *Santa event
Dec. 20 - Toddler Saturday Character Event at FunQuest - Christmas Party with The Grinch from 10 AM - 12 PM *Grinch event
Dec. 20 - Wrapping For a Cause at J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library from 10 AM - 1 PM
Dec. 20 - Santa on the Farm at Lottie J Farm from 10 AM - 3 PM *Santa event
Dec. 20 - German Christmas Market at Harvest Moon Marketplace in Moneta from 11 AM - 6 PM *Santa event from 1 PM - 4 PM
Dec. 20 - Doves & Dragons: Harps and Harpsichord Music Holiday Special at Forest Library at 12 PM
Dec. 20 - Photos with Santa at Harley Davidson of Lynchburg from 12 PM - 2 PM *Santa event
Dec. 20 - Rescue Wrappers at Timbrook Library from 12 PM - 3 PM **Adults only**
Dec. 20 - Santa at The Sweet Fox in Forest from 12 PM - 4 PM *Old Fuzzy Face Santa event
Dec. 20 - Christmas Party at Premier Rentals Lynchburg from 12 PM - 4 PM *Grinch event
Dec. 20 - Santa Story Time and Photos at Trading Post by Traber Ranch from 12:30 PM - 3 PM *Santa event
Dec. 20 - Saturday with Santa at Forest Library from 1 PM - 3 PM *Santa event
Dec. 20 - Cookies with Santa at Winton Farm from 1 PM - 4 PM *Santa event
Dec. 20 - Lynchburg Food Not Bombs Food Giveaway at Miller Park from 11 AM - 1 PM
Dec. 20 - Meet Santa at Grand Home Furnishings from 1 PM - 3 PM *Santa event
Dec. 20 - Christmas at Stonehurst Manor from 2 PM - 4 PM *Santa and Mrs. Claus event
Dec. 20 - Santa Paws at Commerce Street Theater from 2 PM - 4 PM *Santa Paws event
Dec. 20-21 - Charlottesville Ballet's 'The Nutcracker' - Dec. 20 at 3 PM and 7 PM; Dec. 21 at 4 PM
Dec. 20 - Santa in the Park at Miller Park from 3 PM - 5 PM *Santa event
Dec. 20 - Free Senior Portraits at Madison House of the Arts from 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM *must register in advance
Dec. 20 - Bells of the Blue Ridge: “Holiday Rings from the Holiday Screen” at University of Lynchburg at 4 PM
Dec. 20 - Santa at Clayton Homes of Lynchburg from 4 PM - 5 PM *Santa event
Dec. 20 - Christmas Ornament Decorating With The Grinch at River Ridge from 4 PM - 6 PM *Grinch event
Dec. 20 - Family Movie Night at Bedford County Gym: "The Santa Clause" at 6 PM *Santa event
Dec. 20 - Santa at Settje Christmas House Light Display at 205 Powtan Drive *Santa event from 6 PM - 8:30 PM
Dec. 20-21 - Sleighbells & Snowflakes Dance Performance in Bedford - Dec. 20 at 7 PM; Dec. 21 at 3 PM
Dec. 20 - Handel’s “Messiah” Presented by Appomattox Community Chorale at Liberty Baptist Church at 7:30 PM
Dec. 21 - Starfire Live Christmas Celebration Brunch at Big Lick from 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Dec. 21 - Charlottesville Ballet's Sensory-Friendly 'Nutcracker Sweets' at 1 PM
Dec. 21 - Cookie Decorating Party at Devils Backbone Brewing Company from 1 PM - 4 PM
Dec. 21 - Cookies and Carols at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church at 3 PM
Dec. 21 - Rustburg Christmas Parade at 3 PM - Postponed to Dec. 21 at 3 PM
Dec. 21 - Meet and Greet Santa at The Village Deli in Rustburg at 4 PM (approximate time - after Rustburg Christmas Parade) *Santa event
Dec. 21 - Santa Comes to Nitro Cow from 4 PM - 7 PM *Santa event
Dec. 21 - Grinch Ride with Monelison Volunteer Fire Department starting at 5 PM *Grinch event - see schedule at the link
Dec. 21 - Christmas Cookie Contest at Apocalypse Ale Works at 6 PM
Dec. 21 - Live Nativity at Bible Baptist Church in Appomattox at 6 PM
Dec. 22 - Jan. 2 - No School for Lynchburg City Schools for Winter Break
Dec. 22 - Jan. 4 - Winter Break at FunQuest - hours vary daily; daily hours included on event calendar; closed Dec. 25
Dec. 22 - Rescue Wrappers at Staunton River Library in Altavista from 12 PM - 3 PM **Adults only**
Dec. 22 - Gremlins Movie Party at Forest Library from 3 PM - 5 PM
Dec. 22 - Storytime with Santa and the LSO at Lynchburg Public Library Downtown Branch from 5 PM - 6 PM *Old Fuzzy Face Santa event
Dec. 23 - Rescue Wrappers at Campbell County Main Library in Rustburg from 12 PM - 3 PM **Adults only**
Dec. 23 - Rescue Wrappers at Patrick Henry Memorial Library in Brookneal from 12 PM - 3 PM **Adults only**
Dec. 22 - End of Year Swim Party at Downtown YMCA from 3 PM - 6:30 PM *Santa event
Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve Fun Run at E.C. Glass at 8 AM
Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve Community Dinner at Trinity Episcopal Church at 6 PM
Dec. 24-25 - Celebrate Christmas Eve or Christmas Day at a Lynchburg Area Church - Check times of services at many area churches
Dec. 25 - Christmas Day
Dec. 26 - Post Christmas Music Bingo at Apocalypse Ale Works at 7 PM
Dec. 27 - Last Saturdays in Rustburg from 10 AM - 12 PM
Dec. 27 - “The Russ Pawlas Drum Experience” at EC Glass High School at 7 PM
Dec. 28 - Community Holiday Sing-Along at Amherst Second Stage at 4 PM
Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve Fun Run at E.C. Glass at 8 AM
Dec. 31 - New Year's at Noon at Amazement Square from 10 AM - 1 PM
Dec. 31 - Noon Year's Eve at Get Air Lynchburg from 11 AM - 1 PM
Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve Kids Countdown at FunQuest from 12 PM - 6 PM
Dec. 31 - Nearly New Year's Eve Skate at AJ Skateworld from 2:30 PM - 5 PM (also 6 PM - 8:30 PM)
Dec. 31 - Nearly New Year's Eve Skate at AJ Skateworld from 6 PM - 8:30 PM
Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve Party at Long Mountain Grill from 6 PM - 12:30 AM (21+ after 9 PM unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian)
Dec. 31 - Lily Stargazer Live at Big Lick at 6:30 PM
Dec. 31 - Ronnie Roberts New Years Eve at New London Ruritan Club from 7 PM - 12:30 AM
Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve at Trailhead from 8 PM - 12 AM *adult event
Dec. 31 - New Years Emo at Super Rad Arcade from 8 PM - 2 AM
Dec. 31 - Karlee Raye's Rockin NYE Party at Apocalypse Ale Works from 9 PM - 12 AM
Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve Party at Hill City Pub from 10:30 PM - 12 AM *adult event
Some businesses are closed the week between Christmas and New Years. Check before you go
Dec. 26 - Jan. 1 - Kwanzaa is celebrated
You can find New Year's Day events here:
Welcome the New Year and Ring in 2026 in Lynchburg and Beyond
Weekly Repeating Events
These free, inexpensive, or unique events take place on multiple dates throughout the year. Check the event calendar on our website for details about each event!
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
As always, we've created separate guides this year for the November and December events and then broken down the month of December by week to help you plan around your busy schedule. 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.
Make time for family fun while holiday planning. The kids are out of school for the holidays. Pile in the car and go look at Christmas lights together. Walk around the mall and take selfies at all of the pretty displays. Visit the Bluffwalk in downtown Lynchburg and check out all of the lights. Bake cookies or make holiday treats. Making memories together is what Christmas is all about.
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
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
15 Tips for Holiday Baking with Kids and 4 Easy Recipes - Embrace the mess and make the memories!
Enjoy a Fall or Winter Family Getaway Near Lynchburg or Hit the Road - Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® this season!
25 Cheap Ways to Enjoy Winter Fun With Your Family - Find Your Family Fun® during winter without breaking the bank!
Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Winter Family Fun Bucket List - Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Help You Find Your Family Fun® in 2026!
21 Things to Do with Kids During Winter Break - Make memories while enjoying fun with the fam over winter break!
Kwanzaa for Kids: 5 Simple Activities to Celebrate the 7 Principles - Kwanzaa takes place Dec. 26 - Jan. 1
How to Throw an Easy At-Home New Year's Eve Celebration Kids Will Love - New Year's Eve parties don't have to be big productions for kids to love them!
Welcome the New Year and Ring in 2026 in Lynchburg and Beyond - These events will help you say goodbye to 2025 and ring in 2026 in style!
Welcome 2026 with a First Day Hike at a Virginia State Park - Make a New Year's resolution to enjoy more family time outdoors in 2026!
National Park Service Fee-Free Dates for 2026 - Find Your Family Fun® at one of the National Parks during 2026 fee-free dates!
Lynchburg Area January 2026 Family Friendly Events and Fun - Find Your Family Fun® in Lynchburg and Central Virginia in 2026!
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!
