Top Holiday Events for Fredericksburg, VA

The Fredericksburg holiday season is full of time-honored traditions and events. Singing choirs, Christmas lights, holiday movies, and Santa are all part of local celebrations. Here are our favorite Fredericksburg events sure to make this holiday season extra special.

Holiday Open House Weekend

Celebrate the official start of the holiday shopping season in downtown Fredericksburg during the Holiday Open House event. During Holiday Open House, the streets of downtown Fredericksburg transform into a holiday wonderland. Holiday music fills the air, and the lampposts have lights and garlands. As you walk through the streets of Fredericksburg, be sure to check out the holiday window displays created by each business. Local student choirs provide live holiday music.

Businesses offer special deals on merchandise during Open House Weekend, making it easy to find a gift for that special someone. If you get hungry, check out any of the fine eating establishments in downtown Fredericksburg. Holiday cookies and seasonal beverages are also available throughout the downtown area. 

Santa makes his first appearance in Fredericksburg during the Holiday Open House. Bring your little ones to visit with Santa and leave with precious holiday memories. Holiday Open House Weekend runs from 10 a.m. on November 13 to 5 p.m. on November 14.

Window Wonderland

Window Wonderland is a Fredericksburg tradition that brings lots of visitors into the downtown area. During Window Wonderland, downtown Fredericksburg business owners place riddles in their front window decorations. Walk around town and answer all the riddles for a chance to win prizes, including cash and items donated by local businesses. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite window display. Window Wonderland runs from Holiday Open House on November 13 through December 31.

FXBG Drive-In Holiday Movie Series

For a great night of family entertainment, check out the drive-in movie nights at Old Mill Park. All movies are free. Food trucks will be on-site offering snacks, sandwiches, and movie treats. The drive-in movie sound plays through your vehicle radio. The 2021 movie selections are as follows:

• November 19: Home Alone
• December 11: Christmas classics double feature: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Year Without Santa
• December 17: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

The drive-in gates open at 5 p.m. All movies start at dusk.

Children’s Tree Lighting and Jingle Bell Sing-a-Long

The Children’s Tree Lighting and Jingle Bell Sing-a-Long is a longstanding family tradition in Fredericksburg. Visit Santa and popular local mascots. Don’t’ forget to bring your jingle bells and sing along to holiday music. There are also lots of free holiday craft tables for kids. In addition to music and singing, check out the many vendor tables from local museums and organizations. 

The Children’s Tree Lighting and Jingle Bell Sing-a-Long takes place in Hurkamp Park. Showtime is November 20, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission to the screening is free. 

Mistletoe Market

If you prefer to shop small and local, check out the Mistletoe Market. This one-of-a-kind market features lots of local artists and crafters. The Mistletoe Market is the perfect place to find a gift for that hard-to-buy-for family member. Mistletoe Market is in the Fredericksburg Farmers Market at Hurkamp Park. The market is open on December 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free.

Holiday Craft Show

Whether you are searching for gifts or interested in holiday decor, the Holiday Craft Show has something for everyone. This craft show is the largest in the area, with many favorite local artisans and crafters. You can find vendors selling handmade gifts, decorations, gourmet foods, art, and beautiful personalized items. The 2021 Holiday Craft Show takes place from December 3 to December 5 at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center. Craft show hours are Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, $6 for kids, and children under six are free. Tickets are available online or at the door.

Holiday Lights Trolley Tours

Explore downtown Fredericksburg from the comfort of an old-fashioned trolley this season. Participants on a Holiday Lights Trolley Tour will enjoy the holiday displays in and around Fredericksburg while listening to holiday music in the trolley. 

Contact Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg to purchase tickets. Private group tours are available for a rate of $300 per hour. The Holiday Lights Trolley Tour leaves from the Fredericksburg Visitor Center on Caroline Street.

Fredericksburg Christmas Parade

The Fredericksburg Christmas Parade is a much-beloved part of the Christmas season. The theme for the 2021 parade is “Candyland,” based on the popular children’s board game. The parade includes local marching bands, military vehicles, veterans, school groups, fire trucks, police cars, and whimsical floats. Keep on the lookout for Santa and Mrs. Clause at the end of the parade.

The Fredericksburg Christmas parade runs along Caroline and Princess Anne Streets in downtown Fredericksburg. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. The parade is on December 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.

First Day Hike

Start your new year on the right foot by participating in Fredericksburg’s traditional First Day Hike. The First Day Hike is the perfect opportunity to explore the trails at Motts Run Reservoir with family and friends. Park entrance is on River Road. The event is on January 1, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration is not necessary.

Fredericksburg has so much to offer this holiday season. Whether you are shopping or singing, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Make some memories with your friends and family at any of these local events. 

The Koons family of dealerships is proud to be a member of the Fredericksburg community. If you need a reliable vehicle this holiday season, trust our experienced salespeople to help you find the perfect car, truck, or SUV for you. Whether you are buying new or used, you can count on Koons to treat you right. 

Image via Flickr by chapman_photography.
Image via Flickr by Cherri Gavin.

Tags: Fredricksburg, Holiday Events
Posted in Local | No Comments »