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-- Tips for December Travel --

  • Pack warm: December can bring crisp days and the occasional snow. Bring warm clothing and a few layers if you'll be attending outdoor events or visiting historic sites.
  • Book accommodations early -- especially if attending special events or game-day weekends.
  • Bring comfortable shoes: there's lots of walking, whether on the historic Downtown Mall, at local parks, or between tastings on the Monticello Wine Trail.
  • Check our events page before you go and buy tickets ahead of time! Some of our signature holiday events only happen on specific days and most do require tickets.
  • Explore indoor options: there are plenty of local shops, winery tasting rooms, breweries, museums, and indoor venues that offer great entertainment if the weather turns too chilly.
  • Stop by one of our Mobile Visitor Centers (Wed–Sun) for free maps, guides, and the insider’s scoop from our knowledgeable Travel Specialists!
  • Scout out restaurants and book reservations ahead of time! Charlottesville's dining scene is very popular during the holidays -- especially around events and winter weekends!

1. Festive Lights & Winter Nights

Charlottesville and Albemarle County come alive after sundown in December, with glowing displays and illuminated walk-throughs scattered across the region. Here are a few of our favorites:

Magic on the Mall | Downtown Charlottesville

Stroll through 'Magic on the Downtown Mall' where storefronts are decorated, trees glow, and seasonal installations add sparkle to an evening of shopping and dining. This experience is FREE and features fun activities like Snapshots with Santa (Saturday, 11/29 from 10AM-2PM), the Elves in Cville scavenger hunt, and the Downtown Holiday Express (Saturdays, 10AM-2PM). Be sure to stop by on December 5th for Charlottesville's Grand Illumination, the annual lighting of the Downtown tree!

Winter Wander Trail of Lights | Boar's Head Resort

A short drive out of the city, head to Winter Wander at Boar’s Head Resort for an immersive trail of twinkling lights and festive scenes -- perfect for families and date nights! This illuminated half-mile lakeside stroll offers visitors an extraordinary palette of colorful illuminations for a magical show of lights like no other. Select nights will also feature drone shows, fireworks, and live performers! 👉 Get Your Tickets Now

Veritas Illuminated | Veritas Vineyard & Winery

Back for its fourth season, this dazzling walking trail winds through the grove and vines of Veritas Vineyard and Winery. Warm up near the fire with a cup of mulled wine or enjoy an array of seasonal dishes off their Winter Wonderland menu. Veritas Illuminated is excellent for families with small children, those wanting to bring their dogs, and couples looking for a magical date night!

Hooville Illumination | Light & Music Show

Hooville Illumination has returned for the 2025 season! Pack the family in the car, tune your radios to 94.7, and head on over to 1548 Valcrest Lane to witness the best light and music show in Charlottesville for yourself. The show begins right after sunset and loops until 9:30/10:30PM, seven days a week!

2. Can't Miss Signature Events

DEC 6TH

Santa Fun Run

It's time for the 12th Annual Santa Fun Run. All proceeds from this 1-mile re go directly toward helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Charlottesville and the surrounding community live fuller, more independent lives.

Learn More

DEC 12TH, 13TH, & 14TH

It’s a Wonderful Life | A Live Radio Play

The beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers…

Learn More

3. Where to Shop the Season

Enjoy Local Farmers Markets

Our markets aren't closed yet! Local farmers markets are shifting hours and staying open to continue to provide the best of the season’s harvest and local handcrafted goods.

Tis the Season for Shopping Local

The holiday season is fast approaching and finding the perfect gift (sooner rather than later) is on everyone’s mind. Thankfully there are plenty of stores in the area to check out -whether you're looking for local, handcrafted, boho, modern, or simply a great deal! While the main shopping locations include the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, The Shops at Stonefield, Barracks Road Shopping Center, and 5th Street Station, there are a wide variety of shops throughout Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Looking for something specific? Start with the Shopping page to see a complete list of our local shopping partners.

Holiday Markets Galore

Charlottesville and Albemarle are filled with an abundance of talented artists and artisans, which means there are plenty of holiday markets to find! Here are a few to get you started -- we recommend keeping an eye on our events calendar as well as our Instagram stories for the latest updates.

4. Cheers to Local Flavor

-- New Spots to Try --

5. Hands-On Holiday Workshops

Whether you're looking for the perfect DIY decoration for your home, something to gift, or just a fun night out with family, there's plenty of opportunities to tap into your creative side in Charlottesville! Keep an eye on our events calendar -- here are a few of our favorites to get you started:

6. Winter at the Wineries

December is a beautiful (and surprisingly cozy) time to explore Charlottesville and Albemarle County's award-winning wine country! With unobscured views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and tasting rooms moving at a slower pace, winter brings a whole different vibe to the Monticello Wine Trail. Many wineries lean into the season with cozy outdoor seating, crackling fireplaces, mulled wine, festive décor, and limited-release bottles. 👉 Here are 10 Cozy Wineries to Get You Started

Most wineries also get extra creative inside during the colder months. Here are a few events this December that should definitely be on your radar:

Be sure to check ahead before you visit, as most wineries have abbreviated hours in the winter months.

-- Bonus: Cidery & Brewery Events --

7. Learn About Local History

Finally Remembered: The Black Patriots of Central Virginia Exhibition

Now through January 31st, visitors can head to the Jefferson School African American Heritage center to view their new exhibition from artist and genealogist Dr. Shelley Murphy. The exhibition honors the African American Men and Women who served in the Revolutionary War. Through rare documents, profiles, military records, and historical interpretation, it restores the visibility of those whose courage helped shape the nation’s founding. The Jefferson School's exhibitions are open Tuesday - Friday from 1-6PM and Saturday from 10AM-1PM.

  • Public one-hour tours are available every third Saturday at 10:30AM. (Dec. 20th)
  • Stop by on Saturday, Dec. 13th for their annual Holiday Celebration, featuring music, food, and cultural traditions. Free and open to everyone.
  • Listen to our episode of the Founding Footprints to learn more about the history of the Jefferson School from Executive Director Andrea Douglas herself!

Give Me Liberty Traveling Exhibition | Ends Dec. 15th

Highland is pleased to host the VA250 traveling exhibition, Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation. Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this exhibition explores the unique and essential Virginia people, events, and sites that helped bring liberty and democracy to a nation. Visit on Saturday, Dec. 6th from 10AM-12PM for their free Winter Open House to explore the exhibit and listen to special musical guests. Their annual Holly Days at Highland event will be held Dec. 13th from 10AM-12PM, featuring a morning of children's crafts and holiday cheer.

Monticello Holiday Evening Tours | Varying Dates

Head to Monticello for the rare opportunity to experience Monticello after dark, decorated with the style of holiday greenery found during Thomas Jefferson’s era. This tour offers an intimate look at how all people who lived on the Monticello mountaintop – enslaved and free – celebrated the holidays. Journey through Jefferson's public and private rooms including Monticello’s upper floors and the iconic Dome Room. 2025 tours will be available Dec. 12-18th, Dec. 19-23rd, and Dec. 26-30th. 👉 Book Your Evening Tour

Unlocked History Escape Rooms

Unlocked History's escape rooms are the perfect adventure for history buffs, family-friendly fun, or those seeking an indoor refuge from colder weather! Their creative puzzles are just the right amount of challenging and center around historic happenings such as WW2, Da Vinci and the Renaissance, Martha and Thomas Jefferson at Monticello during the American Revolution, and even Edgar Allan Poe during his (brief) time at the University of Virginia!