December in Charlottesville & Albemarle County: Top Things to Do - Holiday Lights, Local Shopping, Winter Wine
Winter in Charlottesville and Albemarle County offers a remarkable mix of holiday lights, historic charm, and festive fun.
Whether you're lucky enough to call Charlottesville home, visiting family, or looking to explore this December, here's a curated guide to help you make the most of the month!
-- 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!
One blog couldn't possibly capture everything that's happening in Charlottesville and Albemarle County! Head over to our upcoming events page to stay up to date on all the latest happenings in the area.
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 the Elves in Cville scavenger hunt, and the Downtown Holiday Express (Saturdays, 10AM-2PM). Be sure to stop by 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
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!
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.
- The Farmers Market at IX Art Park | Saturdays 9AM-1PM
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.
- Stop by McGuffey Art Center through December 28th for their annual Winter Market, featuring original art created by members!
- Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum hosts their annual Holiday Gift Shop Sale in early December
- Holiday Bazaar at Charlottesville Waldorf School on Friday, Dec. 4th-5th
- 2026 Holiday Market on Sunday, Dec. 6th at Trump Winery's Grand Hall.
- Sip and Shop Artisan Indoor Market in early December at The Wool Factory.
- Morehouse Studio's Potters' Market in mid-December features ceramicists from around Central Virginia!
- The First Street Flea Market on Saturday, Dec. 5th will feature over 20+ vendor booths in Downtown.
- Charlottesville Holiday Market at Water Street | Saturdays through Dec. 20th.
updated September 2026
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:
- Make an appointment at Raging Buffalo Glass to blow your own glass ornament. A wonderful holiday tradition for many locals - sessions are short but full of energy! 👉 Book Your Spot Online
- Monticello always hosts several Wreath Workshops throughout December but hurry -- they fill up quick! Led by their expert team of floral designers, gardeners, and plant experts!
- Blue Ridge Brushes is hosting a number of winter-themed Paint + Sip events in the area (canvas and wine glass painting) -- check their website for locations and dates.
- The Scrappy Elephant offers several different classes through the winter for various age groups.
- The Art Bar offers a number of creative workshops around the holidays -- perfect for handmade gifts! Follow their Instagram for the most up-to-date event information.
updated September 2026
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:
- Trump Winery is hosting several Grand Tasting events -- a guided tasting curated for those who appreciate exceptional craftsmanship and unforgettable moments.
- Santa will be visiting Eastwood Farm & Winery throughout December. Stop by for a free opportunity to take photos with Santa. While you're there, grab a signature milk & cookie flight!
- Head to Hazy Mountain Vineyards for their monthly Secret Supper.
- Enjoy Glass House Winery's climate-controlled conservatory, filled with 100s of tropical plants!
Be sure to check ahead before you visit, as most wineries have abbreviated hours in the winter months.
updated September 2026
-- Bonus: Cidery & Brewery Events --
The Crozet Winter Brews & Booze Fest will be held at Claudius Crozet Park on Saturday, Dec. 5th.
7. Learn About Local History
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 holiday evening 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.
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!
8. Enjoy Indoor Activities
Whether you're looking for family-friendly things to do or searching for the perfect date night activity, we've got you covered!
9. Bundle Up and Head Outside
10. Celebrate New Years Eve
this section will populate with NYE events in the area as we get closer to the date, so keep checking back!
One day is never enough to experience everything Charlottesville and Albemarle County has to offer. Extend your adventure with an overnight stay and wake up ready to explore award-winning wineries, historic sites, mountain trails, local restaurants, and unique shops. Browse our Places to Stay page to find the perfect accommodations, then visit our Guides and Itineraries page for even more way to build your ideal trip.