Experience "Magic on the Mall" This Winter on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall

November 25th – January 1st

Santa is sending Scout Elves to Downtown Charlottesville for a magical scavenger hunt! Saint Nick has granted these special elves permission to remain in Charlottesville from November 25th – January 1st.

You can pick up your North Pole Pass (and holiday stamp) at one of our Mobile Visitor Centers or Charlottesville Insider on the Downtown Mall. You can also download a digital version. Follow @friendsofcville and tag your scavenger hunt photos #ElvesinCville for a chance to win weekly raffle prizes.

November 25th – January 1st

Follow the trail of peppermints on the sidewalks of Downtown Charlottesville to discover all sorts of treats featuring the favorite red and white candy. From candy cane coffees at morning brunch to craft cocktails sipped by candlelight, you’ll find peppermint treats round almost every corner. Turn them back in with at least 3 code words for a special prize!

Peppermint Trail passports can be picked up at one of our Mobile Visitor Centers or the Charlottesville Insider office on the Downtown Mall.

November 25th & December 16th

Santa is coming to the Downtown Mall on Saturday, November 25th and Saturday, December 16th!

Bring your families downtown to share your wish list with Santa and snap a photo for your holiday card.

Saturdays, November 25th – December 23rd, 9am to 1pm

Shop local for your loved ones this holiday season! Dozens of vendors gather each Saturday morning to sell their wares to neighbors and visitors. You don’t want to miss this special shopping experience. Discover truly unique gifts at the 2023 Charlottesville Holiday Market.

Saturdays & Sundays, November 25th – December 23rd

The Friends of CVille Holly Trolley will be available to take a ride down the mall every weekend during the holiday season. Come enjoy the magic with us!

Sunday, December 10th, 5pm Central Place on the Downtown Mall

Join a menorah lighting on the Downtown Mall to celebrate the 4th night of Hanukkah with the Chabad House of UVA.

Friday, December 1st, 5-8pm at the Ting Pavilion

This spectacular community tree lighting event features music, food, games, prizes, special guests, and plenty of holiday fun for all ages. Admission is free and parking is complimentary at Market and Water Street garages beginning at 4pm. Two dozen holiday market vendors will be showcasing their goods, and Charlottesville Ale Trail will have a variety of beverages for purchase. Meanwhile, the kids zone features bounce houses, face painting, and so much more. The tree, donated by a family in Fishersville, Virginia, features 20,000 lights and will be lit at approximately 7:25pm. Check this website for more info!

Saturday, December 2nd, starting at Ting Pavilion

Imagine hundreds of happy Santas walking or running through Charlottesville’s most festive streets, and you’re visualizing the annual Santa Fun Run. This cherished community event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

The Run takes place along a one-mile route on the downtown mall. Registration includes a Santa suit or elf ears, light refreshments before the race, and photo ops with The Arc’s very own Santa!

Register here

Be sure to visit our accommodations pages to research the best places to stay in Charlottesville and Albemarle County throughout the winter season. The winter season is a great time to visit the Charlottesville area, and features lower rates on places to stay and more intimate experiences at local wineries and other points of interest. Need some recommendations? Search our website or connect with our mobile visitor center during your trip. Our knowledgeable team of travel specialists will have some amazing recommendations for you. We look forward to welcoming you this winter!