News Flash

This year, it’s beginning to look a little bit more like the Christmas we love to celebrate. Many of the area’s beloved holiday traditions are finally making a return in the form of safe public gatherings and local events. Whether you’re finding the holiday spirit in your hometown or you’re visiting Spotsylvania this Christmas season, there’s a festive spot for everyone!

1. Spotsylvania’s 44th Annual Christmas Parade 
   Saturday December 4, 2021 at 1:00 pm Spotsylvania Courthouse DistrictPhoto Credit: Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Department                                                                                                             

This year the Christmas parade theme is a Magical Music Christmas featuring senior and junior performance groups, churches, antique vehicles, scout troops, first responders, marching bands, equestrians, and more! Bundle up in Christmas sweaters, grab some hot chocolate, and head to the Spotsylvania Historic Courthouse District to enjoy classic seasonal jingles!

More information here.

2. Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree 
   November - December at Mattaponi Winery

Family-owned Mattaponi Winery sits in the heart of Spotsylvania County, and originally got its  start as a Christmas Tree Farm! Every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, White Pine and Norway Spruce Trees are still available at the winery. Stop by and pick out your perfect tree with complimentary hot chocolate, or spice it up and celebrate with a warm glass of mulled-spice strawberry wine paired with delectable Christmas cookies.

More information here.

3. Secure your Stocking Stuffers at the Spotsylvania County Visitor Center + Museum Holiday Open House 
   December 10, 11, 12 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm at the Spotsylvania County Visitor Center and Spotsylvania County Museum

Need unique or local gifts for stocking stuffers, Secret Santas, or white elephant exchanges? Stop by the Holiday Open House for historic toys, Spotsy swag, ornaments, books, and more! Shop small and spread the Spotsy love this Christmas.

More information here.

While you’re at the museum, pop in and explore Spotsylvania’s 300-year history. Visitors of all ages can participate in Seek & Find, locating artifacts spread across the museum. Find all the artifacts? Bring it to the museum front desk for a prize!

4. Holiday Laps at Dominion Raceway
   December 12 and December 19 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at Dominion RacewayPhoto Credit: Dominion Raceway
   
   

For all the NASCAR and racing enthusiasts, Dominion Raceway has an annual holiday gift! The raceway will be open to the public and their own personal vehicles (car, truck, van, SUV) to take a spin on their 2-mile road course for just $20. After your ride, cruise over to the giftshop for car-enthusiast gifts and stocking stuffers!

Keep up to date with their Facebook event here.

5. Light Up The Skies at the annual Spotsylvania Courthouse Luminary
   December 5, 2021 at 4:45 pm, located at the Marshall Center Front Lawn
   

One of the county’s most beloved traditions, hosted by Spotsylvania Parks and Recreation, take advantage of the short winter days with a candlelit evening filled with the sounds of local choirs. 

When you arrive, make sure to decorate an ornament provided and place it on one of the many trees on the front lawn of Marshall Center. 

This event is FREE, so all you need to bring is a blanket, warm gloves, and your holiday spirit!

More information here.

6. Cozy up in a Heated Tent at Eden Try Winery
   November 1 - November 30 at Eden Try Winery

   Photo Credit: Eden Try Winery

No matter what the weather is outside, you can cozy up in a heated tent with a glass of wine at Eden Try Winery during the month of November! The winery is open Friday - Sunday and tent two-hour long reservations can be made here. Tents are provided by Posh Picnics and Events and feature beautiful bohemian furniture and decorations. It’s the perfect spot to book with a group of friends this holiday! 

Stick around on November 27 for the winery’s Small Business Saturday Santa’s Market from 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm, for Santa and a Reindeer train (from 2:00 - 4:00 pm), live music, food, and more!

Keep up to date with their Facebook event here.

7. Accept the Challenge: A Christmas Story Escape Room
   By reservation at Rush Hour Escape GamesPhoto Credit: Rush Hour Live Escape Games

Experience the classic movie, A Christmas Story, from a whole new perspective! Bring your team of 6-8 players. Take on the challenges Ralphie and his friends face in the movie- from getting bundled up for the walk to school, fixing that darn furnace, and getting your tongue off the electric pole. You only have 60 minutes to get that Red Ryder! (Just don’t shoot your eye out!)

More information here.

8. Take Pictures with Santa Claus
   November 13 - December 24, hours very, at Center Court in Spotsylvania Towne Centre

   Photo Credit: Spotsylvania Towne Centre

The Christmas season isn’t complete without a picture with the jolly man in a red suit! Lucky for us, Santa Claus made a special trip to the Spotsylvania Towne Centre for the holiday season so he could hear what everyone wants for Christmas! To keep Santa healthy for Christmas, he will be wearing a face shield while talking to the children, but not during photos. Instead of sitting on Santa’s lap, children will be able to sit in front of him on a bench.

More information on times, pricing, and more here.

Keep up to date with their Facebook event here.

9. Bring your Furry Friends to meet Santa
   December 5 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am at Center Court in Spotsylvania Towne CentrePhoto Credit: Spotsylvania Towne Centre
   
   

Santa didn’t forget about all his furry friends! On December 5, bring your pet to meet Santa and have their picture taken for the cutest holiday card of the season! While you’re there, the Fredericksburg SPCA  will be on site collecting donations of needed items for their animals. 

All pets meeting Santa must be on leashes or in a carrier.

More information here.

Keep up to date with their Facebook event here.

10. Marvel at a Holiday Light Show
    November 13 - December 24 at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm at the Village in Spotsylvania Towne CenterPhoto Credit: Spotsylvania Towne Centre
    
    

Christmas festivities aren’t complete without experiencing the wonders of a holiday light show! Spotsylvania Towne Centre’s got us covered- with light shows all season long. Occurring four times a night at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm, you’ll never miss a chance to attend the concert.

Keep up to date with their Facebook event here.

11. Give Back to your Community 

  Photo Credit: Hub of Hope

The holidays are a great reminder to give back to your community to help ensure everybody has a bit of Christmas magic this season- whether that be in the form of a hot meal, a toy under the tree, or time spent with good company, there are many ways to get involved this year. 

• Hub of Hope

  • Hub of Hope, a local charity, was created with a mission to prepare and deliver nutritious locally sourced meals to at-risk populations in the area, daily. Food insecurity is currently at an all time high and Hub of Hope aims to ease the stress of people wondering where their next meal will come from and provide for anyone, no questions asked.

  • Learn more here.

  • Donate here.

  • Volunteer information here.

• Toys for Tots

  • The mission of Toys for Tots is to collect new, unwrapped toys to give to families and children in need. Donations can be made in several different ways this year:

    • 1. Virtual Toy Box: This allows donations to be made by purchasing a toy online, which will then be delivered by Toys for Tots all over the country

    • 2. Cash donation

    • 3. View more ways to donate here.

• Salvation Army Angel Tree

November 19 - December 3

• While you’re out holiday shopping, select an Angel from the Salvation Army Tree to provide a gift for someone in need. Pick up an Angel in the Spotsylvania Towne Centre in the seating area near Dick’s Sporting Goods

• Learn more here.

12. Lighted Boat Parade & Christmas Vendor Village at Lake Anna
    December 4 from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm at Lake Anna TaphousePhoto Credit: Lake Anna Business Partnership

The community loved boat parade is expanding this year in Lake Anna! The lighted boat parade will begin at The Cove and Tim’s at Lake Anna with boats making their way to the Lake Anna Taphouse. From 11:00 am - 5:00 pm on December 4, enjoy the Christmas Vendor Village before the boat parade. Don’t forget to keep your eye out for Santa! 

Keep up to date with their Facebook event here.