Wondering what to do over the holidays? There are plenty of festive events happening around Charlottesville. Ranging from an outdoor light exhibit to brunch with Santa, there’s something for everyone! Below you’ll find more information on upcoming events around Charlottesville. 

The first event is the Winter Wander. It is located at the Boar’s Head Resort and takes place on Friday, December 17th from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This event includes a half-mile trail through a magical show of lights like no other with a wide variety of different colored lights. There is even a 35-foot tall illuminated tree. Children the ages of twelve and under are $15 and adults are $20. This is a great festive way to spend an evening with family. 

The second event is the Forest Lakes, Winter Holiday Market. It is located in the Forest Lakes South Pool parking lot and takes place on Saturday, December 18th from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. There will be 40 local vendors selling great products like baked goods, chocolate, coffee, woodcrafts, crochet and fabric crafts, jewelry, bath products, personal and home products, and so much more! This is a great festive way to shop locally. 

The third event is Brunch with Santa. It is located at Shadwell’s Restaurant and takes place on Saturday, December 18th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. There will be a festive brunch buffet and drink specials for adults. All ages are welcome at this event. Children under the age of eight years old are $12; children ages eight years old and older are $16; adults are $20, and any specialty drinks for adults are $5. Bring your whole family and enjoy brunch with Santa! 

The fourth event is the Oratorio Society of Virginia concert. It is located at the Paramount Theater and takes place on Saturday, December 18th from 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The Oratorio Society of Virginia will perform an assortment of familiar seasonal favorites and more including an orchestra. Students can purchase a ticket for $10 and non-students can purchase a standard ticket for $27. This is a great way to get to hear some festive music over the holidays. 

The fifth event is Christmas tea. It is located at Farm Bell Kitchen and takes place on Sunday, December 19th from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. There will be additional treats like delectable tea sandwiches, house-made scones, and specialty pastries. There will also be an option of mimosa or champagne toast, but that will be an additional charge. Children under the age of eight years old are $25 and those ages eight and older are $40. An elegant afternoon that will surely bring you holiday cheer, reserve now online! 

Below are the events students were most interested in and why. 

A ninth grader, Kamella Cousins, shared, “I thought the Brunch with Santa event sounded really fun because it reminded me of my childhood.” Another ninth grader, Katherine Garcia-Angel, shared “I found the Oratorio Society of Virginia concert really interesting because I really enjoy listening to music.” Lastly, a ninth grader, Nulia Obiorah, shared, “The Winter Wander offers a great sense of the holidays. Going with family or friends makes the experience even more memorable. I would definitely recommend attending this as an annual experience.” Happy festivities!