‘Tis the season for family gatherings – celebrating with loved ones and making memories that last throughout the years.  This year, the Fredericksburg area has prepared a holiday season packed with traditional holiday events and festivities as well as some new attractions to help make holiday travel as memorable as it can be. Additionally, with the latest travel packages and many of the area’s events free and open to the public, taking a holiday trip to the Fredericksburg area also adds good cheer for any budget. 

Bask in the glow of flickering candlelight and delight in the sounds of classic holiday carols. Stroll city sidewalks and take in the spicy aroma of a gingerbread house, a true holiday staple. The following holiday events are scheduled for the Fredericksburg area.

CONCERT IN LIGHTS November 5th – December 31st

Bring the whole family and embrace the holiday spirit for the Concert in Lights, held at The Village at Town Centre. Dancing lights are synchronized with holiday classics, sure to amaze children of all ages. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about the concert, including dates and show times, visit www.spotsylvaniatownecentre.com/calendar/.

CARRIAGE RIDES WITH MR. GRINCH November 18th – December 24th

Enjoy an old time carriage ride with an all-time favorite holiday character – the Grinch. Enjoy picture opportunities with the Grinch and Cindy Lou-Who. This is a special evening to spend with your loved ones, complete with jingle bells, cookies and Christmas Music. Dress warm, pack blankets and don’t forget to bring some hot cocoa in an enclosed container to keep you warm! For more information, visit www.oldetownecarriages.com/

FERRY FARM GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST December 3–30

What would the holidays be without a classic gingerbread house? Ferry Farm, site of the boyhood home of President George Washington, will hold its annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit. This year’s theme is “The World of Make Believe.” Visit www.kenmore.org for more information.

41st ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT TOUR December 10-11

Join the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation for the 41st Annual Candlelight Tour of historic homes. This year, explore the holiday-decorated historic homes of Hanover Street and enjoy entertainment and refreshments. Tours are conducted from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.  This is a ticketed event.

CHRISTMAS AT CHATHAM December 18

Come see Santa Claus as he appeared during the years of the Civil War. Bring your children to Chatham and listen as the history of Santa Claus is shared. Enjoy period music and seasonal refreshments. This event is free and open to the public.

While visiting, holiday travelers can take advantages of great packages geared to help ease the stress of holiday shopping and other preparations. For those searching for those perfect last minute gifts, the “Premier Shopping in Fredericksburg” package is perfectly suited for them.  The package offers access to two great holiday shopping destinations in the area—Spotsylvania Towne Centre and Fredericksburg’s historic district. The package includes discount coupons valued at over $95 for Spotsylvania Towne Centre, featuring retailers such as Macy’s, Aeropostale, Victoria’s Secret and Coldwater Creek; a $25 gift card for an eclectic mix of antique stores, boutiques and specialty shops in downtown Fredericksburg, and a variety of souvenirs.

Unwind from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season with the “Great Grape Escape” package. The “Great Grape Escape” is priced per person to customize any guest’s experience, and offers tastings at each of the three wineries located in the historic Fredericksburg region: Hartwood Winery, Potomac Point Winery and Lake Anna Winery. Additionally, the package comes with dinner vouchers as well as a trolley tour of downtown Fredericksburg. These packages do not include accommodations.