Community Corner

A Comprehensive List of Fredericksburg Holiday Events 2013

'Tis the season to be jolly.

This list is in order by date.  Click the hyperlinks for more information.  Events are added as they are submitted or located.  (Last update 10 a.m. Dec. 18.)

ALL SEASON

Jingle Bell Carriage Rides: November 3 - January 3, 706 Caroline St., Fredericksburg.  Jingle Bell Rides are available every evening except Monday, through Jan. 3.  Reservations for the carriage rides are recommended. $100 - $120, depending on carriage purchased for the evening. 

The Village at Towne Centre Holiday in Lights:
Nov. 10 - Dec. 31, 7 - 10 p.m. at The Village at Towne Centre, 137 Spotsylvania Mall Dr., Fredericksburg.  Free shows nightly at 6:30 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30.

Splitsville Free Game and Shoe Rental: Nov. 29 - Dec. 26. Receive a free game and shoe rental with each homemade ornament brought in for the FredParent Tree at Splitsville.

Splitsville Holiday Break Special: Dec. 20 – Jan. 1 say the code word FredParent and receive free shoe rental for the group and a free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult meal.


White Christmas at Riverside Center:
Nov. 30 - Jan. 4 at Riverside Center, 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg.  Show times and ticket prices are online. 

Mr. Grinch Carriage Rides: Each Sunday in December -- weather permitting.  Take the kids on a 15 minute ride with Mr. Grinch.  Kids receive a Christmas goody bag.

Christmas Tours of Historic Kenmore: Dec 1 - 30, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Experience a colonial holiday at Kenmore, 1201 Washington Ave. Fredericksburg.  Admission is $10 adults, $5 students, under age 6, free. Closed Dec. 24 & 25. Included with admission to Kenmore.

27th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit at Ferry Farm Sunday, Dec. 8 - Monday, Dec. 30 at George Washington's Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm, 268 Kings Hwy., Fredericksburg.  The 2013 theme is "Moments in U.S. History."  The exhibit opens with judging at noon on Dec. 8.  It then is open daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., except for Dec. 24, 25 and 31.  Admission to Ferry Farm plus the exhibit is $8 adults;, $4 students. Admission to the exhibit only is $4 adults, $2 students.  Children under six are free.

NOVEMBER

Jingle Bell Cocktail Preview Party for the Merry Market:
Friday, Nov. 22, 7 - 11 p.m. at The Olde Silk Mill, 1707 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg.  Admission is $35 in advance, $45 at the door. 

Portraits with Santa at Kitt Creative:
Friday, Nov. 22, 3 - 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Portraits with Santa by appointment or walk-in. Refreshments and a craft available for the kids. Sitting is free. Photos packages available. Kit Creative is located at 810 Caroline St., in Fredericksburg -- above Jabberwocky. 

Nature Crafts for Christmas:  Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Motts Run Reservoir, River Rd. Fredericksburg.  Create hand-dipped candles, leaf-printed wrapped paper, treasure boxes and more in the Motts Run cozy log cabin. Ages 7-16. Children under 9 must attend with a non-paying adult.  $12/child.  Pre-registration required:  www.fredericksburgva.gov/parksandrec

Trains at Christmas Show:  Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Fredericksburg National Guard Armory,  Junction of U.S. Route 1 and VA Route 3.  Model train show and sale, featuring operating model railroad layouts, displays vendor tables, door prizes and raffles.  Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children age 6 - 12, and free for children under 6. 

Steampunk Nutcracker: Saturday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 24, 3 p.m. at Central Rappahannock Regional Library Headquarters Branch, 201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg.  Bella Vie Performance Company of Fredericksburg fuses Tchaikovsky’s score with new dance styles, including belly dancing, hip hop, contemporary ballet, contemporary dance and hoopers/ twirlers. Tickets are $12.  http://www.zvents.com/fredericksburg_va/events/show/363360683-steampunk-nutcracker

Merry Market 2013: Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 24, 12 - 4 p.m. at The Olde Silk Mill, 1707 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg.  An annual boutique shopping experience for the holidays.  Admission is $4, children age 11 and under are free.  More information:

Pet Pictures with the Grinch:  Saturday, Nov. 30, 2 - 7 p.m. at Dog Krazy, 307 William St., Fredericksburg.  Photos on a CD-ROM are $20.  The Grinch is going to try and make appearances each Saturday before Chirstmas, but confirm with the store.

Find out what's happening in Fredericksburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Children's Tree Lighting: Saturday, Nov. 30, 4 - 6 p.m. in Hurkamp Park, William St & Prince Edward St., Fredericksburg.  Visit with Santa and enjoy holiday music, hot chocolate, cookie decoration and holiday crafts. Free.  http://fredericksburg.patch.com/listings/hurkamp-park

DECEMBER 1 - 8

Santa at the Richard Johnston Inn:  Sunday, Dec. 1, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Richard Johnston Inn, 711 Caroline St., Fredericksburg.  Outside photos with Santa at sleigh, weather permitting.  

Candlelight Tour at the Mary Washington House: Sunday, Dec. 1,  4:30 - 7 p.m., 1200 Charles St., Fredericksburg.  Christmas carols and refreshments included.  Free

An Evening Dessert With Santa:  Sunday, Dec. 1, 5 - 8 p.m. at the Inn at the Olde Silk Mill, 1707 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg.  Children's activities, photos with Santa, dessert and raffles.  All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.  Tickets are $10 fro children age 3 - 12.  Children age 2 and under and adults are free.   Children cancer survivors or currently in treatment are free.  Purchase tickets at the Inn (540-371-5666) or from Teri R. Reece, treece@mellandfrost.com, 540-760-5705.

Kwanzaa Celebration:  Thursday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m., University of Mary Washington, Seacobeck Hall, Faculty/Staff Dining.  Partake in the rituals of Kwanzaa and enjoy a feast.  Open to all.  Free.

Find out what's happening in Fredericksburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Winter Wonder Glam Workshop: Thursday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m. at Courtyard by Marriott Historic District, 620 Caroline St, Fredericksburg.  A high-end fashion show sponsored by High Maintenance Image & Fashion Consulting
and featuring local premier retailers Monkee's of Fredericksburg, Cache' and Ava Laurenne Bride.  Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online.

UMW Philharmonic Holiday POPS!: Thursday, Dec. 5 and Friday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. at George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased by phone at 540-654-1324 or online.

Christmas Open House at Rising Sun Tavern: Friday, Dec. 6, 6 - 8:30 p.m., 1304 Caroline St., Fredericksburg.  Abbreviated tours of the historic tavern, Joe Frogger cookies, Colonial spiced tea and caroling.  Free. 

Help Lay Wreaths at Quantico, Gettysburg National Cemeteries: Friday, Dec. 6, in Gettysbury and Saturday, Dec. 7, at Quantico.  Click the hyperlink for complete details.

"Deck the Halls" Holiday Floral Decorating Presentation: Saturday, Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall, University of Mary Washington, 1301 College Ave., Fredericksburg. Noted floral consultant Jan Williams of downtown’s Jan Williams Florals will demonstrate how to craft unique decorations from local evergreens and flora.  Coffee, tea and seasonal pastries will be served, and participants enter a lottery to win one of Jan’s beautiful creations.  Admission is $25; $20 for Friends of the James Monroe Museum.  Proceeds benefit the museum. Advance registration is required. 

5th Annual Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show:  Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg.  Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for seniors.  Kids 12 and under are free.  Tickets are good for both days.  See the website for information on $1 off coupons and advance discount admission tickets.  

Spotsylvania County Christmas Parade:  Saturday, Dec. 7, 1 p.m. at Spotsylvania Court House.  The Spotsylvania Parks and Recreation Department presents the 36th Annual Christmas Parade.  Free

A Monroe Christmas Holiday Open House: Saturday, Dec. 7, 4 - 6 p.m., James Monroe Museum, 908 Charles St. Fredericksburg.  The museum opens its doors free of charge for cookies, punch and hot cider before the annual Fredericksburg Christmas parade. Free. 

Fredericksburg Jaycees Annual Christmas Parade: Saturday, Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Fredericksburg.  This year's theme is Christmas Paws.  The route begins on Caroline Street, travels to Amelia and then along Princess Anne, ending at the reviewing stand near Wolfe Street.  It is expected to last two hours  Free. 

Rappahannock Choral Society Christmas Concert: Saturday, Dec. 7, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m., Chancellor High School Auditorium, 6300 Harrison Rd. Spotsylvania.  Free. 

Breakfast with Santa at Eileen's Bakery and Cafe: Sunday, Dec. 8, seatings at 8:45 a.m. and 10 a.m. at Eileen's Bakery and Cafe, 1115 Caroline St., Fredericksburg.  $10.99 - $14.99 Reservations required. 

The 12 Twisted Days of Christmas: Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Mountain View High School, 2135 Mountain View Rd, Stafford.  Stafford Dance Center holiday performance.  Tickets are $10 in advance (plus a $1 fee if purchased by phone at 540-659-6044);  $15 at the door. 

Santa at the Richard Johnston Inn:  Sunday, Dec. 8, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Richard Johnston Inn, 711 Caroline St., Fredericksburg.  Stories with Santa.

Special Santa for Special Needs: Dec. 8 from 3 - 5 p.m.; Dec. 14 from 4 - 7 p.m. and Dec. 20 from 5 -  8 p.m. at the disAbility Resource Center, 409 Progress St., Fredericksburg.  If you have children with disabilities who can't tolerate the sounds and crowds of the mall, call the dRC and make a reservation for Santa's lap for them and their siblings. We'll have cookies and crafts for all the kids. Be sure to bring your camera and we'll be happy to take pictures of the whole family with the Jolly Old Elf!  Call 540-373-2559 or email cdepollo@cildrc.org for reservations. 

Spotsylvania Courthouse Christmas Luminary: Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4:45 p.m. at the Old Courthouse, 9101 Courthouse Rd., Spotsylvania.  Bring a blanket to sit among the glow of candles and listen to caroling choirs at Spotslyvania County's annual holiday event.  Free.

Old Salem Church 29th Annual Candlelight Holiday Music Program: Sunday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m. Old Salem Church is located at the intersection of Rt. 3 and Rt. 639, just west of Fredericksburg. Parking will be at the adjacent new Salem Baptist Church at 4044 Plank Road. Parking is only accessible via the eastbound lanes of Rt. 3. Free.

DECEMBER 9 - 12

Colonial Christmas Open House: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Central Rappahannock Regional Library Headquarters Branch, 201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg.  Crafts, games and refreshments for all ages. Free.

The Holiday Health Survival Seminar:  Thursday, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. in Great Play, 12140 Amos Lane, Fredericksburg.  Admission is $5.  Childcare is $2.  Register online.

Portraits with Santa at Kitt Creative: Thursday, Dec, 12 and Friday, Dec. 13, 3 - 7 p.m. Portraits with Santa by appointment or walk-in. Refreshments and a craft available for the kids. Sitting is free. Photos packages available. Kit Creative is located at 810 Caroline St., in Fredericksburg -- above Jabberwocky.

Greening Your Holidays: Thursday, Dec. 12, 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, 308 Hanover St. -- enter from the Charlotte Street parking lot.  The Rappahannock Group Sierra Club hosts presentations from local merchants about using non-toxic products, creative gift wrapping and ornament creations for the holidays.  A donation of a canned good for the FUMC food pantry is appreciated.  Refreshments served.  

December 13 - 15

Santa in the Museum Store: Friday, Dec. 13, 6 - 8 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center, 1001 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg.  Free.

Night Before Christmas Hayride and Story: Dec. 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21 at Caledon State Park, 11617 Caledon Rd., King George. Sing holiday songs while taking a wagon ride through the winter woods. Return to the visitor center for hot chocolate and a reading of the classic holiday story, "T'was the Night Before Christmas." Reservations are required: 540-663-3861. $3/person or $8/family. There will be rides at 5 pm, 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Dec. 13 & 20. On Dec 14, 15 & 21, rides will be at 4, 6 & 8 p.m.

Rappahannock Model Railroad Club Christmas Show:  Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge #4123, 21 Cool Springs Rd., Fredericksburg. Adults $7, children 4 - 12 $1, under 4 free.

Breakfast with Santa at James Monroe High School: Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m. at James Monroe High School, 2300 Washington Ave., Fredericksburg.  Enjoy pancakes with Santa and make a craft.  All proceeds benefit the James Monroe High School band.  $6 per person.  

YMCA Annual Holiday Craft Show: Saturday, Dec, 14, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Massad YMCA, 212 Butler Rd., Fredericksburg. Unique gifts, handmade items, art, jewelry, wood crafts, Santa's Workshop and more.

Story Time & Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 - 11:15 a.m. at the  Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal St., Fredericksburg. Enjoy the holiday season with a story, craft making, buffet and Santa! $6 per child.

Portraits with Santa at Kitt Creative: Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Portraits with Santa by appointment or walk-in. Refreshments and a craft available for the kids. Sitting is free. Photos packages available. Kit Creative is located at 810 Caroline St., in Fredericksburg -- above Jabberwocky.

Gingerbread Preschool Workshop: Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. at Ferry Farm, 268 Kings Hwy., Fredericksburg.  A holiday event for 4- and 5-year olds -- listen to and act out Jan Brett's "Gingerbread Baby," decorate a paper gingerbread house and a gingerbread person cookie, participate in a scavenger hunt and tour the Gingerbread House Exhibit.  Cost is $6 per child. To register call 540-370-0732 ext. 24 or email hayes@gwffoundation.org.

Historic Fredericksburg Foundation 43rd Annual Candlelight Tour: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.,  The Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, 1200 Caroline St. Fredericksburg.  The tour features five historic homes.  Tickets range from $10 - $20.  Tickets for the evening tour with cocktail party are $60 each or $100 for two.  

Toys for Tots FinaleSaturday, Dec. 14, 12 - 6 p.m. in the food court of Spotsylvania Towne Centre.  Join 93.3 WFLS, 99.3 The Vibe, and 96.9 Classic Rock for the Toys for Tots finale Help area children this holiday season by bringing a new, un-wrapped toy donation.  There will be crafts and games for the entire family.

Christmas Family Day at National Museum of the Marine Corps: Saturday, Dec. 14, 3 - 5 p.m. at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, 18900 Jeff Davis Hwy., Triangle. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, create a holiday craft and write a letter to the North Pole. Free.

1774: A Stratford Hall Christmastide: Saturday, Dec 14, 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Stratford Hall, 483 Great House Rd,, Stratford. Celebrate the season in another century as the Lees host their holiday festivities. Admission is $10 adults, $5 children. Christmas candlelight dinner by reservation only.

Hope for the Holidays 2013 Dinner Dance:  Saturday, Dec. 14, 5 - 9 p.m. at Morais Vineyards, 11409 Marsh Rd.,  Bealeton. A semi-formal dinner and dance with a silent auction to support Safe Haven Village, helping to provide orphans in Guatemala with a loving family environment.  Tickets are available online.

The Spotsylvanians Christmas Concert: Saturday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, 2:30 p.m. at Spotsylvania Middle School Auditorium, 8801 Courthouse Rd., Spotsylvania.  Local school choirs and The Spotsylvanians present "What Sweeter Music... A Celebration Of Holiday Songs." Free.

Avery Ballet's "Christmas Around the World": Saturday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Academy Theatre, 10800 Academy Dr., Fredericksburg. Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 p.m. at the Avery Ballet Studio, 810 Caroline St., Fourth Floor, Fredericksburg. Tickets are $10.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis: Sunday, Dec. 15, Spotsylvania Courthouse Village, 9010 Old Battlefield Blvd., Spotsylvania. Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Raise funds to fight arthritis, the nation's leading cause of disability.  Advanced registration is $30. On-site registration is $35.  Children under 12, $15. 

Breakfast with Santa at Eileen's Bakery and Cafe: Sunday, Dec. 15, seatings at 8:45 a.m. and 10 a.m. at Eileen's Bakery and Cafe, 1115 Caroline St., Fredericksburg.  $10.99 - $14.99 Reservations required. 

Laud to the Nativity: Images of Christ’s Birth through the Ages:  Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 p.m. at Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont, 224 Washington St., Falmouth.  Joanna Catron, curator of Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont will lead the presentation.  Free. 

Santa at the Richard Johnston Inn:  Sunday, Dec. 15, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Richard Johnston Inn, 711 Caroline St., Fredericksburg.  Hand bells and Santa’s Story.  

Stafford Regional Choral Society Christmas Concert: Sunday, Dec 15,  3 p.m. at Colonial Forge High School, 550 Courthouse Rd., Stafford. Free.

DECEMBER 18 - 22

Fredericksburg Community Concert Band Christmas Concert Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. in Spotsylvania Towne Centre, 137 Spotsylvania Mall Dr., Fredericksburg.  Free.

Christmas Crafts for Kids (ages 3 - 5) Thursday, Dec. 19, 10 - 11 a.m. at Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal St., Fredericksburg. Admission ($5 per child) includes supplies and a snack.  Presented by the Fredericksburg Department of Parks and Rec. Preregistration is required at 540-372-1086. 

Fabulous Fridays: Gift Wrap Workshop: Friday, Dec. 20, 4:30 - 5:15 at Salem Church Library, 2607 Salem Church Rd., Fredericksburg. Drop in and learn how to wrap your holiday gifts with flair. Books, activities, and crafts. Grades K - 6.

Living Nativity: Friday, Dec. 20,  6 - 8 p.m. at Peace United Methodist Church, 801 Maple Grove Dr., Fredericksburg. Free.

Rappahannock POPS Orchestra Holiday Concert: Friday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. at Grace Church of Fredericksburg Center for the Arts, 1141 Heatherstone Dr., Fredericksburg. $20 adults, $15 seniors (65 and over), $15 students (with valid ID), children under 18 are free. 

Holiday Open House and Meet the Maker: Saturday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Wm Mason II Violin Shop, 509-1 Jackson St., Fredericksburg.  Tour the shop, meet master violin maker Oded Kishony, view handmade instruments and enjoy refreshments

Fredericksburg Ballet Center presents The Nutcracker: Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.  Performances will be held at James Monroe High School, 2300 Washington Ave., Fredericksburg.  Tickets range from $16 - $20. 

Civil War Santa at Chatham:  Sunday, Dec. 22, 1 - 4 p.m. at Chatham Manor, 120 Chatham Lane in Stafford. Visit with Santa, make decorations, enjoy punch and cookies.  Free.

Santa at the Richard Johnston Inn:  Sunday, Dec. 22, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Richard Johnston Inn, 711 Caroline St., Fredericksburg.  “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” 

DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 1, 2014

First Night Fredericksburg: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 6 p.m. - 12:15 a.m., Downtown Fredericksburg.  Globe drop and midnight countdown begin at 11:40 p.m. at Sophia and George streets.  Admission buttons are required for everyone three years and older to attend the indoor and tent area performances and ride the trolley. Admission is $5 in advance, $8 at the event.  Children 3 and under are free.

New Year's Eve with Frankenfut at The Colonial Tavern: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. at The Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd., Fredericksburg.  "New line up, same rock and roll."

See also:
If you know of an event missing from this list, please add it to the comments section, and I will add it to the list!  Thank you. -Susan

Follow Fredericksburg Patch for the latest news and events.
Facebook | Twitter





















Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here