LYH Holiday Bucket List

There’s no better way to kick off your holiday adventure than seasonal markets! Check out Mistletoe Market at the Lynchburg Community Market – 9am–3pm every Saturday. Includes Santa Visits, Horse-Drawn Carriage Ridges, Extended Hours, Portrait Artists, & Live Music! Check out their Facebook Page for more info!

Check out our full list of Holiday Events

Get creative this season with hands-on experiences perfect for gift-making, date nights, or trying something new.

• Pottery workshops at Firebrick Pottery
• Wreath-making classes at Wild Grove Florals
• Cooking classes at The Flour District
• Holiday card printmaking and other craft workshops at The Scrappy Elephant

Check out our full list of Holiday Events

Whether you’re searching for the perfect Fraser fir or picking up fresh greenery, LYH has several local spots to kick off the season.

• Smith’s Pumpkin Patch – Pre-cut white pine & Fraser fir trees, wreaths, bows. Sun 12–8pm; Mon–Thurs 4–8pm; Fri–Sat 10am–8pm 
• Gary’s Garden Center – Christmas trees and greenery. Mon–Fri 8am–5pm; Sat 8am–3pm; Sun 12pm–3pm
• Virginia Garden Supply – Locally cut trees, wreaths, garlands, and a Christmas shop. Mon–Sat 8am–5pm; Sun 11am–4pm
• JMJ Landscape Supply Center – Trees and holiday greenery. Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm; Sat 8am–1pm. 

More options in the surrounding areas:

• Campbell’s Tree Farm – opens Nov. 22 with weekend hours
• Dave’s Maine Wreaths & Trees –  opens Nov. 28, open daily until sell out 
• Davis Produce – shipment of Fraser firs available starting Nov. 19; open Mon – Sat

Check out our blog for locations!

Downtown Lynchburg is the perfect place to find unique and locally made gifts this holiday season. From handmade jewelry to artisan ceramics, you can support local creators while picking up one-of-a-kind items for everyone on your list.

• Lynchburg Community Market – Browse fresh produce, handmade goods, and local crafts. Grab coffee or pastries at Fathers Café & Bakery while you explore
• Lexie & Lee – A boutique with locally sourced, handmade, and unique items for your home and wardrobe.
• Wild Grove Florals – Check out their monthly flower classes to learn a new skill and take a custom arrangement home for the holidays! 
• Spearman Artisanry – Handmade and fair trade apparel, accessories, and gifts supporting local and global artisans
• Firebrick Pottery – Hands-on pottery studio and shop. Take a class, fire your creations, or browse local ceramics
• Empire Fleet Vintage – Vintage clothing, accessories, and records from the 1940s–1990s for a nostalgic gift for everyone on your list!

Looking for unique gifts beyond downtown Lynchburg? Explore shops, boutiques, and specialty stores throughout the city.

• Paisley Gifts & Stationery – High-quality gifts, stationery, and unique finds for everyone on your list
• The Golden Honey – A modern‑boho boutique mixing coastal‑western style apparel, accessories, gifts, and home décor
• Farm Basket – Stop by for holiday open house activities, like their garland-making class!
• Givens Books & Little Dickens – Local bookstore and toy shop with coffee, pastries, and a cozy atmosphere

• Rhodora Specialty – Boutique at River Ridge with greeting cards, home décor, and unique gifts from local makers

For more festive shopping ideas, visit our Holiday Gift Guide!

Experience the magic of the season with dazzling holiday lights and festive activities throughout Lynchburg.

• Awareness Garden – Lights on nightly through early January
• Bright Nights – Stroll through Downtown Lynchburg to see spectacular light installations from Nov. 23, 2025 through Jan. 4, 2026. Stop by shops, restaurants, and hotels, and make sure you’re on Santa’s Nice List—this beloved seasonal attraction is fun for the whole family!
• Tacky Lights Tour – Join Lynchburg Parks and Recreation for a festive drive through neighborhoods near the Lynchburg Community Market, showcasing the most over-the-top holiday decorations. Tours run December 10–13 from 5pm-10pm.

Check out other holiday events here!

Step into our magical world as Wolfbane Productions presents “A Christmas Carol.” Located at the Wolf Den Downtown 723 Jefferson Street.

The Academy Center of the Arts is Greater Lynchburg’s center for arts, culture, and community building. The Academy has three performance spaces: Historic Academy Theatre, The Warehouse Theatre, and The Music Hall. Celebrate the holidays by seeing a show at the Academy!

A few of their upcoming shows: 

• Masters of Soul: A Motown Christmas – December 11, 7:30pm
• Charlottesville Ballet: The Nutcracker – December 20 & 21
• Dailey & Vincent: Candy Canes and Coal – December 13, 7:30pm

Check out our full list of Holiday Events 

Santa is making his rounds through LYH! 

• LYH Regional Airport – Dec. 11, 4pm – 6pm. Bring your camera for snaps with Santa! 
• Photos with Santa at River Ridge– Nov. 15 – Dec. 24. Pet photos available Mondays, Nov. 17 – Dec. 15. 
  • Sensory Santa – River Ridge, Dec. 14 from 8:30am to 10am, enjoy a quiet visit with Santa; advance registration required
• Santa Story Time & Photos – Every Saturday from November 29-December 20 12pm-3pm at The Trading Post. Santa Story Time beings at 12:30pm and photos begin at 1:15pm

Browse our full list of holiday events. 

Visiting family for the holidays? Make your trip extra special by trying a cozy Airbnb or short-term rental for a memorable experience in Lynchburg.

• James Station Caboose – Historic train caboose with queen bed, full kitchen, deck with fire pit and swings. Just steps from downtown, nature trails, and holiday attractions.

• Silo on the James – Luxe grain bin home with river views, fireplace, king loft, queen Murphy bed, full kitchen, and deck with fire pit. Perfect for couples or families looking for a festive getaway.

Both are part of the Stay Different collection by All Belong Co, offering a memorable experience this holiday season.

If you prefer traditional accommodations, check out some of Lynchburg’s charming hotels:

• Bella Vista Hotel & Suites – Comfortable and stylish boutique hotel with modern amenities, perfect for enjoying the city’s holiday sights and staying close to family gatherings.
• Other favorites include Craddock Terry Hotel and The Virginian Hotel, both offering convenient locations and festive holiday charm.

   

Read our blog for more unique LYH stays! 

Tired from the holiday hustle? When it’s chilly outside, head indoors to get warm, relax, and enjoy some quiet seasonal fun.

• Givens Books & Little Dickens – Grab a latte and a Fluffernutter sandwich from Troublemaker Cafe 
• Visit an Art Gallery – Admire paintings, sculptures, and more at Lynchburg’s galleries, including the Daura Museum of Art, Maier Museum, Academy Center of the Arts Galleries, Riverviews Artspace, and Lynchburg Art Club & Gallery
• Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center – Decorated for the holidays, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy history with a festive twist

For more indoor activities in LYH, visit our blog

Take a break from the cold with a warm cup of coffee or tea at one of Lynchburg’s cozy cafés.

• Golf Park Coffee Co. – A go-to for freshly roasted beans and a cozy coffee fix that helps warm up your morning or fuel your downtown stroll.
• The Loving Co. – A welcoming downtown spot where you can sip coffee or tea, browse locally made goods, and take a break from the winter chill.

For more cups of Joe in LYH, visit our blog

When you want to stay warm by enjoying something interactive indoors, LYH has plenty of options.

• Hill City Aqua Zoo – A climate-controlled indoor zoo and aquarium, perfect for families or anyone looking for engaging, animal-filled fun without worrying about the weather.
• Rise Up Climbing – Challenge yourself with indoor rock climbing, a great way to stay active and enjoy something energetic when it’s cold outside.
• VIE Wellness – For a relaxed indoor option: unwind with wellness classes, stretching, or gentle fitness in a cozy studio setting

Explore more indoor fun in LYH here.