HARRISONBURG VA: (Rocktown Now) -The Shenandoah Valley is celebrating another season of festive cheer as communities from Harrisonburg to Woodstock brought their long‑loved Christmas traditions to life throughout December.
Markets, Music, and Mountain Magic
Historic towns across the Valley transformed into what visitors described as “living snow globes,” merging historic charm with lively seasonal events. In Harrisonburg and Winchester, German‑inspired Christmas markets welcomed crowds earlier this month, offering handcrafted gifts, authentic Glühwein, artisan demonstrations, and carols sung in traditional and modern styles. Harrisonburg’s Downtown Christmas Market, held December 12–13, featured more than 40 local makers. The Harrisonburg Farmer’s Market will be open all winter on Saturday mornings.
Lights That Lit Up the Valley
Light displays once again drew families from across the region. The Shenandoah County Fairgrounds’ “Christmas in the Valley” drive‑thru lights—open Fridays through Sundays leading up to December 28—offered visitors a glowing two‑mile route with Valley‑themed installations and a festive vendor village. Guests even enjoyed the chance to spot Santa on select evenings.
Elsewhere, Clearbrook Park in Winchester dazzled walkers with its illuminated Winter Wonderland, and Staunton’s Gypsy Hill Park kept its 19‑year tradition alive by lighting up its 214 acres nightly through the month.
History Illuminated Through Holiday Traditions
The Valley’s deep historical roots played a major role in its celebrations. At the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, lantern tours transported guests through Christmas traditions from 17th‑century Europe to 19th‑century America. In Harrisonburg, the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center offered a candlelit reenactment of an 1864 Christmas Eve, showing visitors the quiet, reverent observances of early Valley settlers.
Staunton’s Blackfriars Playhouse once again staged its energetic, Victorian‑era production of A Christmas Carol, drawing audiences with its immersive storytelling and lively performances.
Parades and Community Gatherings
Small towns across the Valley filled their streets with music, decorations, and holiday spirit. Dayton, Grottoes, Weyers Cave, Timberville, and Harrisonburg all hosted festive parades and tree‑lighting events throughout the month. Harrisonburg’s Winter Wonderfest, held December 6, featured carriage rides, a cookie tour, artisan pop‑ups, and whimsical Whoville installations.
Live nativities also continued to be a beloved tradition. First Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg presented an outdoor nativity complete with live animals, cookies, and cocoa just ahead of the city parade.
Holiday Experiences for All Ages
From Lexington’s horse‑drawn carriage rides to the Santa’s Scenic Railway in Staunton, families enjoyed nostalgic experiences throughout December. The 50‑minute scenic train ride provided children the chance to meet Santa while sipping cocoa and taking in the Valley’s winter landscapes.
Performing arts venues across the region—such as Waynesboro’s Wayne Theatre, Harrisonburg’s Court Square Theater, and JMU’s Forbes Center—wrapped up full slates of holiday programming, including ballets, concerts, films, and seasonal plays.
A Valley United in Holiday Tradition
As the Shenandoah Valley’s many celebrations came to a close, residents and visitors alike reflected on a season filled with handcrafted markets, glowing lights, historic reenactments, and community warmth. The Valley once again proved itself one of Virginia’s most charming destinations for celebrating the spirit of Christmas—past, present, and future.
