Holiday events this weekend

This weekend has many holiday events going on throughout the Shenandoah Valley. The weather is cold, snow flurries are flying, and a hint of Christmas is in the air. The picturesque town of Woodstock in Shenandoah County will have its tree lighting ceremony tonight at the Courthouse at 6:00 pm including a parade and a visit from Santa. If you are in historic Lexington tonight, their annual parade titled a "North Pole Stroll" will take place at 6:30 pm on Main Street. The Harrisonburg Christmas Parade is also tonight at 7:00 on Main Street.

Though not in the Valley, the Commonwealth of Virginia Christmas tree will be lighted tonight on the Capitol grounds in Richmond with festivities beginning at dark. All are welcome to join in the fun with Governor and Mrs. Bob McDonnell and tour the Executive Mansion, decorated for the season and open from 5:30-8:00 pm.


Step back in time in Winchester for candlelight tours of Stonewall Jackson's headquarters Friday and Saturday,  December 3-4. Decorated for the holidays with interpreters and colonial music, it offers an opportunity to experience living history from the 1800s. For tour times and fees call 540-662-6550.

A historical look at Christmas on the Farm at New Market Battlefield will take place on Saturday, December 4, from 10 am-4 pm.

Hitch a ride tomorrow, December 4, in historic downtown Staunton when carriage rides will be available from noon-3:00 pm along with children's activities and music along Beverley Street, or take a free trolley ride around the area, hopping off and jumping on at stops along the way. Enjoy shops and restaurants that are decorated for the holidays with thousands of twinkly lights welcoming guests to celebrate a Valley Christmas.

Always a favorite event is Waynesboro's Winter Wonderland Christmas parade tomorrow, December 4, at 7 pm with floats, marching bands, and Santa himself. Later in the month, the annual Christmas in River City features a family-friendly evening on December 17 from 5-8:00 pm in downtown Waynesboro that includes horse drawn carriage rides, Santa, caroling and a yule log.

The folks in Highland County invite all to western Virginia to celebrate Wintertide, an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas in downtown Monterey all this weekend, Friday through Sunday, December 3-5, featuring a tree-lighting at the courthouse, carolers on horseback, handmade fresh holiday wreaths, and hand-spun wool items in Virginia's Little Switzerland.