From small-town parades to cozy markets and Santa sightings, the Shenandoah Valley knows how to celebrate the season. Here’s your one-stop guide to the holidays — organized by Events, Santa Visits, and Parades, all listed by date so you can easily plan your festive calendar.

🎄 Holiday Events (By Date)

December 5

Sip, Shop + Do Good — New Creation, Harrisonburg

3051 S Main St, Harrisonburg VA

Extended shopping hours, a hot chocolate bar, giveaways, and ethical gifts.

The Town of Dayton Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting- Dayton, VA 

December 6 – 

Winter Wonderfest - Downtown Harrisonburg, 1pm-6pm

Sip & Stroll, carriage rides, artisan shopping, gingerbread contest, Whoville displays, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and more.

Cookie Tour — Downtown Harrisonburg, 1pm-4pm

Build your own plate of a dozen unique locally made cookies while browsing participating shops. (They're already waitlisted!)

Handmade Harrisonburg at Pale Fire Brewing- 12pm-6pm

Local artisans, small-batch gifts, and festive drinks.

Timberville Winter Festival at American Legion Park- 10am-6pm

Two days of holiday fun with shopping, food, live music, Santa, and community festivities — a can’t-miss small-town celebration.

Bluestone Vineyard’s 14th Annual Weihnachtsmarkt -11am-5pm

A German-inspired Christmas Market! Sip on steaming Glühwein, browse local artisan vendors, and treat yourself to festive bites.

Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center Christmas Eve 1864 Experience

A historical, candlelit look at how Christmas Eve was celebrated in 1864.

City of Harrisonburg Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting (Evening)

Live Nativity at First Presbyterian Church- 5-6:30pm

17 Court Square, Harrisonburg

A serene outdoor nativity with live animals, cookies, and cocoa before the parade.

December 7 

Timberville Winter Festival at American Legion Park- 1pm-5pm

Two days of holiday fun with shopping, food, live music, Santa, and community festivities — a can’t-miss small-town celebration.

Grottoes Christmas Parade Festivities

A festive day leading into the town’s movie-themed parade.

December 13

Alpine Goat Brewery Christmas Market - 12pm-4pm

212 Chapel Hill Lane, Weyers Cave, VA

Local vendors, wine, special beer releases, and live music in the evening.

Showalter’s Orchard Christmas Festivities- 11am- 5pm

17768 Honeyvile Road, Timberville, VA
Warm cider, Santa visits, and handcrafted gifts in a cozy orchard setting.

December 14

Weyers Cave Christmas Parade- 3pm

Annual Christmas Parade and then join Santa at the fire station for hot chocolate, apple cider, and cookies

December 19

Townie Winter at Pale Fire Brewing- 5pm- Midnight

217 S Liberty St Ste 105, Harrisonburg, VA

Mulled wine, winter cocktails, warm drinks, and festive ambiance for locals.

Christmas Village — Rockingham County Fairgrounds

12/19:  5:00 - 9:00 p.m., 12/20 4:00 - 9:00 p.m., Tickets on sale now!

A walk-through Christmas village with vendors, lights, festive food, and holiday displays.

December 20

Whoville Christmas Celebration at Ulrich Lifestyle Structures- 9am–3pm

3105 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA

Ornament crafting, hot cocoa, and photos with Santa and the Grinch. Free entry.

The Nutcracker Ballet with Rockingham Ballet Theatre - 7:30pm

Cole Hall, Bridgewater College

December 21

Santa in the Stables at Stable Craft Brewing- 11:30am-8pm

34 Livery Lane, Waynesboro, VA 22980

 Photos, horses, hot chocolate bar, brunch, Irish dancers, and family fun. Tickets are available for purchase.

The Nutcracker Ballet with Rockingham Ballet Theatre - 3pm

Cole Hall, Bridgewater College

December 31

New Year’s Eve Glow Run — 4:30pm

Heritage Oaks Golf Course lights up with neon, music, and family-friendly races, including a kids’ Countdown Run. Register now!

All December

Harrisonburg Farmers Market Holiday Market (Saturdays)
Fresh baked goods, winter produce, handmade gifts, and local crafts.

Themed Horseback Ride at Fort Valley Ranch

December 13th, 20th, 24th. 31st

Guided trail ride ending at the campfire with warm drinks and a keepsake ornament. Reserve your saddle now!

🎅 Santa Visits (By Date)

December 6

-Santa & Mrs. Claus at Winter Wonderfest

-Santa Visits Rockingham Cooperative- 10am-2pm

1044 S High St, Harrisonburg VA

-Free Photos With Santa at Gift & Thrift - 11am- 5pm

731 Mt. Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg VA

-Photos with Santa at Whit’s Market- 9am-12pm

189 S Main St, Timberville VA 

-Santa & Mrs. Clause at the New Market Library- 6pm-8pm

160 E Lee ST, New Market VA

December 6–7

-Santa at the Timberville Winter Festival — Timberville

325 American Legion Drive, Timberville VA

December 13

-Camo Santa — Rockingham Cooperative - 10am-2pm

1044 S High St, Harrisonburg, VA

- Santa at Showalter’s Orchard- 11am-5pm

17768 Honeyvile Road, Timberville, VA

- The Grinch at Smiley’s Ice Cream- 11am- 1pm

205 Don Litten Parkway, Bridgwater VA

December 20

-Santa + The Grinch at Ulrich Lifestyle Structures- 9am-3pm

3105 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA

- Milk & Cookies with Santa at Smiley’s Ice Cream- 11am-5pm

205 Don Litten Parkway, Bridgwater VA 

December 21

-Santa in the Stables at Stable Craft Brewing- 1-4pm

34 Livery Lane, Waynesboro, VA 22980

🎉 Holiday Parades (By Date)

December 5

Town of Dayton Christmas Parade — 6pm

December 6

City of Harrisonburg Holiday Parade — 7pm

Bridgewater Christmas Parade — 4:30pm

New Market “Tis The Season” Parade- 5pm

December 7

Grottoes Christmas Parade — 5pm

December 14

Broadway Annual Christmas Parade- 2pm

Weyers Cave Christmas Parade — 3pm

Enjoy the Season!

This is just a peek into the holiday season in the Valley! Of course, things can change so always be sure to check the website or call the venue before heading out.

Whether you’re chasing Santa sightings, shopping local, or catching every parade you can, the Shenandoah Valley is packed with holiday magic. Bundle up, bring your people, and make the most of the Valley’s most festive time of year.