with holiday fun from November 23rd to January 1st
Beginning Saturday, November 23rd, Downtown Ashland Association invites you to join the sparkle and cheer as we “Light Up the Tracks” in our hallmark historic district! Presented by Dominion Energy, this luminous event offers six weeks of twinkling displays, joyful activities, and small-town charm to make your holiday season truly brighter.
“We are proud to be a part of this one-of-a-kind celebration,” said Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. “It’s a great opportunity to support community spirit and spread holiday cheer in Ashland.”
As you stroll down Center Street, discover a winter wonderland where Downtown buildings, historic homes, and Randolph-Macon College are all decked in dazzling white lights. It’s like stepping into a holiday card! Plus, local shops and community groups have a sleigh full of holiday events for you to enjoy all season long. Here’s just a glimmer of what’s in store:
Wrap up in your coziest coat and head to downtown Ashland this holiday season to brighten up your celebrations. From unique handmade gifts to warming farm-to-fork foods, Ashland offers an old-fashioned holiday experience where every step sparkles with small-town magic.
- Ashland Santa Train Raffle now through November 8
- Enter for a chance to win two magical train tickets from Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys to take a holiday journey with Santa and his helpers! Proceeds benefit Downtown Ashland Association’s non-profit mission.
- Ashland Ornament Drive now through November 23
- Show off your festive spirit by designing or donating an ornament that represents your business, charity, family, or favorite Ashland memory! Drop it off at Ashland Town Hall, and it’ll light up the Ashland Town Tree at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center.
- Light Up the Tracks Celebration on Saturday, November 23rd at 5pm
- Kick off the season with an arts and crafts market featuring over 70 local vendors, an Illuminated Costume Contest with Ashland Christmas Market prizes, and festive entertainment like Jonathan Austin’s 24 Hour Emergency Juggling and Magic, a petting zoo at Ashland Feed Store, Boot Scooters line dancing, and visits from Santa and Rudolph!
- Olde Time Holiday Parade on Sunday, November 24 at 2 PM
- Join us for a classic holiday parade that brings more than 100 festive entries to downtown. From Snead Street to Archie Cannon Drive, our community comes together to light up the streets with holiday cheer.
- Caroling by local choirson Saturdays November 30 – December 28 at 5 PM
- Every Saturday, downtown Ashland resonates with the timeless tradition of caroling, making your holiday feel like a storybook come to life.
- Ashland Christmas Market on Saturday, December 7 from 11am-4pm
- With over 100 local artists, festive food trucks, and 18 local eateries, this is the perfect spot to find handcrafted gifts while enjoying seasonal bites and holiday tunes.
- New Years Eve Masquerade Ball on Tuesday, December 31 from 9pm – 12AM
- The Hanover Arts and Activities Center transforms into a world of elegance and mystery, with live music, cocktails and mocktails by Shaken Not Spurred, delicious dining by Strawberry Street Catering, and an auction to benefit Downtown Ashland Association and Hanover Arts and Activities Center.
Wrap up in your coziest coat and head to downtown Ashland this holiday season to brighten up your celebrations. From unique handmade gifts to warming farm-to-fork foods, Ashland offers an old-fashioned holiday experience where every step sparkles with small-town magic.
