Holiday Events in Staunton

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Whether you’re visiting us for the holidays, or are a local looking for things todo, Staunton has so many great happenings this season!

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Winter Stage at The Blackburn

Join us at The Blackburn on December 15th at 7:30 PM for our Winter Stage concert! Superstar folk musicians Robin and Linda Williams bring their beautiful tunes to The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center for a special one-night-only holiday homecoming. Throughout their performing career, Robin and Linda Williams have developed a unique collection of holiday and seasonal songs.

"Robin and Linda’s Holiday Christmas Spectacular" is full of harmonies, humor, carols, songs from favorite contemporary songwriters, and their own compositions drawing on childhood memories and their many Christmases together. Along with their original songs, Robin and Linda include distinctive renditions of traditional holiday material and those from other songwriters like Steve Earle, John Prine, and Joni Mitchell, all beautifully played and sung.

To this, they add their charming stories, and the result is a joyous evening that puts even the Scrooges of the world in the spirit of the season.

Light fare, beer, and wine will be available for purchase at the bar in The Great Hall, supplied by The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center’s Food and Beverage Team. Last year, this event sold out very quickly! Don’t miss your opportunity to hear the Shenandoah Valley’s King and Queen of Country offering a blend of old and new songs that celebrate the season.

a woman holding a glass of wine

Shop Downtown Staunton 
Staunton offers a multitude of local businesses to explore and support on November 25th. Take a leisurely stroll through Downtown Staunton and discover a range of offerings based on your preferences. For unique local gifts and decor, visit Made: By the People For the People, Harmony Moon, or The Sparrow’s Nest. Book enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to Pufferbellies Toys and Books. Vinyl, cassettes, CDs, or vintage stereo equipment aficionados will find a haven at The Vinyl Asylum. Art lovers can explore The Artisan’s Loft, Co-Art Gallery, or Art for Gifts at the R.R. Smith Center. There's an abundance of small businesses waiting to be explored during the holidays.

Santa’s Scenic Railway

Starting on November 25th, you can jump on the Virginia Scenic Railway. During the holiday season, this train ride turns into Santa’s Scenic Railway! Your train car will be decked out in seasonal decor while you watch the scenery. You’ll receive a choice of hot chocolate or coffee, and a choice of a chocolate chip or sugar cookie. There will even be a visit from Santa himself, maybe even with a few gifts for everyone! Book your ride today.

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Celebration of Holiday Lights

Head to Gypsy Hill Park if you’re looking for the sparkling cheer of holiday lights! The park has a long history of creating lighted displays for a drive-through experience that families return to see year after year. The free Celebration of Holiday Lights display kicks off on November 20th and will be available through January 1st.

American Shakespeare Center's A Christmas Carol

Photo by October Grace Media


Blackfriars Playhouse: A Christmas Carol

Witness the classic tale of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse. Follow the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge as Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future haunt his dreams to warm his heart towards the holiday cheer. Join a holiday tradition beloved by people of all ages, from November 30th to December 30th! 

Frontier Culture Museum’s Lantern Tours

Guided by lantern light, start on an enchanting journey through time. From December 15th through December 23rd, head to the Frontier Culture Museum for this season’s Lantern Tours! Tours run every half-hour, starting at 5:00 PM, with the last tour beginning at 8:30 PM. Availability is limited and demand is very high, so be sure to book your Lantern Tour tickets today. 

Staunton is the place to be this holiday season. From the heartwarming melodies of the WinterStage concert at The Blackburn, to the charm of Small Business Saturday in downtown Staunton, there's no shortage of festive activities to enjoy. Staunton offers a delightful mix of holiday events that will undoubtedly fill your season with joy and lasting memories. Book your stay now to experience all that Staunton has to offer!