Thanksgiving wrapped up last week, and the Mariah Carey-festive vibes era has officially begun. With temperatures down, lights up and spirits high, not even pesky final projects and exams can dampen this holiday season. Last week, I celebrated quality time and togetherness with friends and family, and entering December, I am committed to keeping those good feelings rolling. If you’re like me and don’t want to wait for winter break to get into the holiday spirit, here are some ways to experience the joy of the season right here in Charlottesville.
1. See the glowing Rotunda
If nothing else, the one University tradition you should take part in is going to Lighting of the Lawn, where the University community gathers for a light show at the Rotunda. This year, LOTL is finally on a Friday — and also our last day of classes — so hopefully no late discussion sections for you. Join in on this annual tradition solo or with friends by grabbing some food truck food at South Lawn, sipping on a cup of hot cocoa and checking out LOTL merch before the main events start. If you want to hear a bunch of the a cappella groups perform, make sure to get to the Lawn closer to 7 p.m. Definitely make sure you’re at the Lawn before 8:30 p.m. to guarantee you hear the annual poem reading before the light show at 9 p.m.
2. Stroll down the Downtown Mall
The Downtown Mall is hopping with lots of holiday spirit this December, and it is well worth the short trip out there. Upon arriving at the Mall, make sure to snap a shot of you and your pals with the “CVILLE” topiary light sign that is currently in the center of the Mall. If you’re looking for a more concrete event, head this direction Friday to catch Grand Illumination, Charlottesville’s annual tree lighting, from 5-8 p.m. at the Ting Pavilion. With holiday treats, live performances and a countdown to the lighting, this is a Charlottesville classic. Busy Friday? Schedule your visit for Sunday instead to catch the Charlottesville Band Holiday Concert at the Paramount Theater. Enjoy holiday favorites and sing-a-longs with friends while keeping warm on a chilly Sunday afternoon.
3. Listen to sweet tunes at the University Singers Family Holiday Concert
In the mood for holiday music? I always am. Join the Charlottesville Symphony, University Singers and acclaimed professor and trumpeter John D’earth for one of their annual holiday concerts this month either Dec. 7 or 8. Take in the gorgeous blend of sounds which are amplified by the incredible acoustics of Old Cabell Hall with friends, or venture solo. Schedule B just before finals begin, this is the perfect time to enjoy the talent that exists in the University community.
4. Blow your own glass ornament
One of the best pre-holiday rituals is decorating your home, and while those 20-year-old ornaments are cool and all, it might be time for a fresh change. Become an artist this holiday season by pursuing an afternoon of glassblowing. Perhaps one of the coolest art forms to exist, glassblowing is a very challenging craft — but Raging Buffalo Glass makes it accessible for the beginner and ensures that you have a personal connection with the piece you create. This is definitely on my bucket list — to be able to say that a “Saks original” is sprucing up the apartment is pretty, well, original.
5. Kick back at Carter Mountain Orchard
Consider heading to the Thursday Evening Holiday Series at Carter Mountain Orchard, either this upcoming Thursday or Dec. 19 from 5-8 p.m. No tickets are required. Head out with friends and start the night by enjoying a free cup of warm apple cider and free samples of hot apple cider donuts, apple pie and apple caramel crisp cookies. Mosey around and listen to some live music at the Apple Barn, shop at the Country Store or just relax and relish being away from work and stress — you’ll be glad that you set aside some time away from Grounds to experience this holiday staple.
6. Enjoy a Christmas — Halloween? — Movie
Celebrate Friday the 13th in December in style by watching The Nightmare Before Christmas at Albemarle Ciderworks, just a short 13-minute drive from Grounds. Make this spooky day and finals seasons a little less scary — or more so, depending on how you react to the film — by taking a break with this classic. Get yourself some cider and snacks, pop a squat and enjoy the mastermind of Tim Burton. You may just find some solace in the fact that Jack Skellington is also asking “what’s this?” just as you are as you revisit beginning-of-semester material for your cumulative exams.
7. Find the perfect gift at the Charlottesville Holiday Market
Wishlist season is upon us, but there’s always that one person who doesn’t know exactly what they want. What in the world to get them? Find some inspiration — and even make some purchases — at the Charlottesville Holiday Market. The market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Dec. 21 and features handcrafted products from 100 local vendors, including artisanal confections, fine jewelry and holiday décor. Peruse some unique options with friends, and make a day of it — the market has live music and food, making for quite the festive environment.
8. Elevate your dining atmosphere at Michie Tavern
The holiday season is prime time for good food with your favorite people — and that means ditching the everyday dining hall aesthetic for something a little more elevated. This December, take a short trip out to Michie Tavern. Located less than a mile from Monticello, this tavern has been a historical staple of Virginia since 1784. In 1927, this Virginia landmark was moved 17 miles from its remote location in Albemarle County to its current home at the foot of Carter’s Mountain. The restaurant offers a delectable lunch buffet based on 18th-century Southern recipes, including southern fried chicken, homemade mashed potatoes and gravy and cornbread and biscuits. Part educational, part culinary — all awesome.
9. Travel back in time with a holiday tour of Monticello
No matter how many times you’ve seen Monticello, every visit back is full of “I can’t believe I missed this” details. Even if you have experienced a tour of Monticello, I can guarantee you haven’t seen it all. Make the trek to see Jefferson’s home adorned with candles, garlands and other holiday decorations, and learn how “both the enslaved and the free celebrated the holidays.” Reservations are required, and though tickets are a steep $99 for this hour-and-a-half evening tour, it is well worth the visit. Tours run from Dec. 13-23 and 26-30. This is a must-do for all, history buff or not.
10. Admire the Winter Wander lights at Boar’s Head Resort
Nothing says “holiday season” like a dazzling light display. Lucky for you, you’ve got a couple options here in Charlottesville, but perhaps none better than the Boar’s Head Resort Winter Wander Trail of Lights. From now until Jan. 4, you can bundle up, venture out with friends and enjoy a half-mile stroll around Heritage Lake, all illuminated by thousands of lights. Displays on the trail feature lights shaped like a huge heron, a frog, jumbo-sized flowers and a water fountain. Perhaps the most impressive display, however, is the site’s mammoth oak tree and its expansive root network, all of which is covered in lights. I can’t wait to take a break from finals prep and explore this winter wonderland.
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