Holiday Happenings

American Shakespeare Center
Performances of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens at our next door neighbor the American Shakespeare Center. Fun and family friendly, this is at the very top of our list for the holidays

Location Lantern Tours at the Frontier Culture Museum
Join the Frontier Culture Museum for their annual Lantern Tours!
This year they're going back to using both sides of the museum. With skits in the English, Irish, and German houses, as well as the 1820s and 1850s farm.
Lantern Tours will run from December 15 - 18 & December 21 - 23.
Virginia Scenic Railway: Santa Trains!
Coming in December the Virginia Scenic Railroad, with it's depot within a walk of our front doors, will start the Santa Train. These shorter trip are designed for families and are sure to be one of you new favorite holiday traditions.https://www.virginiascenicrailway.com/

Festive holiday themed events in town
https://www.stauntondowntown.org/events/
Veteran's Day
Every year thousands of military members leave the service and enter the civilian workforce—many becoming entrepreneurs and small business owners. While remembering, honoring and thanking veterans is important each Veterans Day November 11) — and every day for that matter — helping our veterans succeed following their service to our country is equally vital. Make plans to attend the 2022 Veterans Day Parade which begins at 11:00AM, Saturday, November 5 in downtown Staunton. The 2022 Veterans Parade is sponsored by the Staunton Rotary Club. The SDDA will be promoting Veterans Day-related happenings, events, promotions, as well as highlighting our Veteran-owned businesses through our social media outlets. Don't miss the SDDA's "A Salute to Veterans" through-the-glass display at THE SPACE (35A S. New Street). FREE 24/7.
Small Business Saturday (Nov. 26th)
The SDDA will be kicking off the holiday season with a little cheer… as we celebrate our wonderful businesses and organizations during Small Business Saturday. Make plans to venture downtown and support your old favorites while also discovering new businesses that you're sure to love! Make sure to follow us on social media or sign up for our community e-blast for additional posts and happenings leading up to this special day.
Staunton Christmas Parade (Nov. 28th)
The SDDA presents the Staunton Christmas Parade, sponsored by Columbia Gas of Virginia. This has been a beloved Staunton event for decades, marshaled by the Staunton Kiwanis Club. Make plans to join us for "A Storybook Christmas" beginning Monday, November 28, 2022 at 7:00PM. Can't make it downtown in person? Tune in to view the parade via street cam (link coming soon!)—sponsored by LINGO Networks / MGW. Don't miss the official kick-off to the holiday season, when Santa Claus arrives in downtown Staunton! Santa's Float is sponsored by Williams Brothers Tree & Lawn Service.
Saturdays in December - (Dec. 3, 10, 17)
Multiple opportunities to safely shop, stay and play downtown this holiday season! DISCOVER delicious foods, fabulous retail, services, attractions and galleries! ENJOY strolling holiday characters, musicians, performers, and activities, 10AM-2PM, Saturdays during December. Downtown Staunton is home—for the holidays!

• December 3 - Santa's Sleigh & Reindeer will be in Candy Cane Courtyard @ City National Bank (38 N Central Ave, Staunton), sponsored by City National Bank
• December 10 - Santa's Cottage, located in Gingerbread Gardens @ Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, (18 N. Coalter Street) Fun activities, music and photo opportunities sponsored by Sylvan Scapes.
• December 17 - Santa's Downtown Workshop will be set-up inside THE SPACE (35A South New Street), sponsored by Mary Baldwin University. Stop by, take a

While there is still time to work on your New Years resolution, there's still plenty to do when we welcome in 2023.
Annual Winter Wine Festival
Our Annual Winter Wine Festival offers the opportunity to taste and compare wines from distinct regions of Virginia. Providing generous access to vendors, the event features a select group of wine and cider producers from both sides of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the comfort of Staunton's historic Hotel 24 South.
PLANNING IS UNDERWAY FOR THE FEBRUARY 25, 2023, WINTER WINE FESTIVAL