Snow globe photo booth at Ashland Feed Store during the Grand Illumination
✨ Recurring & Ongoing December Specials in the Center of the Universe
💆♀️ Revival Spa – Black Friday Gift Card Sale & Salt Cave Now Open
Treat yourself—or someone you love—to the gift of relaxation this holiday season! Revival Spa is offering an exclusive Black Friday Gift Card Sale:
💳 Get a $155 gift card for just $110!
Plus, their brand-new salt cave is now open for booking, offering rejuvenating, mineral-rich sessions designed to soothe, heal, and restore. 🌿💨
📍 10384 Dow Gil Rd, Suite B, Ashland, VA 23005
🔗 Book easily at RevivalSpas.com
🎒 Hanover Academy – Enrolling Now for the 2025–2026 School Year
For over 66 years, Hanover Academy has provided a loving, nurturing environment with a strong Christian foundation and a commitment to academic excellence. Accredited by the Virginia Independent Schools Association, Hanover Academy offers:
🎨 Music, art, technology, and Spanish classes
🏫 Preschool through 5th grade education
👨👩👧👦 Multi-child discounts
⚽ A spacious gym, two playgrounds, and athletic fields for year-round fun
📍 117 Races Road, Ashland, VA 23005
🔗 Learn more: HanoverAcademy.com
🏠 AAPCO Home Improvement – Holiday Home Upgrades
Make your home merry, bright, and beautifully refreshed this season with AAPCO’s limited-time offers:
🚿 Free Estimates on Shower Remodels – starting at just $6,995. Choose from stunning new shower styles and schedule your free in-home estimate today! (Not valid with any other offer.)
🏡 Upgrade Your Home with 25% Off a ProVia Metal Roof – or choose FREE gutters for your entire home with a full metal roof replacement!
☀️ Save $2,500 on a New Solar System – plus enjoy a 30-year warranty from Solar Tyme, letting you harness the power of the sun with total peace of mind.
🔗 Learn more and schedule your appointment: AAPCOhi.com
🎵 Music 4 Everyone – Winter Enrollment & Special Offer
Discover the joy of music with Music 4 Everyone, Ashland’s dynamic and inclusive music school! 🎶 Whether you’re picking up your first instrument or perfecting your performance skills, their expert instructors create a fun, supportive, and personalized learning experience for students of all ages and levels.
🎹 Programs include private lessons, group classes, and seasonal music camps — covering piano, guitar, ukulele, banjo, drums, violin, cello, and voice.
💛 Build confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love of music in a creative, welcoming environment.
❄️ Winter Special: Enjoy 15% off tuition for your first 3 months!
📍 9410 Charter Crossing Dr, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116
🔗 Join the community: music4everyoneschool@gmail.com
✨ December Dates in the Center of the Universe
🎁 Holiday Porch Pot Workshop – December 2, 2025
Get your front porch ready for the holidays with a gorgeous winter greenery arrangement! In Deck the Porch, you’ll design a festive porch pot filled with fragrant evergreens, berries, and seasonal accents that last through the season. Perfect for a cozy holiday night out with friends—wine, snacks, and winter vibes included. 🌿🍷✨
📅 Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30–8:30 PM
📍 Location: Dominion Energy Innovation Center, 201 Duncan Street, Ashland, VA 23005
🔗 Register: Breemar Flower Farm Workshops
🎄 Entrepreneurial Boot Camp – Holiday Meet & Greet – December 3, 2025
Holiday cheer meets business growth! Connect with fellow business owners, share festive ideas, and discover programming designed to help your business thrive in the Center of the Universe. A perfect way to mix, mingle, and prepare for a successful new year. 🎉💼
📅 Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Location: Ashland Branch Library, 201 S Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA 23005
💡 Free event
🎨 Hand-Painted Winter Tray Workshop – December 3, 2025
Trade the tinsel for creativity! Join local artist Ella Gormley for a step-by-step workshop creating your own hand-painted winter tray. A festive keepsake perfect for holiday gifting or decorating your home. 🖌️❄️
📅 Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Location: Hanover Mercantile, 8109 Judith Ln, Mechanicsville, VA 23116
🔗 Register: Hanover Mercantile
🎭 A Christmas Carol at Randolph Macon College – December 3–7, 2025
Celebrate the holidays with a timeless story of redemption, generosity, and joy! Marilyn Mattys’ beloved adaptation of Dickens’ classic has been a holiday tradition at R-MC for over 25 years. Directed by Professor Emeritus Joe Mattys, this heartwarming performance is perfect for families and friends. 🎭🎄
📅 Dates: Wednesday–Sunday, December 3–7, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
📍 Location: Cobb-Kesler Theater, Center for the Performing Arts, 205 Henry St, Ashland, VA 23005
🔗 Tickets: R-MC Arts
🍰 Bravo Bakeshop Holiday Menu Debut – December 4, 2025
The holidays are sweeter at Bravo Bakeshop! Indulge in festive pastries, cookies, and desserts inspired by traditions around the world. Available online and in-store while supplies last. Perfect for gifting or treating yourself! 🎄🍪
📅 Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM onwards
📍 Location: 278 N Washington Hwy, Ashland, VA 23005
🔗 Learn more: Bravo Bakeshop
🎄 First Thursday – Iron Horse: A Holiday Tradition
Celebrate the season the Ashland way at the beloved First Thursday Festival—a night filled with merriment, glee, cheer, and all the festive jollity your heart can handle! Enjoy Christmas songs you adore (and a few surprises you didn’t know you needed), soak up the joyful atmosphere, and don’t forget to don your tacky sweater or Santa hat. It simply won’t be the same without you!
📅 Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:15 PM
📍 Location: 100 South Railroad Avenue, Ashland, VA 23005
🔗 Event Website: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BvaomarqN/
🎤 Wish You Were Here | A Christmas Show – December 5, 2025
An evening of music, laughter, and holiday cheer! Featuring Nothing Too Crazy, Logan Miller, Glen Allen High School Select Ensemble, and the COTU Players. Proceeds support Jacob’s Chance, empowering individuals with disabilities. 🎶🎁
📅 Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM (Doors open 6:15 PM)
📍 Location: Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center, 2880 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
💵 Tickets: $13 online | $15 at the door – General Admission
🎤 LUX Show Choir Holiday Spectacular – December 5, 6, 12 & 13, 2025
Get into the holiday spirit with Randolph Macon Show Choir’s annual Holiday Spectacular! Enjoy dazzling lights, energetic dancing, and joyful singing in a festive performance for the whole family. Perfect for friends, families, and holiday enthusiasts! 🎶🎄💃
📅 Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00 & 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Randolph Macon College, Center for Performing Arts, Blackwell Auditorium, 205 Henry St, Ashland, VA 23005
🔗 More info
🎁 Holiday Showcase: A Caravati’s Tradition – December 6, 2025
Shop local, sip coffee, and enjoy festive cheer! Morning treats from Bravo Bakery, fresh coffee, and local food trucks will fuel your holiday shopping. Live instrumental music begins at 2:00 PM. Don’t miss local favorites like Glave Kocen Delights and Breemar Flower Farms. ☕🛍️🎶
📅 Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM (music 2:00 PM onwards)
📍 Location: Ashland, VA
🛍️ England Street Christmas Market – December 6, 2025
Vintage-inspired holiday shopping at its finest! Start your journey in Ashland Town Center and discover one-of-a-kind gifts, crafts, and holiday treasures in the Center of the Universe. 🎁✨
📅 Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
📍 Location: 315 England St, Ashland, VA 23005
🎨 Kids Christmas Ornament Craft – December 6, 2025
Get creative with Ella Gormley at this hands-on children’s workshop! Kids will design, paint, and decorate their own sparkling snowflake ornaments with glitter, gems, and plenty of holiday cheer. Perfect for little hands and big imaginations! ❄️✨
📅 Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00–3:00 PM
📍 Location: Hanover Mercantile, 8109 Judith Ln, Mechanicsville, VA 23116
🔗 Register: Hanover Mercantile
🎅🍻 Jolly Jaunt Bar Crawl – December 6, 2025
It’s that time of year for Ashland’s beloved Jolly Jaunt! Grab your most festive garb, gather your merriest friends, and head to the tracks to spread holiday cheer throughout Downtown Ashland. This year, we’re going back to our roots with a classic holiday bar crawl — no tickets, no passports, just good vibes, good drinks, and good company. 🎄✨
Enjoy specialty holiday beverages at each stop, then follow the merriment straight into two lively afterparties right along the tracks! Both the crawl and the afterparties are free to attend — just show up hungry, thirsty, and jolly!
📅 Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
⏰ Crawl Time: 6:00–8:30 PM
📍 Location: Downtown Ashland, along the tracks
💸 Cost: Free to attend (no tickets or passports this year!)
🍺 Participating Crawl Stops
Ash & Olive
Caboose Market & Café
Iron Horse
Origin Beer Lab
🎶 Jolly Jaunt Afterparties – Live Music
As the crawl winds down, the entertainment kicks up!
Iron Horse @ 8:30 PM
Ash & Olive / Cask & Stave @ 9:30 PM
🎉 Wear your brightest holiday attire and come ready to celebrate Ashland-style — festive, friendly, and full of cheer!
🎄 Festival of Trees - Starting December 6, 2026
Celebrate the magic of the season at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen! This continuation of the annual Illumination exhibit fills the main floor with beautifully themed holiday trees — including the Downtown Ashland Tree, decorated with ornaments from local businesses, and miniature Neighbors of Ashland magazine covers featuring our very own community members. Wander through the glowing branches and see if you can spot your favorite stores and beloved Ashland neighbors. ✨🌟
📅 Dates: December 6, 2025 – January 4, 2026
📍 Location: The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
📞 Phone: 804-261-2787 (ARTS)
🔗 Details
🍷 Cabernet Franc Vertical Wine Tasting – December 7, 2025
Discover the character of multiple vintages of Cabernet Franc at James River Cellars. Taste five vintages and learn how weather and winemaking techniques shape each wine. Two sessions available; tickets $29. 🍇🍷
📅 Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00–1:30 PM & 2:30–4:00 PM
📍 Location: James River Cellars, 11008 Washington Hwy, Glen Allen, VA 23059
🔗 Register: James River Cellars
🏡 Ashland Museum Holiday House Tour – December 7, 2025
Step inside two historic homes in Ashland’s historic district, then enjoy a festive reception. Tickets: Museum members $10; non-members $25. A unique opportunity to explore holiday traditions in Ashland, VA. 🏠🎄
📅 Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00–3:30 PM or 4:00–5:50 PM (limited to 35 guests per tour)
📍 Location: Ashland Museum, PO Box 633, Ashland, VA 23005
🔗 Learn more: Ashland Museum
📈 Finding Fulfillment at Work in 2026 – December 8, 2025
Dorian Cunion of Your Path Coaching & Consulting, along with Cristina Martinez de Andino of CMDA Consulting, leads this session that moves beyond traditional goal-setting by focusing on the “why” and “how” of your daily work through powerful self-awareness tools.
📅 Date: Monday, December 8, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Dominion Energy Innovation Center
🔗 Register for $69 to secure 1 of 10 seats
🎬 Movie Matinee: Harvey – December 9, 2025
Classic 1950 comedy-drama featuring James Stewart and a six-foot-tall invisible rabbit. All tickets just 75¢ thanks to Dominion Energy. Perfect holiday nostalgia for families and film lovers alike. 🎥🐇
📅 Date: Monday, December 8, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Ashland Theatre, 205 England St, Ashland, VA 23005
🛍️ Thrill of the Hunt Holiday Sip & Shop – December 11, 2025
Step into a twinkling wonderland at Thrill of the Hunt’s Holiday Sip & Shop! Enjoy a magical evening surrounded by sparkling lights, cheerful music, and the scent of hot apple cider. Sip, shop, and celebrate with complimentary treats as you explore storewide holiday sales and special promotions. 🎄✨
🍎 Complimentary charcuterie cups, Prosecco, and hot apple cider
🍪 Custom sugar cookies from @sugarfix — sweet perfection!
💸 Storewide sales: 50% off holiday décor, 10% off everything else (excludes already reduced items)
🎁 Gift card promotion: Receive a $10 TOTH gift card with every $100 purchase (valid during event only)
📅 Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Location: Thrill of the Hunt, 315 England St, Ashland, VA 23005
✨ Don’t miss their final “Hooray!” event of the year — it’s sure to be a festive favorite in the Center of the Universe!
🎁 Edward Jones Toys for Tots Collection Site - December 12, 2025
Help spread holiday joy by donating new, unwrapped toys to support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program!
Edward Jones welcomes drop-offs during business hours through Friday, December 12, 2025.
🕘 Open Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
📞 (804) 798-5695
📍 201 N Washington Hwy, Ashland, VA
🎄 Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop – December 13, 2025
Step into holiday baking bliss with Iced RVA! Learn step-by-step cookie decorating techniques, including piping, layering, and festive designs. Each participant takes home a box of their beautifully decorated cookies—perfect for gifting or indulging! 🍪✨
📅 Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
📍 Location: Hanover Mercantile, 8109 Judith Ln, Mechanicsville, VA 23116
🔗 Register: Hanover Mercantile
🎬 Holiday Classic Films – December 13, 2025
Kick off two weeks of holiday movie magic! Starting with The Polar Express, other favorites include White Christmas, ELF, Home Alone, The Grinch, and more. A perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. 🎥❄️
📅 Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Ashland Theatre, 205 England St, Ashland, VA 23005
🔗 Learn more: Ashland Theatre
🎄 Caroling – Saturdays, Dec 6, 13 & 20, 2025
Sing along with carolers as downtown Ashland transforms into a winter wonderland! Family-friendly entertainment, festive music, and magical lights every Saturday evening. 🎶🎁✨
📅 Dates: Saturdays, Dec 6, 13 & 20, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Location: Start at Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson St, Ashland, VA
Featured Choirs:
Dec 6: Shiloh Baptist Church 🎶
Dec 13: City Singers Youth Choirs 👏
Dec 20: Good Vibrations & Henrico Pops 🎄
⚡ IONNA Rechargery Sneak Preview – December 14, 2025
Drive Electric RVA invites electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts from across Virginia to celebrate the soft opening of the commonwealth’s first IONNA Rechargery, located at the Ashland Wawa. Created by a consortium of major automakers—BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota—IONNA is building a nationwide network of DC fast chargers focused on reliability, speed, and driver-friendly amenities.
📅 Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 11:30 AM
📍 Location: 100 North Washington Hwy, Ashland, VA 23005
🔗 More Info: facebook.com/share/17p3DfUtDx
🌸 Christmas Flower Arranging Workshop – December 16, 2025
Celebrate the season with a cozy, joy-filled night out! Create charming winter floral arrangements in festive tins, ideal for gifting or decorating your home. Workshop includes seasonal blooms, wine, and bites from Vineyard Fare—bring a friend or come solo! 🌿🍷✨
📅 Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30–8:30 PM
📍 Location: Dominion Energy Innovation Center, 201 Duncan Street, Ashland, VA 23005
🔗 Register: Breemar Flower Farm Workshops
🎺 Holiday Pops Concert – December 16, 2025
Enjoy an evening of festive music as the Hanover Concert Band—Hanover County’s musical ambassadors—performs their annual Holiday Pops Celebration.
📅 Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: 500 S Center St, Ashland, VA 23005
🔗 More Info: hanoverarts.net/events/holiday-pops-celebration
🎁 Toy Drive – December 20, 2025
Spread holiday joy! Donate new, unwrapped toys to a child this season and enjoy food, giveaways, music, and a visit from Santa and friends. For details, contact Jamall Minor at 804-252-2704.
📅 Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM
📍 Location: 500 S Center St, Ashland, VA 23005
🔗 More Info: hanoverarts.net/events/toy-drive
🎭 I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas! – December 17, 2025
Barter Theatre returns with a magical musical for all ages! Join Lois Jean at the Ypsilanti Zoo as she hopes to reunite her family with baby hippo Bella just in time for Christmas. Perfect for families, friends, and holiday fun seekers! 🦛🎄🎶
📅 Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Ashland Theatre, 205 England St, Ashland, VA 23005
🔗 Learn more: Ashland Theatre
🎄 Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop – December 18, 2025
Continue the holiday fun with another festive session from Iced RVA! Learn decorating techniques and take home a box of beautiful cookies for friends, family, or yourself. Perfect for holiday baking enthusiasts of all ages! 🍪✨
📅 Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30–8:30 PM
📍 Location: Hanover Mercantile, 8109 Judith Ln, Mechanicsville, VA 23116
🔗 Register: Hanover Mercantile
🛍️ Ashland Farmers Market Holiday Market – December 20, 2025
Shop local for holiday gifts, fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade treats! This producers-only market features goods grown or made within 30 miles of Ashland, VA. A perfect stop for last-minute holiday shopping in the Center of the Universe. 🌟🎁
📅 Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 Location: Outside Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson St, Ashland, VA 23005
🍫 Gonna Be Golden Chocolate Bars – Starting December 31, 2025
Ring in the New Year with the Gonna Be Golden chocolate bars, available at select downtown retailers! Find them at Chirp, Take Away, Homemades by Suzanne, Refunkit, and Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys. Miss Timmie’s will carry bars on Saturdays, and Wagner Jewelers joins after winter break in early January. Discover the bar location map, prizes, and more at AshlandVirginia.com/taste. ✨🍫🏆
📅 Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
📍 Locations: Downtown Ashland, VA
🔗 Learn more at www.ashlandvirginia.com/taste
