🎄✨ Grand IlluminAshland – Kick Off the Holiday Season in the Center of the Universe! ✨🎄
The Grand IlluminAshland is where the magic of the holidays in historic downtown Ashland truly begins! As the first event in our month-long Light Up the Tracks celebration, it’s your chance to shop, dine, sing, and sparkle your way into the most wonderful time of the year.
Historic downtown Ashland’s Grand IlluminAshland - the first event of Light Up the Tracks!
📸 Robert Pfeifer
🕒 Event Details
📅 Date: Saturday, November 22
📍 Location: Historic Downtown Ashland, VA
🕑 Time: Festivities all afternoon – Tree lighting at 5:00 PM sharp
🍳 Start Your Day Local
Fuel your holiday spirit with downtown brunch or lunch at one of Ashland’s locally loved cafes and restaurants. Whether you crave a cozy coffee, a big Southern breakfast, or a festive seasonal latte, you’ll find the perfect start here in the Center of the Universe.
🛍️ Shop ‘Til You Sparkle
After your meal, stroll our curated thrift, gift, and home décor shops for unique treasures. Then, cross the tracks to explore 30+ local vendors surrounding Ashland Town Hall – offering handmade art, crafts, specialty foods, and holiday gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Every purchase supports a small business and keeps our community thriving. 💝
🎅 Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus
Bring your wish list and your camera! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be greeting families at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion, with Center Street Sound Co. filling the air with classic holiday tunes.
🎶 Festive Entertainment
At 4:30 PM, the stage comes alive with:
✨ Ashland Dance Academy’s bright and joyful performances
🎤 Randolph-Macon College Choir leading a singalong of Walking in a Winter Wonderland
🎄 The Big Moment – Tree & Town Lighting
At 5:00 PM, gather ‘round as Dominion Energy, Downtown Ashland Association, and the Town of Ashland flip the switch to light:
🌟 The Ashland Town Tree
💡 Over 10,000 twinkling lights outlining our postcard-perfect historic buildings
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a holiday movie.
✨ Insider Tip: Let Amtrak do the driving! Their sleighs drop off right in downtown - so you can enjoy a full day of fun before the afternoon magic begins.