The Grand Illumination returns to the Center of the Universe on Saturday, November 22, and it’s guaranteed to shine brighter than ever! While 10,000 twinkling lights will outline two miles of Downtown Ashland, it’s the community sparkle that truly brings the magic to life.

This year, the Downtown Ashland Association is inviting everyone to deck themselves out in light-up and sparkling attire for a chance to win glowing prizes from cherished local vendors. Starting at 3:00 PM, DAA volunteers will roam the downtown festivities, keeping an eye out for guests dressed to dazzle. Anyone spotted in glowing garb will receive a raffle ticket and be entered to win.

Contestants are encouraged to stay for the full evening of festivities, with the Ashland Town Tree lighting at 5:00 PM marking the grand finale. Until then, there’s no shortage of merriment to enjoy!

The holiday market will stretch from the Dominion Energy Innovation Center, across Ashland Town Hall, and wrap around 110 Thompson Street, featuring an array of local artisans, makers, and food vendors. Favorites include On the Fly Events with their lit mobile arcade and Minuteman Press of Ashland, printing cozy Light Up the Tracks apparel on-site.

Center Street Sound Co. will fill the air with festive, family-friendly tunes while Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, and Clarice greet guests on the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion stage. With a donation of your choosing to the Downtown Ashland Association, you can have your photo taken with Santa—on your own phone or by the Snow Queen herself with a professional camera.

The fun continues at 4:30 PM with a performance by MKH Dabke Entertainment, offering a dazzling cultural dance experience rooted in Middle Eastern tradition, athleticism, and joy. The Ashland Dance Academy will take the stage next, lighting up the night with their glowing costumes and choreography before the Randolph-Macon College Choir leads a community sing-along of “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.”

Then, at 5:00 PM, our sponsor Dominion Energy will flip the switch on the Ashland Town Tree, illuminating the heart of our winter wonderland. Immediately after, four glowing winners will be drawn from the costume contest raffle for their choice of local prizes:

2 Tickets to Wish You Were Here on December 5 at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center. Wish You Were Here is a new take on the classic variety show. Featuring live local music, comedy sketches, and storytelling, it is two hours that will have you laughing and remembering, all while doing good in the community.
A made-to-order long-sleeve Light Up the Tracks tee-shirt by Minuteman Press of Ashland
A gift basket filled with an assortment of Renewal by Andersen-branded and holiday items
A stylish hat from Oakley Jae Boutique
A creamy jar of Donovan's Honey Cinnamon Creamed Honey
A dazzling pair of earrings from EccaEva
A $50 gift card from ARC of Hanover
A sparkling set of KAR Creations earrings

Or a sweet treat from Funcakes—your choice of Santa’s Delight (funnel cake), Elf’s Magic (deep fried Pop-Tarts), or Reindeer Bites (deep fried Oreos)

It’s the delight of these talented local vendors to share their art and gifts with the community, according to vendors like Eva Boggs of EccaEva. “I just love getting to take part in these events!”

All contestants have to do is show up and glow for their chance to light up the night and win. Guests are encouraged to take Amtrak Virginia, which stops right in historic downtown—offering the perfect postcard view of Ashland’s winter wonderland from your spacious train seat.

For all the details, six weeks of holiday events, raffles, and more, visit LightUptheTracks.com.