What was your favorite part of 2023 in Downtown Ashland? Attending free family-friendly events? Shopping at locally owned stores and eateries? Or simply basking in the everyday picturesque beauty of our historic train town? Downtown Ashland Association’s 2023 highlight has been watching the Center of the Universe's vibrance grow daily.
Exciting Events
Downtown Ashland Association is behind some of your favorite free family-friendly fun. Community-building events like Ashland Halloween and Ashland Fourth Fridays brought neighbors together while signature events like Ashland Train Day and Light Up the Tracks entertained locals and visitors alike - attracting over 30,000 attendees downtown.
Marketing Initiatives
We take cheerleading for the Center of the Universe very seriously. We highlight town happenings, feature local favorites. Our comprehensive outreach on online platforms, TV, radio, and news has engaged over 6 million viewers in this year alone, ensuring Ashland stays at the forefront of customers’ minds. You can stay centered in the Center of the Universe when you follow our Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to our Get Centered newsletter.
Historic Preservation
Teaming up with Ashland Museum and the Hanover County Black Heritage Society we honor Ashland's unique history and preserve downtown's distinctive charm. Together, we hosted an oral history event, Untold Stories: Black & White Perspectives Growing Up in Ashland/Hanover, in February 2023 and recognized downtown investments with Art Mckinney Historic Preservation award to Caravatis and the You've Been Noticed Award for RED VEIN Escape.
Business Support
In 2023, Downtown Ashland Association prioritized enhancing economic development and community involvement. Offering resources, workshops, and aid to existing and emerging businesses, we secured a $175,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Starting February 2024, a portion of the grant will fund entrepreneurship initiatives, supporting small businesses in Ashland and Hanover County.
Year-Round Dedication
Downtown Ashland Association is dedicated to building a stronger future for everyone in Ashland. You can support another year of marketing initiatives, special events, business engagement, and historic preservation in our community when you make a tax-deductible donation to Downtown Ashland Association.
Final Ashland Events of 2023
Get your seasonal spirit on track! Roll into the new year with a month of festive fun at Light Up the Tracks.
Live Tunes
Saturdays, 5 PM - Caroling in the Center of the Universe
12/15, 8 PM - Honky Tonk Heroes in Concert at Huddle Up Sports Bar
12/16, 10:20 AM - A Holiday Princess Concert at the Ashland Theatre
12/16, 8 PM - Monkey Fist in Concert at Huddle Up Sports Bar
12/19, 7 PM - Holiday Pops Concert with The Hanover Concert Band
12/31, 8 PM - New Year’s Eve with En’Novation at Huddle Up Sports Bar
Festive Follies
Wednesday - Sunday - Gryla the Christmas Witch 30-minute Holiday Pop-Up at RED VEIN Escape
Fridays and Saturdays - Ghosts of Christmas Past with Ashland Haunted History Tours
Saturdays and Sundays - Ashland Tours with Ashland Museum & the Red Caboose
12/15, 5 PM - Dom’s Ugly Sweater Christmas Bar Hop
12/17, 3 PM - Winter Paint Class at 110 Thompson Street
12/20, 7 PM - Winter Solstice Storytelling at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center
12/21, 6:30 PM - Boot Scooters Line Dancing at Huddle Up Sports Bar
12/31, 6 PM - Light the Way to 2024 at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center
Jolly Screenings
12/15, 7 PM - National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
12/16, 8 PM - White Christmas
12/17, 1 PM - The Polar Express
12/20, 7 PM - White Christmas
12/21, 6 PM - It's a Wonderful Life
JOIN US
Commemorate the season and support a vibrant new year in the Center of the Universe.
Get a free Light Up the Tracks ornament when you become a VIP Member of Downtown Ashland Association.
Or purchase an ornament at Caravati's Architectural Salvage now through January 1.
Make Melodic Memories with Classic Caroling
Picture this - you’ve finished all your holiday shopping, you find festive food amidst thousands of lights, and then carolers start to serenade.
Sound like a picture-perfect Saturday this holiday season? Then use our guide to make melodic memories that will last you all year round.
Carolers singing on Saturdays starting at 5 PM
December 9 - Patrick Henry YMCA Singers
December 16 - Patrick Henry High School Choir
December 23 - John C. Alley
The Route
5 PM - Ashland Town Hall
5:30 PM- Ashland Branch Library Plaza
6 PM - Changing Reins
6:30 PM - Henry Clay Inn
7 PM - Ashland Town Hall
Listen Live from
JOIN US
Commemorate the season and support a vibrant new year in the Center of the Universe.
Get a free Light Up the Tracks ornament when you become a VIP Member of Downtown Ashland Association.
Or purchase an ornament at Caravati's Architectural Salvage now through January 1.
Holiday Cheer Unveiled: Your Ashland Christmas Market Directory
📸 Robert Pfiefer
'Tis the season to shop, dine, and be merry! Saturday, December 2 from 11 - 4 PM over 60 local artists and makers will showcase their talents at Ashland Christmas Market. Jingle all the way with sidewalk sales, lively holiday tunes, four food trucks, and 18 local eateries.
Come rain or shine, this seasonal shopping celebration is free, accessible, and open to the public. We’ve made our list and checked it twice so you can find everything nice in our Ashland Christmas Market Directory below.
Downtown Ashland Shops:
Bell, Book & Candle
Downtown Ashland Eateries:
Top's China
College Corner
121 Thompson Street
Live music by Free Jambalaya and friends
Cedar Lane
108 Robinson Street
The Love of Crochet Plus
107 S. Railroad Avenue
Carolyn!
DayLily Acres
The Hanover Bank Building
Ashland Town Center
World’s Mini Bazaar
307 England Street
Rooted Boutique
Knights of Columbus
Rich Earth Farm
315 England St, Ashland, VA 23005
The Cutting Garden Sweet Rolls by Leah
Crafts by Toni
Created by Catherine
Handmade Greeting Card Factory
J's Gemstones
Lighter Moments
Little Jewel
Macher Creations Pottery
Pottery by Kris
The Chosen Styles
201 England Street
How to Give the Gift of Growth to Downtown Ashland this Giving Tuesday
Downtown Ashland Association is on a mission to make Ashland’s future vibrant! This Giving Tuesday, we're not just asking for support; we're inviting you to become a VIP (Very Important Partner) and spread the joy of giving throughout our community.
🎉 BECOME A VIP MEMBER - YOUR TICKET TO COMMUNITY CHEER!
Support our mission and unwrap the exclusive perks of being a Downtown Ashland Association VIP:
🎟️ Two tickets to the fabulous annual Toast of Downtown reception
🛍️ A delightful coupon packet from your favorite Downtown Ashland businesses
🕰️ Early bird ticket access to Downtown Ashland can't-miss events
❤️ An exclusive I ♥ Ashland vinyl sticker pack
📧 Receive the Get Centered monthly email newsletter to stay in the loop
We're not just organizers, fundraisers, or small-town cheerleaders—we're a vibrant mix of artists, farmers, government leaders, business owners, parents, and grandparents. Together, we're the architects of a brighter future, fueled by the power of community.
Your VIP Membership is the key to sustaining Downtown Ashland's quirky charm, all year round.
Your donation helps us to welcome residents and visitors to the magic of Downtown Ashland with free community events: Ashland Train Day, Ashland Fourth Fridays, Ashland Halloween, and the enchanting Light Up the Tracks.
📬 Keeps our community connected with our email newsletter Get Centered, Facebook, Instagram, and AshlandVirginia.com
💼 Amplifies local businesses with stellar services, creative marketing, and powerful promotion.
Be an integral part of our community's journey towards a brighter, more vibrant tomorrow! Join Downtown Ashland Association in our mission when you become a VIP Member.