Downtown Ashland’s Grand Illumination Kicks Off the Holiday Season

There’s something downright magical about the moment downtown Ashland lights up for the holidays. The Grand Illumination marks the official beginning of Light Up the Tracks, a season-long celebration that transforms the Center of the Universe into a twinkling winter wonderland.

On Saturday, November 22, the community will gather in Historic Downtown Ashland for an afternoon of festive fun that leads up to the big tree lighting at 5:00 PM sharp. Thanks to the support of Dominion Energy and the skilled team at Wells Tree Service, more than 10,000 lights will outline our charming historic buildings, restaurants, and shops. When the switch is flipped, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a holiday movie.

For travel made easy, let Amtrak Virginia do the driving—after all, their “sleighs” stop right in the heart of downtown, just in time for the afternoon magic to begin. Start your morning local when you fuel up with brunch or lunch at one of our downtown cafés and restaurants, whether you’re craving a big Southern breakfast, a cozy coffee, or a seasonal latte that tastes like the holidays. From 9 AM to noon, the Ashland Farmers Market will feature farm-fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade treats surrounding Town Hall at 121 Thompson Street while artists showcase Autumn in Ashland at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. Starting at 10 AM - 4 PM, guests will be able to pop inside the cozy historic halls to browse and shop for pieces from local artists over delicious beverages and desserts.

Starting at 3 PM, explore a festive outdoor market that stretches from the Dominion Energy Innovation Center to 110 Thompson Street, featuring handmade art, crafts, specialty foods, and unique gifts from local makers. Every purchase supports a small business and helps keep Ashland’s downtown thriving through the winter season.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be waiting at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion, ready to greet families and hear holiday wishes while Center Street Sound Co. fills the air with timeless Christmas tunes. As the afternoon continues, enjoy performances from MKH Dabke Entertainment, the Ashland Dance Academy, and the Randolph-Macon College Choir, who will lead a community sing-along to Walking in a Winter Wonderland.

Then comes the big moment—the Ashland Town Tree lighting at 5:00 PM. As thousands of lights flicker to life across the tracks, you’ll see why downtown Ashland, Virginia has been named one of America’s top Main Streets.

The Grand Illumination is just the beginning. The Light Up the Tracks season continues through New Year’s, filled with heartwarming community traditions and downtown collaborations. The Kiwanis Club of Ashland’s beloved Olde Time Holiday Parade will return for the 56th year on Sunday, November 23 with local musicians, dancers, car groups, and an outdoor vendor market at 110 Thompson Street, produced by the Downtown Ashland Association. Throughout December, downtown restaurants, cafés, and boutiques keep the spirit bright with special promotions and sparkling decorations.

Carolers in historic downtown Ashland, Virginia

Starting Saturday, November 29, carolers will stroll the downtown sidewalks every Saturday evening from 5 to 7 PM, filling the streets with song. The night begins at Town Hall with a 5 PM community sing-along before the music winds its way through Library Plaza, Changing Reins, and The Henry Clay Inn. Local choirs including Good Vibrations, the Henrico Pops, Shiloh Baptist Church, and City Singers Youth Choirs will lead the way, spreading cheer from stop to stop.

And just when you think the season can’t get any sweeter, New Year’s Eve brings the Ashland Chocolate Bar Giveaway. Chocolate bars will be distributed at downtown shops, with one golden ticket hidden among them—good for an exciting downtown Ashland prize. QR code purchases support the Downtown Ashland Association with labels printed locally by Minuteman Press of Ashland and sweet support from our friends at 110 Thompson Street and the Ashland Dance Academy. Buy in cash and donate directly to stores through the hard winter months.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, Ashland’s Light Up the Tracks season is an invitation to slow down, shop small, and savor the season with neighbors who make the Center of the Universe shine.

Downtown’s calendar is glowing with holiday happenings—check AshlandVirginia.com/LightUp for an updated list of events and experiences that make this season shine.

Applications are Open for the 56th Olde Time Holiday Parade!

Kathy Abbott and Council Member Daniel McGraw driving in the Kiwanis Club of Ashland’s Olde Time Holiday Parade

There’s nothing quite like the moment the first marching band note echoes down England Street, the smell of kettle corn drifts through the air, and neighbors wave from sidewalks lined with holiday cheer. That’s when you know the season has truly begun — Hallmark style — in the Center of the Universe.

For 56 years, the Kiwanis Club of Ashland’s Olde Time Holiday Parade has been the heartwarming kickoff to our small-town holiday season. From sparkling dance troupes and gleaming classic cars to joyful community floats and hometown heroes, it’s a cherished Ashland tradition that brings neighbors, families, and friends together.

And this year, you can be part of the magic!

The 2025 Olde Time Holiday Parade steps off on Sunday, November 23 at 2 PM, beginning on Thompson Street and traveling through downtown before ending at Gandy Elementary School.

If your organization, school, or business has marched before, check your inbox for an emailed invitation from the Kiwanis Club (via Survey Monkey). If you haven’t joined yet but want to be part of this festive community tradition, this is your chance!

👉 Apply here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Ashland_Holiday_Parade_2025
📅 Entry deadline: October 10, 2025
📧 Questions? Email ashlandkiwanis@gmail.com.

Keeping this 56-year tradition rolling — one smile, one float, and one holiday memory at a time. 🎄✨

Apply by 10/10



Randolph-Macon Ranked Among Best Value and Top 100 Colleges by U.S. News & World Report

Photo and story by Randolph-Macon College

Randolph-Macon College earned a No. 68 ranking for Best Value from the U.S. News & World Report in its Best Colleges guide for national liberal arts colleges. RMC also climbed into the top 100 for national liberal arts colleges overall, ranking No. 96.

“These national rankings are yet another reflection of the momentum we continue to fuel here at RMC,” said Dr. Michael E. Hill, RMC’s President. “We have long recognized that there is special value in the high-impact experiences that are so core to who we are. It’s important to make that accessible for students of all backgrounds and it’s exciting to be recognized for doing just that.”

The rankings for Best Value schools are based on a variety of metrics, including the ratio of academic quality to price, the number of students receiving need-based aid, and the amount of the total cost of attendance covered by scholarships or grants.

“Randolph-Macon’s national rankings are powered by the quality of the learning that happens here” said Provost Alisa J. Rosenthal. “Evidence shows that strong faculty-student relationships and meaningful educational experiences both in and outside the classroom lead students to success later in life.”  

In addition to the national and Best Value lists, RMC also ranks No. 119 for social mobility among national liberal arts colleges.

The College has also been recognized as one of the nation’s Best 391 Colleges by The Princeton Review and as a College of Distinction, with special distinction for its Business, Education, Engineering, and Nursing programs.

Earlier this month, RMC welcomed the largest incoming class of students in its history, pushing total enrollment over 1,800 for the first time. This milestone comes while also maintaining a high academic standard, with the average high school GPA of first-year students registering at 3.77.

Stop the (Printing) Presses: Minuteman Press of Ashland & Downtown Ashland Association Launch Apparel Collaboration

Just in time for the holiday season, Minuteman Press of Ashland and the Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) are teaming up to put shirts on the backs of Ashland fans—literally. Through a new collaboration, downtown’s favorite seasonal events like 31 Days of Ashland Halloween, Light Up the Tracks, and Ashland Train Day are getting a fresh look with custom apparel, available online and through on-the-spot printing.

“From the moment Minuteman Press Ashland partnered with the Downtown Ashland Association, sparks have been flying,” said Caroline Sweeney, owner of Minuteman Press of Ashland. “Together, we’ve turned creativity into community impact—from fresh apparel to curated campaigns that spread DAA’s mission and keep Ashland repping.”

The first chance for fans to snag these new looks will be Saturday, September 27, when Minuteman Press brings its mobile printing truck to the Songs from the Center of the Universe concert. Guests can order from Minuteman’s custom DAA store online—or print their gear live at the event. Concert-goers will even find exclusive “alumn tees” featuring past performers, perfect for wearing immediately while dancing under the stars.

September 27 also coincides with the Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Explore Ashland Day. Hundreds of Scouts will flood downtown to learn about the historic town and earn their Explore Ashland patch. For those who aren’t Scouts but still want to show their Ashland pride, Minuteman Press will be offering special tees featuring the Scout-designed logo.

This collaboration doesn’t stop at apparel. As part of Minuteman Press of Ashland’s September Mail-a-thon, DAA is mailing postcards to every home in Ashland, sharing plans for a safe, festive, and free 31 Days of Ashland Halloween. “Mailing is not dead!” Sweeney said recently on K101.2 POP Richmond’s Happy Hour Vibes radio show. “Paper mailing can still make a big difference in our communities.”

In fact, Minuteman has already reimagined DAA’s Halloween logo into a bright orange shirt—helping families stand out in the downtown crowds during spooky season. And with Halloween serving as the unofficial kickoff to the holidays, Minuteman has also released Light Up the Tracks designs early, so fans can order their gear and be glowing in time for the Grand IlluminAshland on Saturday, November 22.

Best of all, a portion of all apparel proceeds are donated back to Downtown Ashland Association, an accredited Main Street America™ non-profit working tirelessly toward a strong and vibrant future for Ashland. From marketing initiatives and special events to business engagement and historic preservation, DAA contributes to the town’s vitality by deploying its time, funding, and voice on behalf of the community.

From apparel to postcards, Minuteman Press of Ashland and DAA are proving that creativity, community, and collaboration are always in style.

Shop Downtown Ashland Merch

Ashland Halloween is 31 Days of Spooktacular Fun, Safety, and Community Spirit

If you’ve ever strolled through Ashland in October, you know there’s something truly magical about Halloween in the Center of the Universe. From the fiery autumn leaves glowing along the upcoming Fall Line Trail to the laughter of costumed children skipping across historic sidewalks, Ashland has long been the heartbeat of Halloween in Central Virginia. This year, thanks to the Downtown Ashland Association (DAA), neighbors, sponsors, and volunteers, the Halloween season is shaping up to be not just spooktacular but also safer than ever.

Nicole Dillon of Breemar Flower Farm with her festive family during Halloween in Ashland.

For decades, Ashland’s charming train town setting has drawn thousands of families to its picture-perfect neighborhoods for trick-or-treating. “Ashland Halloween is hands down one of my favorite nights of the year—the spooky trains rumbling by, candy shoots on every porch, and the incredible decorations that bring our community to life,” shares Nicole Dillon of Breemar Flower Farm. “I’m thrilled to sponsor this celebration and be part of a night where memories are made, neighbors come together, and the magic of Ashland truly shines!” Realtor Nate Simon echoed the sentiment, saying, “My family has enjoyed Ashland Halloween for years, and it has become one of our favorite yearly traditions. It is so much fun with everyone making memories, and the streets are filled with amazing costumes and thoughtful decorations. That incredible energy is what inspired me to sponsor this year’s celebration.”

But with crowds gathering near the train tracks, rail-side restaurants, and downtown shopping, the need for safety has grown just as quickly as the piles of candy on every porch. Downtown Ashland Association is stepping up with a creative plan: fundraising for candy, amplifying 31 days of family-friendly events, promoting train safety, and giving gifts to homes that join the official Trick-or-Treat Map and Scavenger Hunt—all designed to keep Ashland’s Halloween on track and away from the trains.

Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert at historic Hanover Arts and Activities Center

“With railroads crossing our state and traveling through our communities, rail safety in the Commonwealth is a priority for VPRA,” added DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. “Whether you are traveling on board one of our trains or crossing a railroad track, it is important to remember that if you see a track, you should expect a train. Practicing safe behaviors whenever you are near a track, in a station, or on a train can save your life.”

That focus on safety is matched with a big helping of neighborly generosity. At the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert on Saturday, September 27, local musicians and Ashland Song Contest winners will take the porch stage at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center while vendors line the lawn. Instead of paying booth fees, each vendor will donate a 300-piece bag of candy—directly supporting Ashland homes most overrun by trick-or-treaters. Amtrak Virginia will also be there with train safety tips, giveaways, and even the chance to win free tickets.

DAA’s clever candy plan doesn’t stop there. Those bags of donated candy will be distributed to Ashland residents on October 25 at the Off the Rails Craft Beer Festival: Brews, Boos, and BBQ! Neighbors who show proof of residence can collect free candy, with priority for homes on Center Street and Railroad Avenue. Families are encouraged to linger on the historic lawn, enjoying craft beer, barbecue, artisan shopping, and live music from Buckville Hootenanny. “At Islamorada Fish Company, we believe that community events like these play a vital role in bringing people together and creating lasting memories for families and children.” said Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant inside Bass Pro Shops. “By sponsoring this event, we aim to contribute positively to these efforts and demonstrate our commitment to the well-being and happiness of our local community."

Of course, Ashland Halloween isn’t just one night—it’s a month-long festival of pumpkins, costumes, and community connection. From October 1 through 31, visitors can browse a full calendar of events at AshlandHalloween.com. With concerts, haunted history tours, shopping specials, and more, the celebration has something spooky and sweet for everyone—without cramming it all into one night. 

Ashland Halloween scavenger hunt prize winners with their glowing rewards.

Generosity is also glowing—literally—thanks to DAA’s giveaways. Ashland Halloween yard signs will be available at the Ashland Feed Store starting September 29 for any local home to keep and display, with 200 up for grabs. The first six homes to sign up for the Trick-or-Treat Scavenger Hunt will also receive glow-in-the-dark wands to help light the way for children and guide them safely toward candy stops away from the tracks.

RED VEIN Haunt is adding thrills to the season with a raffle for four Fast Passes to their legendary haunted attraction at Hanover Vegetable Farm. With movie-quality sets, live actors, and immersive scares, RED VEIN is not for the faint of heart. Raffle tickets are just $10, with proceeds supporting DAA’s nonprofit mission.

Randolph-Macon student volunteering during Halloween in Ashland

Adding to the spirit of giving, Randolph-Macon College’s SERVE Program is rallying student volunteers to support Ashland residents on Halloween night. These students will help neighbors hand out candy, offer homeowners a well-deserved break from the steady stream of trick-or-treaters, and delight children with light-up games and sticker prizes. It’s another reminder that Ashland’s magic doesn’t just come from candy and costumes—it comes from neighbors, young and old, working together to keep traditions bright and community connections strong.

Even local businesses are stepping forward to keep the magic alive. Minute Man Press of Ashland is printing postcards to ensure every Ashland home knows about these efforts and is also producing bright orange Ashland Halloween apparel to help families stand out in the festive downtown crowds. “Our decision to participate as a sponsor stems from our deep dedication to supporting the community,” Bass Pro Shops shared, “Fostering a safe and enjoyable environment for children, and promoting fun and festive activities for all attendees.”

Embrace Treatment Foster Care emphasized the deeper meaning behind the festivities. “With every trick-or-treat that is handed out, please remember the importance of community—it brings joy, safety, and a sense of belonging,” they said. “Please reach out if you are interested in learning more about fostering or if you or your business would like to work alongside Embrace to help spread the word on the need for foster parents.”

This October, Ashland proves once again why it’s called the Center of the Universe. By blending creativity, community spirit, and just the right amount of spooky fun, Downtown Ashland Association is making sure Halloween is more magical, memorable, and safe than ever before. From candy-filled concerts to pumpkin-lit porches, neighbors and visitors alike can find everything they need for a spooktacular October in downtown Ashland at AshlandHalloween.com