Giving Tuesday for $30 or Less

Downtown Ashland Association in the Kiwanis Club of Ashland’s Olde Time Holiday Parade

Giving Tuesday is all about supporting the people and places that make our community feel like home — and in downtown Ashland, there are more ways than ever to make a meaningful impact without breaking the bank. Whether you want to support families in need, uplift our small businesses, or help fuel the magic of our award-winning Main Street, here are simple, joyful ways to give for $30 and under.

Give for Free: Food Donations That Warm the Season

Non-perishable food donation boxes are now available at:

• Miss Timmie’s (117 Hanover Ave.)

• Take Away (107A Hanover Ave.)

• Chirp (403 S. Center St.)

• Center of the Yarniverse (112 England St.)

• Root Modern Dentistry (250 N. Washington Hwy., Suite A)

Each location features a bright “Food Donations” sign designed by AnnMarie & Company, making it easy to spot where your generosity can land.

Donations may also be delivered anytime to the free food pantries outside Local Christian Church and Café 54 Brunch and Lunch in the heart of historic Downtown Ashland.

For our Hanover neighbors, a full list of county food pantries can be found at:
HanoverCounty.gov/1237/Hanover-County-Food-Pantries

Give by Engagement: Help @AshlandVirginia Reach 10K

One of the most impactful no-cost ways to support downtown Ashland is simply showing love online.

Follow along at www.instagram.com/ashlandvirginia/

Help us reach 10,000 Instagram followers by 2026 by following, liking, sharing, saving, and engaging with @AshlandVirginia. Every tap helps amplify our local businesses, artists, and events — and strengthens the very fundraising efforts that make Ashland shine.

Follow along at:
https://www.instagram.com/ashlandvirginia/

With fewer than 3,000 followers to go, every action makes a difference — at absolutely no cost to the people who call this special town home.

Give With Holiday Cheer: Light Up the Tracks Apparel

Raffle - Light Up the Tracks Apparel

$5.00

Purchase

Looking for a festive gift that gives back? Minuteman Press of Ashland has created the cutest ugly sweaters in honor of Light Up the Tracks — complete with a woven texture of tracks and hearts for our beloved valentine town.

Choose from long-sleeved tees, sweatshirts, or even a cozy mug.
20% of proceeds go directly to the Downtown Ashland Association’s nonprofit mission.

Shop now at: LightUpTheTracks.com

And for just $5, you can enter to win a large Light Up the Tracks sweatshirt through our seasonal raffle:
LightUpTheTracks.com

Give Through Community Legacy: Pre-Order the Ashland Cookbook Collection

Pre-order the Ashland Cookbook Collection

$30.00

Purchase

The Ashland Cookbook Collection is more than a gathering of recipes — it’s a shared history of community, care, and culinary creativity.

This collection honors:

• On the Tracks (1958) — Ashland Junior Woman’s Club

• The Ashland Book of Cooking (1961–1963)

• Blessings and Dressings (1996) — St. James the Less Episcopal Church

Plus, it includes modern-day recipes from Ashland neighbors, all beautifully compiled and printed by Minuteman Press of Ashland for the Downtown Ashland Association.

20% of proceeds support DAA’s mission and will be shared with ARC of Hanover and St. James the Less Episcopal Church, honoring the original fundraising intentions behind the historic cookbooks.

Only 50 copies will be sold, and pre-orders close Monday, December 13.

Get your digital copy for just $1 at:
LightUpTheTracks.com

Give Through Sponsorship: Support Local Business

Want to help your business reach millions without spending millions?
The Downtown Ashland Association offers business sponsorship tiers starting at just $50 — making it possible for small businesses to appear across in-person events, TV, radio, print, and digital media seen around the world.

Learn more at:
https://www.ashlandvirginia.com/sponsor

Give Directly: Support the Heart of the Center of the Universe

You can make a donation of any amount, anytime to support Downtown Ashland’s year-round mission at:
https://www.ashlandvirginia.com/giving

The Downtown Ashland Association is an award-winning, accredited Main Street America nonprofit — recognized as one of the top main streets in the country. With a team of two and an army of volunteers, DAA provides free family-friendly events, business workshops, pop-ups, and community reinvestment. In 2025 alone, DAA gave over $40,000 directly back to the community.

Your generosity keeps the Center of the Universe shining bright.

Ashland Theatre Unwraps a Magical 2025 Holiday Line-Up

Ashland Theatre by Rick Kidd Photography

The historic Ashland Theatre is delighted to share its festive 2025 holiday line-up, featuring an exciting mix of joyful live music, live theatre, cherished classic holiday films, free community events, and, of course, photos with Santa himself!

December in the Center of the Universe is nothing short of magical, and this year the Ashland Theatre is ready to shine brighter than ever with heartwarming entertainment for the whole family.

“The holidays are finally here, and with that comes added stress. We are grateful to be a place where families come to relax for a few hours, all month long” said Executive Director Courtney F. Caldwell “Our holiday films always draw big crowds, and we’re thrilled to keep that wonderful tradition alive.”

Holly Jolly Holiday Party

Featured Family Events

• Live Theatre: I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

  • The celebrated Barter Theatre Players, live on stage Wednesday, December 17th at 6:30 PM.

• 5th Annual Holly Jolly Holiday Party

  • Join us Saturday, December 6th for a holiday open house featuring free popcorn, arts and crafts, and free professional photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the main stage. A merry tradition for all ages!

• Toddler Takeover Hour:

  • The monthly free event, sponsored by T-Mobile, returns on Saturday, December 13th at 10:00 AM. This hour is perfect for children aged 0 to 6 and their families, featuring holiday-themed cartoons, coloring, and live storytelling.

• The Holiday Princess Concert:

  • The tradition continues Saturday December 20!  Elsa, Anna, Belle, Cinderella, Tiana, and Ariel will take the stage and sing your favorite holiday songs live. This sparkling sing-along experience will enchant the entire family.

Holiday Movies and Events:

• Saturday December 6, 11AM:            

  • The 5th Annual Holly Jolly Holiday Party, open house/free event with free popcorn, hot chocolate, and pictures with Santa on the main stage!

• Saturday December 13, 4PM:            

  • The Polar Express

• Saturday December 14, 7PM:            

  • The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

• Friday December 19, 7:30PM:          

  • National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

• Saturday December 20, 7PM:           

  • White Christmas

• Sunday December 21, 2PM:              

  • The Grinch (2018)

• Sunday December 21,  6PM:              

  • It’s a Wonderful Life

• Monday December 22,  2PM:            

  • The Polar Express

• Monday December 22, 7PM:             

  • Elf

• Tuesday December 23, 2PM:            

  • Home Alone

• Tuesday December 23, 7PM:            

  • White Christmas

• Wednesday December 24, 1PM:        

  • Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

• Wednesday December 24, 5PM:       

  • It’s a Wonderful Life
    
    

December events also include:

Love Actually – Knit at Night!

Our 2025 Knit at Night series wraps up with a cozy holiday favorite that reminds us that love actually is all around. Settle in for a warm, wintry evening where the lights will be dimmed (but not completely dark!) so guests can knit, crochet, basket-weave, or enjoy any craft of their choosing. No craft is required to join the fun—just bring your holiday spirit!

Harvey (1950) – All Tickets 75¢!

The Ashland Theatre’s year-long celebration of classic 1950 films continues on Monday, December 8 at 7 PM with the whimsical comedy Harvey, starring James Stewart and Josephine Hull. Released on December 21, 1950, this charming story of Elwood P. Dowd and the friendly human-sized rabbit only he can see is sure to bring a smile to your season. Thanks to a generous gift from Dominion Energy, all tickets are just 75¢!

Can our 7K Person Town Reach 10K followers?

Downtown Ashland Association on Instagram at @AshlandVirginia hopes to reach 10K followers by 2026

The Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) is calling on neighbors, visitors, and fans of the Center of the Universe to support @AshlandVirginia on Instagram. With fewer than 3,000 followers needed to reach the 10K milestone, every follow helps amplify Ashland’s small businesses, artists, and community events—at no cost to the people who call this special town home.

“Whether we like it or not, social media is here to stay,” said Coach Antonio Miller, Executive Director of the Downtown Ashland Association. “Getting @AshlandVirginia on Instagram to 10K followers means we can amplify our community, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and dreamers well beyond our orbit.”

Secretariat Ribbon Cutting in Historic Downtown Ashland

Downtown Ashland sparkles year-round with attractions, public art, and farm-to-fork dining experiences. Visitors can stroll historic streets adorned with over 10,000 holiday lights, explore cafes, bakeries, and restaurants, and shop for curated gifts, artisan goods, and unique treasures. Highlights include America’s Longest Train Mural and the bronze statue of Triple Crown champion Secretariat, celebrating Ashland’s rich history and creative spirit.
Transcend Paranormal, a community group dedicated to uncovering haunted stories in Ashland and beyond, shared their support, "I find everything I love on @AshlandVirginia,” they said in 2024, “Help them reach 10K followers and find all the fun you’re looking for in the Center of the Universe."

Ashland is easily accessible with Amtrak service that drops travelers directly into the heart of downtown. Downtown Ashland Association events and festivals, from Ashland Train Day to Light Up the Tracks and Fourth Fridays, offer family-friendly entertainment that brings residents and visitors together.

As a nonprofit, DAA invests directly back into the community. Through fundraising, grants, and event proceeds, the organization provides free business resources, workshops, and networking opportunities, supports local artists and makers, and fuels entrepreneurial growth. Past initiatives, such as the Center Street Pitch Competition, have awarded tens of thousands of dollars to local entrepreneurs with big ideas, while media promotion across TV, print, radio, and digital platforms gives downtown businesses a megaphone to reach wider audiences at no cost.

“Every follow on Instagram fuels a thriving, connected downtown,” said Miller. “It helps us shine a spotlight on the businesses, artists, and events that make Ashland extraordinary, while giving resources directly back to the community.”

Follow @AshlandVirginia today and be part of a movement that celebrates creativity, culture, and small-business success in the Center of the Universe.

Breakthrough Workshop Arrives in Ashland

In a moment when burnout is widespread, motivation feels fleeting, and workplace purpose is harder to pin down than ever, two powerhouse coaching firms—Your Path Coaching & Consulting and CMdA Consulting—are bringing an innovative professional development experience to Downtown Ashland. Their upcoming workshop, Finding Fulfillment at Work in 2026, will be held on December 8 at 2 PM at the Dominion Energy Innovation Center, offering a rare opportunity for professionals to rethink how they define success in the year ahead. With only ten seats available, this session promises an intimate, high-impact environment designed for meaningful reflection and transformation.

Rather than rehashing the familiar formulas of traditional goal-setting, this workshop takes a bold step forward. Participants will explore a human-centered approach that prioritizes the deeper why and how behind their ambitions, moving beyond checklists and temporary motivation. The session introduces a framework that blends mental fitness, self-leadership, and strategic alignment into one cohesive system. Through this approach, attendees will learn to navigate imposter thoughts, protect their momentum, and build the kind of clarity and confidence needed to pursue goals sustainably.

Dorian Cunion leading the Start Up Business Accelerator with Downtown Ashland Association at Around the Table in 2024

A central part of the experience involves three synergistic models that guide participants toward lasting fulfillment. The Power6 Leader Framework sharpens self-leadership and strengthens accountability, helping individuals maintain the consistency required for progress. The Co-Active Model infuses the coaching experience with emotional insight and confidence-building practices, grounding participants in their inherent capacity for success. Finally, a Hybrid Goal Architecture weaves together the ambition of OKRs with the precision of SMART criteria, ensuring that each attendee leaves not only with a vision for 2026 but also with a realistic pathway for achieving it.

For Downtown Ashland Association, bringing this level of coaching expertise to the community is deeply intentional. “Everyone in the daily grind should feel fulfilled in their work,” says Coach Antonio Miller, Executive Director of the organization. He emphasizes how transformative hands-on coaching can be, reflecting on his own experience. “When I became Executive Director of Downtown Ashland Association, I worked one-on-one with Dorian Cunion until I was ready to run. Bringing both Dorian and Cristina to Ashland is one more way we’re helping the Center of the Universe—and beyond—find joy in their work.” The Association already offers free monthly Entrepreneur Bootcamps in the Ashland Branch Library to foster connection and collaboration among locals, but this workshop expands the organization’s commitment by providing a deeper, more individualized experience for those ready to take the next professional step.

Cristina Martinez de Andino

Guiding the workshop are two dynamic leaders known for their wisdom, warmth, and transformative impact. Cristina Martinez de Andino, CEO of CMdA Consulting and widely recognized as The Employee Activator, has spent more than 15 years helping organizations reignite morale and realign their teams. With experience supporting Fortune 500 companies through organizational change, she brings an empathetic, people-first approach to every session. Her workshops blend storytelling with practical tools, empowering participants to navigate uncertainty and turn strategy into action.

Dorian Cunion

She joins forces with Dorian Cunion, an executive coach and small business consultant whose 21-year leadership career with 7-Eleven shaped his expertise in goal clarity, strategic thinking, team dynamics, and organizational culture. Known for his ability to listen deeply and help leaders recalibrate their thinking, Dorian guides professionals toward behaviors and habits that elevate their performance. Together, Cristina and Dorian create a coaching environment that is both supportive and rigorous, challenging attendees to uncover their strengths while building the structure needed for consistent growth.

As the workshop approaches, excitement is building for what promises to be one of the most forward-thinking professional development sessions Ashland has seen. Finding Fulfillment at Work in 2026 invites participants to begin the new year with intention, resilience, and a personal blueprint that aligns their goals with their values. The session will take place on December 8 at 2:00 PM at the Dominion Energy Innovation Center, located at 201 Duncan St, Ashland, VA. Tickets are $69, with only ten available to ensure an interactive and personalized experience.

For professionals eager to step into 2026 with clarity and purpose, this workshop offers a chance to redefine success from the inside out—and to do so with guidance from two of the region’s most respected coaching experts.

Sip, Shop & Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Downtown Ashland

Historic downtown Ashland, Virginia

There’s something truly magical about spending the holidays in a town where every storefront tells a story. In downtown Ashland, Virginia, our shops are run by dreamers, makers, neighbors, and family-owned businesses who pour their hearts into every product, cup of coffee, handcrafted gift, and warm welcome. This Small Business Saturday, that spirit shines brighter than ever—and you’re invited to be part of it.

✨ Pop-Ups, Freebies, and a $100 Gift Certificate Giveaway

Kick off your Small Business Saturday adventure with a visit to one of our downtown pop-up spots! The Downtown Ashland Association will be making surprise appearances at local favorites like Classic Coffee, Tea & Books, Take Away, and Miss Timmies throughout the morning.

📸 Here’s how to enter our $100 giveaway:
Take a photo in downtown Ashland on Saturday, November 29, follow @AshlandVirginia on Instagram, and tag us. That’s it! You’ll be automatically entered to win a $100 Town of Ashland Gift Certificate—perfect for holiday shopping at local businesses.

☕ Bonus treat: Show up in Downtown Ashland between 10 AM–12 PM and you might just run into the Downtown Ashland Association gifting free coffees, ornaments, and more to brighten your morning.

@AshlandVirginia on Instagram

❤️ Supporting Downtown Ashland Means Supporting Small Businesses

As a nonprofit, the Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) works year-round to lift up local businesses through free community events, small-business resources, and powerful marketing initiatives. And while end-of-year donations are always appreciated, there’s a simple, free way to make a huge impact:

👉 Follow @AshlandVirginia on Instagram.
We’re just 3K followers away from 10K, a milestone that will help us reach more residents, visitors, and small businesses with vital news, events, and marketing support at no cost to our community. Every follow amplifies the voices of our entrepreneurs and helps build a thriving, connected downtown.

✨ Explore a Hallmark-Worthy Holiday Downtown

Once you’re caffeinated and cozy, take a stroll through our historic streets, glowing with over 10,000 holiday lights stretched across two miles of festive charm. Whether you walk, jog, or cycle, every visit helps illuminate more than our decorations—it lights up the lives of the small business owners who make Ashland extraordinary.

Every purchase supports a small business—and every small business shapes the heart of Ashland.

🎨 Make It a Picture-Perfect Visit

While you’re exploring, don’t miss Ashland’s iconic public art, including Secretariat: Racing Into History and America’s longest train mural—two perfect backdrops for festive holiday photos (and your giveaway entry!).

🚆 The Most Magical Way to Arrive

Skip the parking and ride in style on Amtrak Virginia. Step off the train and into a downtown that shines like a living Hallmark movie—complete with glowing lights, local shops, hot coffee, happy neighbors, and all the warmth of a small-town holiday celebration.