Ashland Town Tree Lights Up Glen Allen

📍 Illumination Festival of Trees | ⏰ Now through January 4
🚂 Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060

Stepping into the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen during the Illumination Festival of Trees is like entering a glittering wonderland. Hallways glow with the warm reflection of countless ornaments, each tree a curated world of creativity and holiday spirit. Among them, the Ashland Town Tree quietly commands attention—not through grandeur alone, but through the remarkable generosity and artistry that brought it to life.

Ashland Town Tree at the Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen

This tree is a gift from Downtown Ashland Association’s in-kind sponsors, decorated on behalf of the neighbors who live and create in the Center of the Universe. Each ornament tells a story, and each story reflects a labor of love. Hand-painted oyster shells from Elizabeth Poole Art shimmer with delicate craftsmanship. Portraits of senior ambassadors, transformed into ornaments by Kristie Bradley Photography, capture the dignity, pride, and individuality of Ashland’s residents. Even covers of Neighbors of Ashland Magazine become ornaments, celebrating the people who make our town feel alive.

Neighbors of Ashland Magazine ornament featuring Mayor Steve Trivett

The tree sparkles with a spirit of local enterprise and artistic flair: a glittering horse from Changing Reins nods to Ashland’s equestrian heritage, while a steampunk-inspired ornament from A Masque Darkly sparks curiosity and delight. Slipped Disc Studios contributes a piece from their own family collection, a miniature home that reflects the creative heart of the Center of the Universe. And for those captivated by movement, sound, and precision, Tiny Tims Trains & Toys offers intricate model train-inspired ornaments, celebrating both hands-on learning and the playful magic of the season. Sparkling ornaments from Cece Cox Wolfe add the perfect finishing touch, bringing light and texture that make the tree feel alive.

Walking among the trees in the Center, it’s impossible not to notice the thought, talent, and care poured into each piece. The Ashland Town Tree is a celebration of community generosity and creativity, a living gallery where every ornament has its own story and every story enriches the whole. It’s an invitation to look closer, appreciate the artistry, and wander through a holiday world where Ashland truly shines.

Minuteman Press of Ashland Wraps the Community in Warmth—and Support

Randolph Macon College student Katie McGhinnis models Minuteman Press of Ashland Light Up the Tracks apparel

This holiday season, Minuteman Press of Ashland is giving back in the coziest way possible. They’ve launched a brand-new collection of snuggly sweatshirts, long-sleeved tees, and cozy cocoa mugs featuring an exclusive Light Up the Tracks woven ugly-sweater design—and 20% of every purchase goes directly to Downtown Ashland Association.

The festive design celebrates everything that makes Ashland shine: sweet hearts for our Valentine Town spirit and, of course, the beloved railroad tracks that make our historic main street iconic. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa, strolling under the holiday lights, or wrapping gifts at home, these pieces let you bundle up in hometown pride.

Minuteman Press of Ashland’s mobile T-shirt truck at downtown Ashland’s Grand Illumination

Purchasing Light Up the Tracks apparel isn’t just a stylish seasonal choice—it’s a meaningful way to fuel community impact. Donations to Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) help power media, marketing, and mentorship opportunities crafted especially for the Center of the Universe, extending Ashland’s reach far beyond our orbit.

Downtown Ashland Association puts every donated dollar to work by investing directly back into the community we love. As a nonprofit, DAA provides free First Wednesday business workshops and resources at the Ashland Branch Library, awards $35,000 in prizes through the Center Street Pitch Competition to help local entrepreneurs grow, and creates high-quality marketing and media for downtown businesses, sponsors, and supporters that reach millions each month. The award-winning non-profit proudly produces free, family-friendly events like Light Up the Tracks and Ashland Train Day—celebrations that strengthen our small businesses, bring neighbors together, and keep the Center of the Universe shining bright. Every Downtown Ashland Association apparel purchase from Minuteman Press of Ashland helps fuel this work and ensures Ashland continues to thrive.

Minuteman Press of Ashland’s Light Up the Tracks design

And Minuteman Press is just getting started. Their online store also features more downtown-inspired designs, including K101.2 POP Richmond’s Happy Hour Vibes, the Songs from the Center of the Universe band tee, and classic Ashland Train favorites. Every apparel purchase—no matter the design—gives 20% back to Downtown Ashland Association.

So go ahead: wrap yourself in community support this season. Order your Light Up the Tracks apparel before the holidays are fully wrapped up, and wear your Ashland pride by the hearth, down the tracks, and everywhere in between.

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

Sold out

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

Sold out

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.