Enjoy an Eventful 2024 Holiday Season W&L celebrates the 2024 holiday season with a wide variety of campus and local events.

The Washington and Lee University campus and greater Rockbridge area are abuzz preparing for an eventful holiday season. We’ve put together a holiday guide to ensure that everyone in the campus community can take advantage of the wide array of seasonal events between now and the start of the new year. Check back regularly for schedule updates!

Nov. 1 through Dec. 21

Shop Small Sweepstakes
Downtown Lexington 

Get a great jump on your gift shopping in downtown Lexington. When you spend $10 or more at a participating downtown business, you will be given a card with a sticker. The more stickers you collect, the more sweepstakes entries you receive. The prizes range from $100 to $750 for even more downtown shopping. Follow Main Street Lexington on Instagram for more information.

Nov. 21 

Thanksgiving Dinner
The Marketplace, Washington and Lee
4:30 – 8 p.m.

Our annual Thanksgiving dinner at The Marketplace is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday with friends and colleagues! Join us from 4:30 – 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21. Please note: There will be a special door price of $17 (or one meal swipe) for dinner.

Nov. 22 – Dec. 31

Natural Bridge State Park’s Festival of Trees
6477 S. Lee Highway, Natural Bridge
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

Explore the local community of Rockbridge County as representatives of businesses, organizations, schools and clubs decorate trees that represent themselves to the community.

Nov. 24

Live Advent Wreath-Making Workshop
Tantivy Lavender Farm
1350 Decatur Road, Fairfield
1 p.m

This workshop will guide you through making a beautiful advent wreath using live greenery and traditional herbs for the holiday season. Visit the farm’s online shop for tickets and information about group reservations.

Nov. 30-Dec. 6

Tantivy Lavender Farm Christmas Wreath Workshops
1350 Decatur Road
1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, Sunday, Dec. 1 and Friday, Dec. 6

All materials are included; participants are welcome to bring their own greenery. Lavender hot chocolate, lavender cookies and hot apple cider will be served. Space is limited; sign up here.

Nov. 28

Annual Gobble Wobble 5K and Fun Run
Maury River Middle School parking tot
9 a.m.

The Lexington-Rockbridge Jaycees are excited to continue one of Lexington’s favorite Thanksgiving traditions with the 12th Annual Lexington Gobble Wobble 5K road race.

On Thanksgiving Day, the Jaycees will host both a 5K (walk or run) and a Children’s Fun Run, making this a community event for the whole family. The community is invited to come out and enjoy the festivities, but, don’t worry — you will still get home in time to put the turkey in the oven.

Visit the Gobble Wobble’s website for more details.

Nov. 29

Annual Lexington Candlelight Processional and Tree Lighting
Main entrance of Oak Grove Cemetery on Main Street
5:15 p.m.

Join the community in the annual candlelight procession through the streets of Lexington. Lineup begins at 5:15 p.m. at the Main Street entrance to Oak Grove Cemetery, where candles and holiday songbooks will be distributed. At 5:30 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead the processional down Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage provided by the Lexington Carriage Company. Caroling will continue at Hopkins Green, where Lexington Presbyterian Church will serve hot cocoa and the community tree will be lit. The Rockbridge SPCA will display luminaries at Hopkins Green in honor or memory of pets and people. Family-friendly, free and open to all!

Dec. 1, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025

Drive-Thru Holiday Light Display
Glen Maury Park, Buena Vista 
Daily until 11 p.m.

Glen Maury Park is inviting area businesses, churches and nonprofits to set up their own light displays at the park this upcoming holiday season. The drive-thru holiday light displays have been a tradition at the park for several years.

The displays will be set up before Dec. 1 and will be viewed by the public until New Year’s Day.

For more information, call the park at (540) 261-7321.

Dec. 2

Rockbridge Youth Chorale Fall/Winter Concert
Grace Episcopal Church, Lexington
7:15 p.m.

The Rockbridge Chorus presents a holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. with audience carol singing at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Lexington Presbyterian Church. Save 15% on Rockbridge Chorus concert tickets by purchasing in advance.

Dec. 3

Winter Wonderland Family Dinner
The Marketplace, Washington and Lee
4:30 – 8 p.m.

Dine at W&L’s Marketplace before the Winter Wonderland dessert event in Evans. Peruse the menu beforehand.

Winter Wonderland
Washington and Lee University
6 – 9 p.m.

Grab the kids and bring them to this year’s Winter Wonderland, a beloved tradition at W&L. Visit the Marketplace for a family-friendly dinner in Elrod Commons beginning at 4:30 p.m., then head over to Lee House at 6 p.m. for carols on the porch. If you saved room for dessert, delicious treats will be served at Winter Wonderland in Evans Hall from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Note: This event is only open to members of the W&L campus community.

Dec. 5-6

Washington and Lee University presents: Holiday Pops Concert
Wilson Concert Hall, 100 Glasgow St.
7 p.m.

This concert features ensemble groups from the W&L Department of Music performing pieces celebrating the holiday season. The program will include individual group performances, ensemble pieces and a variety of student conductors. Get your tickets online.

Dec. 5 

Holiday Dinner
The Marketplace, Washington and Lee
4:30 – 8 p.m.

Celebrate the holidays with your friends and colleagues at our traditional holiday dinner on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 4:30 – 8 p.m. at the Marketplace. The menu will feature carved prime rib, spiced apple cider, roasted chicken, balsamic roasted brussels sprouts with bacon, shrimp cocktail and so much more! Please note: The Marketplace will close from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5 to prepare for this event. Special door price of $17 (or one meal swipe).

Downtown Buena Vista Christmas Parade
Downtown Buena Vista
6:30 p.m.

Downtown Buena Vista’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the holiday festivities at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a dazzling display of festive floats, twinkling lights and cheerful holiday music. For more information, visit https://www.mainstreetbuenavista.org/.

Lessons and Carols
University Chapel, Washington and Lee
8 p.m. 

Lessons and Carols is an annual tradition at W&L dating back over 80 years. This candlelight service will return for the 2024 holiday season to weave together the narration of the Christmas story through music, readings and carols. No tickets are required but space is limited.

Dec. 6 

Annual Lexington Christmas Parade
Main Street, downtown Lexington
6 p.m.

View floats, hear school marching bands, see the Virginia Military Institute cadets march and catch a glimpse of Santa and Mrs. Claus during this downtown Lexington holiday favorite! The streets of downtown Lexington will be closed for preparation beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec. 6.

Hannukah Shabbat
Hillel House, Washington and Lee
6 p.m.

W&L Hillel’s celebration of Hannukah is open to the community. For more information, contact zfunkhouser@wlu.edu.

Dec. 7 

Main Street Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk
Main St., downtown Lexington
10 a.m.

Run (or walk) the Jingle Bell 5K route through beautiful downtown Lexington. This event is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Jogging strollers and well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome, and festive holiday costumes for people and pets are strongly encouraged. Find out more and register for the event.

Dec. 9

Lee House Holiday Open House
Lee House, Washington and Lee
3:30 – 5 p.m.
RSVP to holidays@wlu.edu

Washington and Lee faculty and staff are invited to stop by Lee House for socializing and holiday treats. Chat with colleagues and be sure to check out the holiday decorations.

Note: This event is only open to members of the W&L campus community.

Dec. 13, 14, 15 and 20, 21, 22 

Luminary Nights at Natural Bridge State Park
6477 S. Lee Highway, Natural Bridge
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Enjoy an after-dark stroll along the illuminated Cedar Creek Trail and under the Natural Bridge. Luminary Nights will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13, 14, and 15 and Dec. 20, 21 and 22. Carriage rides will be offered on Sunday nights only at $20 per rider, admission included. Find more information.

Dec. 13

Washington and Lee University Brunch
Evans Hall
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
RSVP to holidays@wlu.edu

W&L faculty and staff are invited to bring good cheer and a big appetite to this year’s university brunch.

Note: This event is only open to W&L faculty and staff.

Shop Late with Dickens Carolers
Downtown Lexington
Shops open until 7 p.m.

Our downtown shopkeepers are keeping late hours just for you! Shop until 7 p.m., and enjoy the beautifully decorated windows and the sounds of the talented Dickens Carolers.

Tell us more!

Check back frequently for updates to this post, and send any festive events not listed to kgoodwin@wlu.edu. Happy holidays!