Downtown Fredericksburg Getting Into The Holiday Spirit

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Downtown Fredericksburg kicks off the holiday season with "Holidays in the 'Burg" Saturday and Sunday, a time when windows are decorated, holiday music is playing and the streets are filled with holiday cheer.

The city, along with Fredericksburg VA Main Street, Tree Fredericksburg and others, is seeking to bring a festive atmosphere to downtown Fredericksburg in the time of coronavirus.

This holiday season will include the annual Window Wonderland window-riddle contest, a gift card promotion, a tree lighting, Santa’s Mailbox, the annual parade and much more.

"Since its founding, Fredericksburg has been a town marked by its traditions and history," the city said. "This holiday season, locals will carry on some of those traditions."

When attending in-person event, residents are urged to continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines and use face coverings. If you feel sick or are showing any symptoms of being sick, stay home.

Below is a list of ways residents and visitors can be part of the traditions:

• Nov. 14-15: Holidays in the Burg kicks off in downtown Fredericksburg — The official start of holiday shopping in downtown. Windows are decorated, holiday music is playing, and our streets are filled with holiday cheer.
• Nov. 14 until supplies last: FXBG Love Local Holiday Downtown Gift Card promotion. Give a gift of downtown shopping, eating and fun. For every $50 in gift cards purchased, receive a free $10 gift card that must be redeemed in the first quarter of 2021. Gift cards can be purchased at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center (706 Caroline St).
• Nov. 14-Dec. 31: Window Wonderland — Ready for a little holiday family fun? Head downtown and put your riddling skills to the test. Stop by the Visitor Center (706 Caroline St.) to pick up an entry form or print the entry form on VisitFred.com. Find all the riddles in the windows of the participating businesses that are listed on the entry form for your chance to win $1000 in Downtown Gift Cards or over 50 other great prizes provided by the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority and the participating businesses.
• Nov. 21: Annual Children’s Tree Lighting — Grab a cup of hot cocoa and watch this annual tradition on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube from the comfort of your home.
• Nov. 21-Dec. 13: Holiday Greenery and Ivy Carriage Carriage Tour — Join Olde Towne Carriages during the most wonderful time of the year. Learn the history of the American Christmas.
• Nov. 26: 28th Annual YMCA Turkey Trot — A fun, family tradition in Fredericksburg. Start your Thanksgiving Day with a little exercise.
• Nov. 27-Dec. 18: Santa’s Mailbox — The Rappahannock Fredericksburg Rotary is placing Santa’s Mailbox on the corner of Caroline and George Street, near Fort To Go starting November 27th until December 18th. All letters will receive a note from Santa.
• Nov. 28-Dec. 19: Shop and Dine Small Saturdays — Visit FXBGLoveLocal.com for more details.
• Dec. 5-Dec. 30: Jingle Bell & Christmas Carriage Ride — Jingle all the way! Listen to the jingle bells as wagonette travels through the streets of Fredericksburg. Listen to Christmas music, and about Christmas past and we will explore the most well-lit route we can find.
• Dec. 1-31: 50th Annual Holiday Candlelight Tour — Take a picturesque stroll or a relaxing drive down the historic streets of Fredericksburg. Enjoy an audio tour, featuring specific houses and neighborhoods, using your mobile phone. Tour will include photos and narrated history. Guests can tour any time through the month of December.
• Dec. 1-31: 5th Annual “Merry Trees” Exhibit at the Fredericksburg Area Musem — FAM’s gallery spaces will be filled with trees decorated by Hugh Mercer Elementary School students. Each tree is inspired by a book the students have read in the classroom.
• Dec. 4-6: Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show at the Fredericksburg Expo Center — Over 300 vendors had many new one-of-a-kind handmade arts & crafts that will make wonderful gifts for your family, friends and even your pets.
• Dec. 5 | Fredericksburg Christmas Parade (Reverse Parade) — The theme this year is “Light Up the Season!” Floats will be stationed along Gordon W. Shelton Boulevard and attendees will drive by. It will be similar to a free drive-thru light display. This reverse parade format will allow for spacing between parade entries and no direct contact with the public.
• Dec. 12-13: FAMFaire: KrisKringlMarkt in Fredericksburg Area Museum Market Square from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — This traditional, German-style Holiday market will feature vendors of all types selling their wares in Historic Market Square. In keeping with state regulations due to COVID-19, a maximum of 8 vendors will occupy Market Square each day during the event.

For a complete list of holiday events in Fredericksburg, whether in person or virtual, visit the Greater Fredericksburg Tourism Partnership's website.

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