“The most wonderful time of the year”
is near, and there are several events
at the Rivah to kick off the holidays.

Urbanna

On Saturday, December 6, experience “Enjoy the Christmas Spirit All Day” in Urbanna, capped by the Urbanna Hometown Christmas Parade. It’s been a holiday opening event for nearly 30 years. When the founder Lois Jean Brooks passed away after running it for 27 years, the town government became the organizer. Register for the parade at Urbanna.com or https://urbanna.com/parade/index.php.

Things get started at 4:30 p.m. with the lighting of the trees at the historic Lansdowne estate at 271 Virginia Street.

The Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department station, sometimes referred to as the “Urbanna firehouse,” with food prepared by firefighters, and vendors and music will be set up nearby. The firehouse is at 330 Virginia Street. There will also be vendors on Cross Street and the alpacas are returning to the mini park adjacent to the Middlesex County Woman’s Club at 202 Virginia Street. Choirs will sing in the business district before the parade.

Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus after the parade in the firehouse.

West Point

The West Point Christmas Parade is set for Sunday, December 7, at 1 p.m.

The parade lines up on Kirby Street before turning down Main Street and running right through the festive heart of “Christmas on the Town.”

One trophy will be awarded to the entry filled with the most holiday spirit while representing the parade theme.

Christmas on the Town is the Town of West Point’s annual holiday kickoff event hosted by the West Point Chamber of Commerce, with the parade sponsored by Dominion Energy. From noon to 4:30 p.m. visitors can enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere with live music, beverages, shopping, a parade, caroling, a Tree of Life Ceremony, and Santa and his helpers.

Tappahannock

“Golden Christmas Memories” is the theme of the fifth annual Winterfest event and 50th annual Christmas Parade in Tappahannock on Saturday, December 6. The parade begins at 4:30 p.m.

From the festive marketplace to the dazzling parade, it’s a day of  holiday spirit in historic downtown Tappahannock where vendors will be set up from 1-7 p.m.

The Ugly Sweater Contest is at 3:30 p.m. and the parade begins at 4:30 p.m. The float registration fee is $30 per float.

Warsaw

Warsaw presents “Christmas Town 2025” on Saturday, December 13, “Virginia’s largest Christmas-themed event.” Warsaw’s Christmas Town has been revamped and better than ever! New rides, a better layout, larger parade, more vendors and food offerings, horse and carriage rides, skating, and much more!

Activities run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m, including ice skating, amusement rides, Restaurant Row, 100-plus vendors, handbell choir and caroling, horse and carriage rides, and visits with Santa Claus. The day will culminate with the Annual Warsaw Richmond County Main Street Program’s Christmas Parade starting at 6 p.m. It is sponsored by the Town of Warsaw.

Callao

Celebrate Christmas in Callao on Sunday, December 7, starting at 1 p.m. This year’s theme is “Hometown Christmas” and there will be plenty of fun activities including a Christmas Bazaar at the firehouse; a car, truck, tractor, and motorcycle show; visit with Santa and friends in his workshop, a live Nativity presentation, the lighting of the Crab Pot Christmas tree, carol singing, and refreshments.

The Callao Christmas Parade down Callao’s Main Street is at 4 p.m. The parade route starts near the stoplight and travels through Callao towards the Callao Moose Lodge.

Kilmarnock

The Kilmarnock Lighted Christmas Parade is Friday, December 12, from 7-8 p.m.

“Virginia’s longest running lighted Christmas parade” is now in its 46th year. The hometown parade features about 100 units proudly marching and rolling down Main Street.

The parade starts at 7 p.m. at the Chesapeake Commons Shopping Center on North Main Street and continues to South Main Street and Irvington Road.

Streets close beginning at 6:45 p.m. so get to Kilmarnock early and find your parking and viewing spot.

To participate contact Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce,  435-6092 or go to www.lancasterva.com.

Mathews 

 “Jingle on the Bay!” is the theme of the Mathews Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 13, from 1-2:30 p.m. The parade runs from Thomas Hunter Middle School to Chesapeake Bank, going down Church Street to Main Street to Buckley Hall Road.

Winners will be chosen for the best entry in each of the following nine categories: Civic, Animal, Walking Unit, School, Commercial, Motorized, Church, Parade Theme, and Antique Vehicle. Visit with Santa at Sibley’s Store Visitor’s Center from 2:30-4 p.m.

Register for the parade by December 5 through the Mathews County Visitors and Information Center (MCVIC) at 725-4229 or mathewsvisitorcenter@gmail.com. There is no entry fee.

The tree lighting is at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 12, on the historic court green.

Gloucester 

Get ready for a full day of holiday magic in Gloucester’s historic district with Gloucester’s Christmas and Holiday Parade and tree lighting from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.

The event starts at 3 p.m. with the Christmas and Holiday Parade, when festive floats, marching bands, and holiday magic fill Main Street.

Immediately following the parade, gather on the Historic courtyard for the Annual Tree Lighting, presented by the Cook Foundation, at 5 p.m. Watch as the community gathers to light the tree and officially welcome the season with sparkling lights and holiday spirit.

The events are presented by the Gloucester Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department.

Throughout the day, explore The Festival of Trees at Tucker Store Pocket Park, Gloucester Resource Council’s Common Ground, and Main Street’s “Holiday Open House,” featuring unique shopping, dining, and seasonal fun.

Main Street’s photos with Santa begins at 10 a.m.

Bring the whole family and experience the magic of Gloucester’s holiday traditions, all in one joyful afternoon.

Sign up online to be in the parade at gloucesterva.gov/civicrec.

Colonial Beach 

Experience the enchantment of the holiday season at Santa’s Wonderland and Winter Festival Parade in Colonial Beach on Saturday, December 6, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Town Hill Park, located at the corner of Colonial and Washington avenues, transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland adorned with twinkling lights, festive Christmas trees, whimsical elves, and cheerful snowmen.

At noon, the festivities kick off with a parade of decorated cars, golf carts, and floats, all climaxing with the grand entrance of Santa Claus!

After the parade get ready for more activities. Warm up with hot chocolate, decorated  cookies, create holiday-themed arts and crafts, warm up by the fire pit, as Christmas music fills the air.

There’s more. Check out the vendor tents, visit with Santa and have your photo taken.

The parade line-up is at Colonial Beach High School parking lot from 11 a.m. to noon and it will go down Washington Avenue to Town Hill Park.