By Alejandra Pacheco
Joggers in jingle bells and elves packing Christmas baskets all help ring in the holidays. Here’s a look at the highlights of the area’s holiday activities:
Lexington Christmas Parade, Dec. 6
The Christmas Parade, a Lexington tradition, will happen Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.
Floats decorated according to this year’s theme “Parade of Lights” will go down Main Street.
This year’s lineup includes the Lexington Fire Department, Rockbridge Area Transportation System, Rockbridge Regional Library System and many others.
The 10th annual Jingle Bell Run, Dec. 7, 9-10 a.m.
Participants can register online. Runners can also sign up 8 a.m. on race day at the registration tent. The entrance fee is $35.
Participants will receive bells for their feet and a fleece headband. Runners are encouraged to dress up and bring their pets.
The Rockbridge Christmas Basket Program, Dec. 7, 8 a.m. to 12p.m., Virginia Horse Center
This year is the 77th annual basket packing day organized by the Lexington Woman’s Club and the Junior Lexington Woman’s Club. The program started in 1948, as community effort to provide food and toys for those in need.
This year they are expecting to pack 1900 baskets.
“Around 400 to 500 people come to the Virginia Horse Center on Saturday morning and form a huge assembly line,” said Audrey Hawkins, who has helped with the program for 30 years.
Downtown Lexington Shop Small Sweepstakes.
The Downtown Lexington Shop Small Sweepstakes encourages consumers to shop locally. Participants collect five stickers by Dec. 21 from local merchants to enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win $100, $150 or $750 cash prizes.
Celtic Tides, Thistleberrys, Lexington Running Shop, Pure Eats, Pumpkinseeds and others are participating.
Small business owners say the campaign helps with sales during the holidays.
“We see some different people that we traditionally do during the year,” said John Morman, owner of Celtic Tides. “It brings more people into the downtown area as a whole.”
“I think it helps with your sales and brings people in to check out your shop,” said Jannie Linn, owner of Thistleberrys.
Festival of Trees, Natural Bridge State Park. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 31
The Natural State Bridge Park Visitor Center, 6477 S. Lee Highway, is filled with Christmas trees decorated by different organizations.
Visitors can cast ballots or give donations to vote for their favorite tree. The festival proceeds will go to Project Horizon and the Natural Bridge/Glasgow Food Pantry.
Luminary Nights, Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21
The Cedar Creek Trail in Natural Bridge State Park is decorated with festive lights. Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet guest’s fireside at the park pavilion.
Tickets are $9 or $6 for children under 12. Carriage rides will be available on Dec. 15 and 20.
Click here to make a reservation.
Downtown Buena Vista Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.
“Frosty and Bright” is this year’s theme for the annual tree lighting ceremony and parade in downtown Buena Vista.
At 6:30 p.m., the Christmas tree will be lit to mark the start of the holiday season, followed by the parade beginning on Magnolia Street.
Click here to register.