Fredericksburg celebrates the holidays with spirit and style all December long. This Virginia city fills its historic streets with traditions that bring neighbors together, from festive parades and twinkling light displays to community giving programs that warm hearts. Whether you caught the recent Christmas parade or you’re planning to join upcoming celebrations, there’s still plenty of holiday magic happening through the end of the month.
The Parade That Lit Up Downtown
The annual Fredericksburg Christmas Parade rolled through downtown on December 6, drawing thousands of spectators to Caroline and Princess Anne Streets. Festive floats, marching bands, and community groups created an electric atmosphere at 5:30 PM, proving once again why this tradition captures the spirit of the holidays. Rain, shine, or snow, this celebration happens every year, and the 2025 parade delivered the magic families have come to expect.
The excitement continued with Main Street After Dark, keeping downtown alive with shoppers browsing local stores under the holiday lights.
Traditions Still Lighting Up the Season
Before the parade even happened, the community gathered for the Tree Lighting Event at Riverfront Park, featuring live performances, holiday music, activities, and food trucks that set the stage for the season. The Christmas tree still glows downtown, officially marking Fredericksburg as a winter celebration destination.
Take an evening stroll through Candy Cane Lane, where downtown street lamps along Caroline and William Streets are wrapped to look like giant candy canes through the end of the month. The glow creates perfect photo opportunities and adds extra charm to holiday walks through the historic district.
Still Time to Catch These Celebrations
The Window Wonderland scavenger hunt runs through December 31, giving you the chance to explore downtown and win $1,000 in gift cards or 50 other great prizes. Pick up your scavenger hunt guide at the visitor center and start your adventure.
Culture lovers can catch “White Christmas” at Riverside Dinner Theatre through December 28, or visit Historic Kenmore for the Wee Christmas Dollhouses & Miniatures Exhibit running through December 30. The exhibit opens daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, showcasing intricate holiday scenes that delight visitors of all ages.
This weekend brings the Holly Day Market at King George Middle School on December 13 from 9 AM to 1 PM, and the Holiday Market at Eden Try Winery from 12 to 5 PM, where you’ll find local vendors, artisan goods, and seasonal treats. The Fredericksburg Ballet Centre performs “The Nutcracker” at James Monroe High School on December 13 and 14, bringing the classic holiday story to life.
If you want to discover homes in neighborhoods full of holiday spirit and see where celebrations bring people together, explore the local community through this directory of area highlights.
The Spirit That Makes It Special
What makes Fredericksburg’s holiday traditions truly unique is how the community comes together to help neighbors in need. The Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank coordinates donation drives throughout the season, including campaigns where every $2 donated helps feed two families. Toys for Tots collection boxes, Angel Trees at local stores, and the Gifts from the Heart program connect generous sponsors with vulnerable children who need holiday gifts.
Organizations like Elle’s Elves and Angels on Wheels Charity offer countless volunteer opportunities, proving that the best traditions are the ones that give back.
Join the Celebration
Ready to experience Fredericksburg’s unique holiday celebrations? Whether you’re catching the Nutcracker performance, shopping the weekend markets, exploring Window Wonderland, or simply walking through twinkling Candy Cane Lane with hot cocoa in hand, you’ll find that this community knows how to make the season bright. Plan your visit today and become part of the traditions that make December in Fredericksburg unforgettable.
Sources: fredericksburgva.gov, familyadventuresva.com, gofredericksburg.com, patch.com
Header Image Source: Vladimir Srajber
