Hanover’s Perspective
Holiday Happenings in Hanover County VA 2025
From small community events to historic holiday traditions, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday season in Hanover. Refer to this blog frequently as new listings will be added as they are announced. Here is a list of holiday events not to be missed.
The new Hanover ornaments is here! To purchase, visit: HanoverOrnament.com
Hanover Shopping Season – Hanover County Economic Development
November – December 2025; Visit this page for the Here In Hanover, VA App and information about the Hanover Shopping Season campaign.
The holiday season is a perfect time to visit our great locally owned retailers and restaurants!
Click on a category to quick jump in this list:
- Craft/Gift Markets (Some markets have photo opportunities with Santa!)
- Craft Workshops/Classes
- Giving Opportunities – In the Spirit of the Season
- Holiday Events – Ongoing Throughout the Season
- Holiday Events – Date Specific
- Parades
- Christmas Trees – Cut Your Own and Pre-cut
Craft/Gift Markets (Some markets have photo opportunities with Santa!)
Christmas Market at Covenant Woods
November 7 & 8, 2025; 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Free.
Kick off your holiday shopping at Covenant Woods’ annual Christmas Market on Friday and Saturday, November 7 & 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Explore a curated selection of local artisans and discover unique gifts, handmade goods, and seasonal treats. You may also enjoy a delicious lunch at Fireside. On Saturday, November 8, young entrepreneurs from the Children’s Entrepreneur Market will join us with their one-of-a-kind creations!
Holiday Open House – Hickory Creek Antiques
November 8, 2025; 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Deck the halls with vintage finds and jingle all the way to Hickory Creek Antiques’ Holiday Open House! Enjoy festive snacks, unwrap unbeatable deals, and browse one-of-a-kind treasures that’ll sleigh your gift list!
MHS Holiday Bazaar & Craft Show – Mechanicsville High School Band Boosters
November 15, 2025; 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Spread some holiday cheer and support the MHS band programs while you shop! We’ll have a Silent Auction, Bake Sale, 50/50 Raffle, Brunswick Stew and BBQ!
44th Annual Craft Bazaar – Church of the Redeemer (Mechanicsville)
November 22, 2025; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free.
Join us for the 44th annual Craft Bazaar at Church of the Redeemer! Here’s what you can expect: over 110 vendors, breakfast and lunch options, bake sale, Santa shop for children, door prizes and raffles.
Annual Holiday Open Farm Day – Meadowgate Alpacas
Saturday, November 29, 2025; 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Rain Date: December 1, 2025.
Admission fee applies.
Celebrate the holidays here at Meadowgate and enjoy free admission for this day on the farm! Take holiday card photos with the alpacas (provided by Virginia Ashley Photography), shop our farm store for unique gifts, and learn all about alpacas. Meet our newest adorable addition, Poppy the Llama. Make your own bird nesting balls (small fee applies). Kids – bring your well-loved stuffed animals for a tune-up with Dr. Melinda McCall and stick around for a reading of her children’s book, The Million Dollar Goat. Classic Coffee and Tea will be back to provide warm refreshments. A holiday family tradition you don’t want to miss! (Rain date is November 30, 2025 from 11-3pm) Check out the event schedule online at www.meadowgatealpacas.com.
England Street Christmas Market – Town of Ashland
December 6, 2025; 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
In partnership with Thrill of the Hunt, this vintage-inspired market begins in Ashland Town Center, making it the perfect starting point for your local holiday shopping crawl through the Center of the Universe.
Gimme Pound Christmas Town Market – JP JumPers Foundation at Mechanicsville High School
December 6, 2025: 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Come Join us for our 5th Annual Gimme Pound Christmas Town Market. Enjoy entertainment from local choirs and performers, shopping with local vendors and maybe a special guest will stop by. This is an event you don’t want to miss!
Ladies Day Shopping Event – Green Top Sporting Goods
December 12, 2025; 9:00 a.m. – 7:oo p.m.
Get ready for the most exciting shopping day of the season! Join Green Top for a day packed with incredible food, giveaways, deals, and fun from morning to night! Enjoy Rec Teq Grilling, Bugle Call Coffee, Walton Seafood, Whitley’s BBQ and Texas Roadhouse (offering times vary). First 25 ladies receive a FREE YETI 8oz cup + free coffee from Bugle Call Coffee; First 200 ladies get a chance to spin the prize wheel (one spin per person, while supplies last). Enter to win an exclusive YETI Prize Pack.
Craft Workshops/Classes
Various Holiday Workshops/Events – James River Cellars Winery
Throughout November and December 2025
Use the link above to access their calendar of free and paid events for more information and to purchase tickets (if needed for certain events). Events include Wreath Making,holiday centerpiece workshop, cookie decorating, and more!
Wreath Making Workshops – Cross Creek Nursery (West End)
Throughout November and December
(Scroll down to Upcoming Events. Note: Cross Creek has two locations: West End location is on Ashland Road in Hanover County, and the other is in Midlothian. Each event listing indicates the location of the workshop.)
Pines & Pints – Wreath Decorating – Center of the Universe Brewing Company
November 24, 2025; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Registration required; fees apply.
Join Us for a Cozy Evening of Wreath Decorating! Unwind with friends and get into the festive spirit by crafting your very own holiday wreath. Each ticket ($55) includes: A complimentary pint of your favorite brew, a fresh handcrafted fir wreath from FirEver Pines, a hand-tied bow in the color of your choice, and all the decorative materials you’ll need. Decorations include fresh cedar and white pine cuttings, painted branches, pinecones, dried flowers, dried fruit, and a variety of charming holiday accents. Come for the creativity, stay for the cheer!
Giving Opportunities – In the Spirit of the Season
Hanover Christmas Mother – Sponsored by the Doswell Ruritan Club
Donations accepted.
The Hanover Christmas Mother has been supporting local families for decades. Through your generous donations this local non-profit provides food, clothes, and toys to those in need during the Christmas season. Since the 1980’s the Hanover Christmas Mother project has been sponsored by the Doswell Ruritan Club. The 2025 Hanover Christmas Mother is Rickie Hall Smith.
Other Giving Opportunities – See Hanover Blog
Holiday Events – Ongoing Throughout the Season
Santa’s Wonderland – Bass Pro Shops, Ashland, VA
Starting November 1, 2025; Photo with Santa starting November 2nd
Make online reservations to schedule a visit with Santa.
Families who visit Santa receive a free 4×6 studio-quality photo with Mr. Claus. Additional photo packages are also available for purchase and print instantly in the store. Make your free Santa Photo reservations at your preferred time and show your confirmation at check-in. For information specific to the Ashland location, visit: Bass Pro Shops, Ashland.
Light Up the Tracks – Town of Ashland
November 22, 2025 – January 1, 2026 (See calendar for full listing of events with dates/times.)
Downtown Ashland transforms into a vintage Christmas village with “Light Up the Tracks” — a mile-long light display combined with various special events designed to welcome visitors for a unique small town holiday. Numerous events throughout the season including caroling, shopping and more!
Holiday Events – Date Specific
Hanover Santa Run – Hanover Volunteer Fire/EMS Stations
Every year, the Hanover volunteer Fire-EMS companies participate in Santa Runs throughout Hanover County. For details on routes and dates, refer to the Facebook account of the company which serves your neighborhood.
Holiday Illumination – Historic Polegreen Church Foundation
November 22, 2025; 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Free.
Come join us for our Annual Holiday Illumination! See the Church light up amidst holiday music, vendors, and even Santa himself!
Grand Illumination – The Town of Ashland
November 22, 2025: 3:00 -6:00 p.m.
The Grand Illumination is where the magic of the holidays in historic downtown Ashland truly begins! As the first event in our month-long Light Up the Tracks celebration, it’s your chance to shop, dine, sing, and sparkle your way into the most wonderful time of the year.
Various Holiday Movies and Events – Ashland Theatre
Throughout December 2025
Fees apply.
Come to Ashland Theatre to watch holiday movie favorites on select dates/times including The Polar Express, The Grinch, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. A Holly Jolly Holiday Party will occur on December 6th, and a performance of I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas: Live on Stage is December 17th.
Show Choir Holiday Spectacular – Randolph-Macon College
Various Dates/Times starting December 5 through December 13
Get into the holiday spirit with Randolph-Macon Show Choir’s annual Holiday Spectacular! This festive performance features dazzling lights, energetic dancing, and joyful singing in a show that truly lives up to its name—spectacular!
A Christmas Carol – Theatre Production at Randolph-Macon College
Various Dates/Times starting December 3 through December 7
Marilyn Mattys’ beloved adaptation of A Christmas Carol returns to Randolph-Macon this holiday season. Directed by Professor Emeritus Joe Mattys, this retelling of Dickens’ classic has been a beloved tradition at the College for more than 25 years. Join us in celebrating the spirit of the season with this classic story of redemption, generosity, and joy. Ticket information is forthcoming.
No Room at the Inn Gala – Church of the Redeemer
December 5 – 7, 2025; Check website for times.
Ticket purchase required. Proceeds to support Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions, Moments of Hope, and Church of the Redeemer’s Haiti Housing Ministry.
The No Room weekend starts with a Gala on Friday, December 5 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. for adults to enjoy an evening of food, beverages, and live and online auctions. All ages are invited on Saturday and Sunday to participate in various activities including crafts and taking part in a live nativity.
A Visit from Santa! – Red Rooster Country Store
December 6, 2025; 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Stop by for our annual visit from Santa! This is a family-friendly event where kids can sit on Santa’s lap and parents snap photos. Afterwards, kids can write a letter to Santa and get a free cup of ice cream!
Holiday Cheer – Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown
December 6, 2025; 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ticket purchase required.
Scotchtown’s annual family holiday program with plenty of holiday spirit! Enjoy tours of the manor house decorated for season, hot chocolate bar, cookies, holiday themed crafts and story readings.
Ranch Nativity Presentation – Wings of Hope Ranch
December 6, 2025; 10:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Free to attend but reservations are kindly requested using link on event page. Donations to this non-profit are greatly appreciated! Always be sure to confirm with organization before making an online donation.
Wings of Hope invites you to a presentation of the Christmas story by our ranchers and volunteers. At 10:30 a.m. on December 6th, barn doors are open to guests and warm drinks and donuts will be available for purchase. The Nativity presentation begins at 11:00 a.m. Tours of the barn are available 5 minutes after the presentation ends.
Breakfast with Santa & Santa’s Workshop – The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education
December 6, 2025; 2 sessions – 9-10 a.m. and 12-1 p.m.
Ticket purchase required.
Come A magical hands-on holiday experience where children step into Santa’s Workshop to make crafts, meet Santa, and enjoy festive fun. Each activity is designed to feel like a “workshop station” where kids help Santa get ready for Christmas. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the entire workshop.
Breakfast with Santa Down On the Farm – Hanover Vegetable Farm
December 6, 2025; 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Ticket purchase required – ticketing website. 100% of the proceeds benefit the Five O’s Tiki Foundation.
Join us for a magical morning full of holiday cheer in the Richmond Ford West Event Barn at Hanover Vegetable Farm. Santa will be arriving on a John Deere tractor, the buffet breakfast includes eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, biscuits and doughnuts. Enjoy making crafts and taking a picture with Santa!
Christmas at the Abbey, The 2025 Holiday Tavern Tea – Hanover Tavern
December 7, 2025; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Ticket purchase required.
Join us for a magical journey back in time to the era of Downton Abbey at our exclusive Holiday Tavern Tea event. Immerse yourself in the aristocratic charm of the Granthams as you savor a decadent three-course menu featuring savory sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and delightful sweets, all paired with a selection of traditional English teas and a special themed tea flavor. Menu coming soon! Be sure to enjoy the custom cocktail, The Grantham Gimlet, included with your ticket.
Cocoa and Karaoke Christmas Party – The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education
December 11, 2025; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Ticket required.
The Montpelier Center for Arts and Education, in partnership with The Arc of Hanover, invites teens and adults (ages 14+) with disabilities to a spirited evening of music, games, crafts, and festive treats! Caregivers welcome at no additional fee. Sensory-friendly, inclusive, and full of Holiday spirit.
Hanover Christmas – Camp Hanover
Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13, 2025; 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Donation of $10 per person is appreciated.
Registration is not required, but one registration per family ensures event reminders and updates.
A candlelit trail winds through the woods, transporting you back in time. Along your journey, meet other travelers, shepherds, kings and angels. Immerse yourself in the greatest story ever told… More than “just another live nativity,” you’ll experience musical performances, dramatic re-enactments and fellowship with others while leisurely strolling a candlelit wooded path. After your journey, warm up in Wise Lodge with festive music and hearty refreshments.
Want to stay overnight at Camp Hanover during Hanover Christmas? See website for details.
Winterfest Celebration – Mechanicsville High School SCA
December 12, 2025: 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Winter on the Green – Hanover Courthouse (Hanover Parks and Recreation)
(Click on the “Events” tab to view in website link.)
Saturday, December 13, 2025; 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Free
This magical event returns with a grand illumination ceremony followed by an evening of holiday-themed activities for all ages! Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, hop aboard the trackless train, and get creative with craft activities.
Grab a cookie to decorate with Mrs. Claus, dance in the snow with your favorite ice princesses and share your wish list with Santa Claus. Browse the winter market, showcasing a variety of handcraft vendors and delicious food selections while enjoying the sounds of the season!
Santa Experience at Cross Creek West End – Cross Creek Nursery
December 14, 2025 | Ticket purchase required; various time slots
Join us on Sunday, December 14th at Cross Creek West End for The Cross Creek Santa Experience. Pick your time slot — tickets go fast! Enjoy a private visit with Santa, a fun kids’ activity, and a personalized letter to Santa that will make little ones light up with joy. Savor fresh made donuts, hot cider, and hot cocoa while exploring our festive winter wonderland filled with holiday cheer and beautiful décor. Each ticket includes an emailed photo to remember your special moment with Santa.
Visits with Santa – Hanover Museum of History and Culture
December 16, 17 and 18, 2025 | 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Registration in advance is required. | Free*
Bring the magic of the season to life with a heartwarming Visit with Santa! Skip the line and sign up your family for this sensory-inclusive photo opportunity, where families can take their own picture with Santa and enjoy a winter wonderland-themed sensory room while you wait.
*You will need to set up an account within the Hanover County Parks and Recreation portal, then select a session with specific date and time. Families will register their head of household as a group, versus each individual participant. During the registration process, you will then list out who will be attending in your group.
Breakfast with Santa – Hanover Tavern
December 20, 2025; Two seatings: 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Fees apply. Reservations are required. Call 804-537-5050.
Join us for a magical morning at Breakfast with Santa! Families are invited to enjoy a delicious holiday breakfast while little ones share their Christmas wishes with Santa himself. There will be plenty of photo opportunities to capture the joy of the season. This Tavern tradition is the perfect way to kick off your holiday celebrations. Don’t forget your wish list—and your appetite!
Parades
Olde Time Holiday Parade – Town of Ashland
November 23, 2025; 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Event is free, accessible, and open to the public.
Organized by the Ashland Kiwanis, this extensive holiday parade includes participants from civic groups, local businesses, town government, Fire & EMS, and many more Ashland/Hanover personalities! Bring your lawn chair…it’s a long one!
Parade Route: On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the parade begins on Thompson Street at Snead Street, crosses the railroad tracks onto England Street, turns onto Henry Street and ends at Gandy Elementary School.
Mechanicsville Christmas Parade – Rotary Club of Mechanicsville
Sunday, December 7, 2025; Parade starts at 2:00 p.m. Rain or shine.
The parade is back this year incorporating the theme “A Candyland Christmas.” This nearly 2-mile parade route starts on Signal Hill Road at Hanover Green Drive, marches through the Windsor subdivision via Strain Avenue and Hillis Way, down Atlee Road and turns onto Mechanicsville Turnpike to end at Elm Drive.
Christmas Trees – Cut Your Own and Precut
Hanover Pines – Facebook
Market at Hanover Vegetable Farm – Website
Willey’s Christmas Trees – Website
Windy Knoll Farm – Facebook