The fire’s crackling, the lights are twinkling, and Sinatra’s playing throughout your home — there’s no better place to be during the holidays than beautiful Virginia! At Cornerstone Homes, we believe in the spirit of the season, and you don’t have to travel far to find the magic of wintertime.

This holiday venture outside for family-friendly events and activities that’ll make this year the most memorable of all. From spectacular tree lightings to Santa visits with your grandchildren, there’s never a shortage of holiday happiness here. Check out our top picks for things to do before you head into 2019:

Ashland:

December 9: Santa Brunch at the Henry Clay Inn 

Take your grandchildren to the wonderfully charming Henry Clay Inn for a delicious brunch with Santa in this beautiful historic building. Indulge in breakfast favorites and take photos with everyone’s favorite holiday saint.

 

December 12: Make Your Own Board Game

Your grandchildren will absolutely love designing and creating their very own board game! Tasty refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Ashland Library at this one-of-a-kind event at the Ashland Library.

December 15: Holiday Concert

From 4-5:30pm, festive carolers will grace Main Street with their melodic voices! Take part in the merriment and soak up the spirit of the holidays. This event is completely free and open to everyone.

December 16: Central VA Masterworks Chorale Winter Concert

Experience the magnificence! The 70-member Central VA Masterworks Chorale will perform Bach’s Magnificat and Whitbourn’s Missa Carolae from 3-4:30 pm at their annual winter concert.

December 31: Hanover Arts & Activities Center NYE Gala

Head into 2019 by supporting the arts! This fun and festive NYE party will feature hors-d'oeuvres, light desserts, a silent auction, and a champagne toast at midnight. All proceeds go to the center.

 

Richmond:

 

December 16: Elf Holiday Screening

Your grandkids may have missed this beloved holiday classic the first time around, but now they have the opportunity to see it on the big screen! The hilarious and heartwarming Elf will play at The Byrd Theatre.

December 19: Illuminate Night Show

Experience the magic of central VA’s largest drive-through light show! In Caroline County, you’ll drive through a spectacular park filled with a million LED lights with music to match… it’s a stunner!

Recurring: Tacky Lights Tour

Mark Gormus, Times-Dispatch

When it comes to Christmas decorations, we think “over-the-top” really just means “top-of-the-line.” Take a tour through the tackiest houses of the neighborhood! Homes must have at least 40,000 lights.

 Recurring: Richmond Ballet’s Nutcracker

If you’ve never seen this Christmas classic, this is your year! Perfect for the whole family, a night out at the theater is always one to remember. This show will run until December 23.

Recurring: Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights

This is truly a festival like no other… A beloved town tradition, this event features one million lights, botanical decorations, model trains, delicious dinners, a firepit to roast s’mores, and so much more.

 

Fredericksburg:

December 14: Crafts and Drafts Winter Market

From 5-8pm, stroll through this festive market filled with local artisans and handmade gifts, live music, and of course, delicious beer. Find a special piece of decor for your Cornerstone home!

December 15: Frosty 5K and Reindeer Run

If you love to exercise (even in the cold!) this event is for you. Great for all ages, everyone finishes this fun 5K with a medal and a long-sleeve t-shirt. Afterward, enjoy the Stafford Christmas Parade!

The fun and festivities are just outside of our communities, but even more right in the neighborhood!  Our homeowners are busy preparing Holiday parties at each of our communities.  The clubhouses will be buzzing with activities, festive food and drinks, holiday music by the fire, and an abundance of holiday spirit will be flowing among neighbors and friends.   Stop by and check out the decorations and catch the spirit of living in a Cornerstone Home community.   There’s nothing like it anywhere else!!! 

From our family to yours, we hope you have the most wonderful holiday of all!