Happy Holidays, y’all! While you are enjoying the most wonderful time of the year with family, friends, and loved ones, take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season to explore the joys of winter in Appalachia. From Christmas markets, to ice skating, to viewing all the twinkling lights across the region, enjoy the beauty of the season at one of the many holiday events this month. Peruse the links below to find the perfect way to spend a winter evening in Southwest Virginia!
Lee, Wise, & City of Norton
It’s December! Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season by ice skating at the Leeman Field Ice Rink in Pennington Gap. Skate rentals are $5 and the rink is open from Sunday to Thursday 5 PM – 8 PM and Fridays and Saturdays 5 PM – 9 PM. After skating, warm up with good food and Christmas karaoke every Friday night at Moon Dog in Big Stone Gap.
Scott County
Celebrate the beauty of the holidays with Christmas lights at the famous Natural Tunnel State Park in Duffield, VA. Travel to Natural Tunnel State Park to view the tunnel lit up with thousands of lights! The Natural Tunnel Christmas Lighting is every Friday & Saturday from 6 – 10 PM. Admission is $7 and chair lift tickets to the tunnel are $5.
Dickenson County
Stay up to date on all events by following the Dickenson County Tourism Facebook page.
Russell County
Follow the Experience Russell County, VA Facebook page to stay up-to-date on all the events happening in December!
Tazewell County
Check out the calendar below to see all the events planned for Tazewell County this month!
Washington County
Check out the calendar below for tons of fun events this month in Washington County! Catch a Christmas show at the Barter Theatre and then grab dinner and enjoy live music at Delta Blues BBQ. Shows at the Barter Theatre this month include Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol and Santa Claus is Coming to Town at the Gilliam Main Stage. Ticket prices and availability varies, so get your tickets now!
City of Bristol
Check out the link below to explore Discover Bristol and all the events that December has to offer on the state line!
Smyth County
Visit the link below to explore Smyth County events throughout December! Explore the calendar below for more events and information.
Wythe County
Ring in the holiday season by watching the annual Downtown Wytheville Christmas Parade & Winter Wonderland on Saturday, December 7th, at 6 PM. To prepare for hosting holiday parties, take a Christmas tree frosting board workshop at Petals Wine Bar on December 14th. Tickets include everything you need for this festive event, but they are limited, so make sure to grab them before they sell out. Check out the list of events linked below to explore all that December has to offer!
Grayson County
Beat the last-minute shopping anxiety by supporting local artisans at the Making Grayson Glow 1908 Christmas Bazaar at the historic 1908 Courthouse in Independence, Virginia, on December 7th from 12 PM to dark. After shopping, enjoy the tree lighting at 6 PM. Check out the link below for more information on this event, as well as others offered throughout the month.
Carroll County & City of Galax
Slow down and experience some Appalachian Christmas traditions at the annual “Old Time Appalachian Christmas Festival” in downtown Galax on December 14th from 12 PM – 6 PM. The streets will be filled with handcrafted gifts, canned and baked goods, food, heritage demonstrations, live music, s’mores, photo ops, Santa, wagon rides and tons of fun! Explore the calendar linked before for more festive cheer and holiday activities for the whole family.
Southwest Virginia Graduate Medical Education Consortium 