Holiday Open House & Community Tree Lighting
The holiday season is arriving in Culpeper Downtown, and the community is invited to celebrate with festive events, holiday shopping opportunities, family entertainment, and small-town holiday charm during Culpeper Downtown for the Season 2026, presented by Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. (CRI). The festivities will take center stage on Sunday, November 22, with the Holiday Open House & Community Tree Lighting, bringing families and visitors downtown for an afternoon of free entertainment, seasonal activities, local shopping, and holiday cheer. From carriage rides and live music to face painting, balloon art, and a special visit from the Grinch, the event offers something for all ages as downtown welcomes the holiday season. Activities will take place throughout downtown, with entertainment beginning as early as 10 a.m. and continuing into the afternoon. The community tree lighting ceremony will begin at 4:50 p.m.
Families can enjoy a variety of free entertainment throughout the day, including carriage rides departing from the Train Depot from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Doodling Queen Face Painting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sandy’s Face Painting from 2 to 5 p.m. A roaming magician will entertain visitors from noon to 4 p.m., while Brennan’s Balloons will create colorful balloon designs from noon to 3 p.m. The Culpeper County High School Band will perform on the Grass Rootes porch from 1 to 3 p.m., and children can enjoy a bounce house near the LOVE sign from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors are also encouraged to stop by the State Theater from noon to 4 p.m. for Giving Locally for the Holidays, an opportunity to meet local nonprofit organizations, learn about their missions, and discover ways to give back to the community. Participating organizations will decorate their tables for the holiday season, and families can enjoy a special photo opportunity with the Grinch. In addition to the scheduled entertainment, visitors can explore downtown shops, discover unique gifts, enjoy local restaurants, and experience the welcoming atmosphere that makes Culpeper special during the holidays.
Families will also have a special opportunity to visit with Santa during the celebration. Santa will be at the Culpeper Visitors Center from 2 to 5 p.m., where children can share their holiday wish lists, make their Christmas requests, and enjoy a free photo opportunity. Santa will then join the community to celebrate the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree, with the ceremony beginning at 4:50 p.m.
