Local Events Calendar

Conducted on the last Sunday of the month by Virginia Master Naturalists, these informative hikes cover a mile of trails in both woodlands and fields and also touch on the historic ruins of Belmont’s past. Meet outside the Visitor Center. Sturdy footwear is advised; no pets, please.
Free

Invitation to Create!

These thoughtfully curated classes celebrate the experience of discovery.  Preschool Palette nurtures your child’s creative spirit through engaging books, colorful garden walks, and open-ended art exploration. Year-round program; themes change monthly.

Join us for wonderful concerts in our Sanctuary! All are welcome at these free events.

Fredericksburg is like Christmas town and Riverside has the perfect show to celebrate the Christmas season! Experience the excitement, memories, and joy of Christmas as our spectacular cast of singers and dancers present the very heart and essence of the holiday season. Escape cold, hustle, and stress by warming your Christmas spirit at Riverside Center with this glittering celebration of everything that makes this “the most wonderful time of the year!” Come enjoy the family time, incredible live orchestra, and a Christmas show filled with memories to last a lifetime!

Runs November 20 through December 29, 2024

Wednesday Matinees
11:30am-12:45pm: Meal Service & Light Fare Offerings
12:45pm: Show Only Arrival
1:30pm: Performance Start
Thurs. – Sat. Evenings
5:30pm-6:45pm: Meal Service & Light Fare Offerings
6:45pm: Show Only Arrival
7:30pm: Performance Start
Sunday Matinees
1:00pm-2:15pm: Meal Service & Light Fare Offerings
2:15pm: Show Only Arrival
3:00pm: Performance Start

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Enjoy the whimsical sights and delicious smells of wondrously festive gingerbread creations during the 38th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! See the contest-winning entries, cast a vote for People’s Choice, and play “iSpy Gingerbread.” This year’s theme is Holidays: Past, Present, & Future.

EXHIBIT CATEGORIES
Ages 2 – 5
Ages 6 – 10
Ages 11 – 14
Ages 15 – 17
Age 18 and over
Special Needs
Family
Professional

Purchase tickets at the door:
$6 adults
$3 for students (ages 6-17)
Free for children ages 5 & under

Visit a delightful neighborhood of dollhouses and miniatures this holiday season at the 9th Annual Wee Christmas Dollhouses & Miniatures Show at Historic Kenmore! Admire and awe over highly-detailed replica dollhouses – including one of Kenmore itself – and miniatures in the Crowninshield Museum. Share memories of your dollhouse with your family as you explore life in miniature. Put your minds and eyes to the test with our “iSpy Miniatures” challenge – fun for young and old alike.

Purchase tickets at the door:
$6 adults
$3 for students (ages 6-17)
Free for children ages 5 & under

Enjoy the lights and sights of the holiday season in the City of Fredericksburg.  Come join us for a 5k- or 10k-walk at your own pace through the historic City (Start 3‐5PM; Finish by 8PM) or come to our optional Group Walk at 3:30PM. We will have a cookie checkpoint with goodies from 3:30-6PM!

Cost $3 to Walk, $4 for AVA Credit

Note that if the new business at the former Italian Station location has not completed renovations in time, our backup start/finish location will be the Fredericksburg Visitor Center at 601 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.

Reclaim Arcade turns back time with their fourth annual New Year’s Eve Bash featuring THE WAVOS. Ring in 2025 with an evening of 80s New Wave, classic arcade and pinball, and retro vibes galore! Admission includes catered food, champagne toast, and free play games all night. Party starts at 8 PM, $55 per person.

Ring in the New Year, 6 Bears & a Goat style! Join in on the all day event!

https://www.6bgbrewingco.com/brewery-happenings

Every year on Jan. 1, Virginia State Parks celebrates First Day Hikes. This nationwide initiative invites people to ring in the new year by connecting with nature and making lasting memories at a state park. Ranger-led and self-guided First Day Hikes are offered across the state, giving visitors of all ages and skill levels the chance to explore outdoors. January 1st is a Free Parking Day at all Virginia State Parks. (The admission fee at Natural Bridge still applies).

Come join our Ranger on a sunrise hike through the Holly Marsh Trail! With sunrise at 7:30am over the Potomac River, the hike will begin at 7:00am sharp. Registration is required.

Bring a water bottle, or thermos with a hot drink, and dress for the weather in warm clothes! Remember to check the conditions outside before coming as there may be ice or snow on the ground. The Holly Marsh Trail isn’t accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.

The park does not officially open until 8:00am, so visitors going on the hike must get to the Visitor Center between 6:30am-6:55am as the entry gates will be locked again at 6:55am. Only visitors registered for the sunrise First Day Hike will be admitted into the park early.

Experience the candlelight, music, and decorations of a colonial Christmas … and the uncertainty of Revolution.

In Twelfth Night at Kenmore, it is early January 1776 and the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis will celebrate in their newly built home. In the 18th century, December 25 was just the start of Christmas, a twelve-day celebration that ended on Twelfth Night. This final night was the most festive of the holiday season, if not of the entire year!

Twelfth Night 1776 is not the usual joyous atmosphere, however. The Revolutionary War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to the Lewis family, their friends, and Kenmore’s enslaved community.

View dramatic scenes by costumed actors in the first-floor rooms of Kenmore with a special musical performance by Colonial Faire.

TICKETS
Advance ticket purchase strongly encouraged.
Performance Times on January 3, 4, & 5:
4:15, 5:00, 5:45, 6:45, 7:30 p.m.

$20.00 – adults
$10.00 – students (ages 6-17)
Free – children (ages 5 & under)
Online processing fee applies.

Questions? Email [email protected] or call 540-370-0732 x11.

Experience the candlelight, music, and decorations of an 18^th-century Christmas amid the uncertainty of Revolution.

In Twelfth Night at Kenmore, it is early January 1776 and the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis will celebrate in their newly built home. In the 18th century, December 25 was just the start of Christmas, a twelve-day celebration that ended on Twelfth Night. This final night was the most festive of the holiday season, if not of the entire year!

Twelfth Night 1776 is not the usual joyous atmosphere, however. The Revolutionary War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to the Lewis family, their friends, and Kenmore’s enslaved community.

View dramatic scenes by costumed actors in the first-floor rooms of Kenmore with a special musical performance by Colonial Faire.

TICKETS
Advance ticket purchase strongly encouraged.
Performance Times on January 3, 4, & 5:
4:15, 5:00, 5:45, 6:45, 7:30 p.m.

$20.00 – adults
$10.00 – students (ages 6-17)
Free – children (ages 5 & under)
Online processing fee applies.

Questions? Email [email protected] or call 540-370-0732 x11.