We’ve got your perfect holiday weekend wrapped and ready to go. Even if your Christmas list isn’t completely checked off, this list of things to do is sure to get you and yours in the holiday spirit. From ice skating, tree lighting, to exploring downtown Farmville for gifts, bring the family and get ready to feel the joy of the holiday season. These activities are perfect for getting everyone ready for the most wonderful time of the year.
Friday, November 22
6PM Downtown Tree Lighting
Your holiday weekend begins with this classic experience. Enjoy steaming hot chocolate and Christmas carols on the High Bridge Trail Plaza. Young ones can write letters to Mr. or Mrs. Clause. Wait for the special moment of illumination as the towering tree is lit signaling the official start of the holiday season. Don’t forget to grab a commemorative bear from the Prince Edward County Christmas Mother before you go. Find out more here.
6:30 PM Holiday Treat Yourself
Take a quick stroll across the street and pop into Uptown Coffee Cafe for a holiday treat after the tree lighting. They have delicious ice cream, pastries and other confections to get everyone feeling sweet. If your crew is ready for dinner, be sure to check out their full range of sandwiches, soups and salads.
Saturday, November 23
11AM Family Fun Ice Skating Rink
Does it get any more festive than gliding across the ice, while holiday music plays and children laugh? Your whole family will adore this one-of-a-kind experience. The rink is located at Riverside Park between the Appomattox River and historic Green Front Furniture. Bonus: The event is totally free for children under 12. Everyone else is only $5 and skates are included with your ticket price. Find out more here.
1PM Lunch Time
Warm up from ice skating with a delicious lunch from Charley’s Waterfront Cafe.
2PM Holiday Art Express
From Charley’s, take a short walk down Main Street to the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts to check out their newest installation, “Rural Avant Garde: The Mountain Lake Experience.” This exhibit features collaborative creative works produced over almost 40 years at a series of workshops in rural southwest Virginia. With an impressive guest list of contemporary designers such as Sally Mann, John Cage, Cy Twombly and Howard Finster, the exhibit has been featured in Indy Week and Virginia Living Magazine. Pro tip: If you have an art-loving friend, don’t forget to pick them up the perfect Christmas items from the museum shop before you leave.
4PM Downtown Dash
Explore downtown Farmville and cross some names off your list at the same time. The Green Front Gift Shoppe has a wide selection of gift items for hard-to-buy-for folks that may be lingering on your list. Don’t forget to check out other wonderful shops like Penelopes, Sleeping Bee and the Funky Flamingo to find a host of unusual and special items for your whole family.
Sunday, November 23
1PM Make a Memory
It’s always nice to be able to give a gift that has a personal touch. At Mainly Clay, Farmville’s pottery studio, you can sign up to make a Santa plate. Perfect for that batch of Christmas cookies or giving to your Aunty Abigail, show them how much you care by making it yourself. You’ll make memories with your family as you craft your creation together. Don’t forget to sign up in advance through Mainly Clay’s Facebook page.
We hope you enjoyed hopping into the holidays with us. We can’t wait to see you again next month.