Christmas Vacation
There’s a sparkle in the air. We’ve waited all year long and now it’s time for some festive fun and a heaping dose of Christmas magic. With a delightful pantomime, a whimsical holiday house tour and a night out under the stars on High Bridge, this weekend is about coming home for the holidays to a place unlike anywhere else.
Friday, December 13
Pantomime Magic 7:30 PM
Pantomimes are a holiday tradition in the British Isles. They combine a melodramatic reenactment of a fairy tale with song, dance and slapstick humor. You don’t have to book a flight to London to see a panto in action. The Waterworks Players have been celebrating this holiday tradition for years now.
This year they will be bringing to life “Rapunzel: A Tangled Tale.” You and your little ones will love this charming, high-energy, sure-to-be-goofy retelling of Rapunzel that will pull you from your seats and have you involved in every moment of the journey. Don’t miss this amazing and truly unique Farmville Christmas tradition with your family. Make sure to buy your ticket in advance here.
Saturday, December 14
The Freight Train 100K/50K 7:15 AM
Looking for the perfect first ultra run? Or a good way to see the beautiful High Bridge twice (or more depending on which course you sign up for) in a single race? The Freight Train 100K/50K is the companion race to the Night Train 50K held over the summer. You’ll start in the center of downtown Farmville at the Farmer’s Market and proceed to cover miles of the scenic High Bridge Trail while enjoying a crisp, Christmas chill. As Queen Elsa from Disney’s Frozen famously said “The cold never bothered me anyway.” Find out more details and sign up here.
Home for the Holidays House Tour 10 AM – 3 PM
The smell of fresh cedar and pine wafting out of an open door, lights twinkling on a tree, red berries peaking through wreaths of holly – each time you open the door during the Holiday House Tour you’ll discover a new surprise. A home with fifteen closets, for example, or a custom floating staircase in the central hall. The Holiday House Tour includes a guided tour of historic and modern homes located throughout Farmville, including stops for refreshments. With some homes dating back as far as 1898, you’re in for a journey of Christmas surprises that will warm and delight the senses and perhaps inspire some last minute holiday decorating, too. Buy your tickets here.
Handcrafted Christmas 4 PM
Stuck in a gift-giving rut? Give yourself a hand. A handcrafted hand. Farmville has amazing handmade gift options unlike anything you could find in a box store. Red Door 104 sells pieces from a variety of local artists – including paintings, jewelry, ceramics and other gift-able items. For additional utterly unique inspo check out Miller’s Country Store for locally made jams, goodies, handmade gifts and more. Pro-tip: If you have any fruitcake fans in your house, the good folks at Miller’s have it covered.
Meteors, Moonrise & Christmas Magic 6 PM
Bring your blankets and get ready to brave the cold for a stunning view of the Geminid meteor shower from the famous High Bridge. Hosted by High Bridge Trail State Park, this one of a kind event allows guest access to the park after dark to view the rising waning moon as well as the meteor shower from the top of the bridge. You’ll add nature’s version of sparkle to your night as meteors dart across the sky. You may even catch a glimpse of Christmas lights twinkling in the distance when you look towards town. Find out more here.
It’s been another winter weekend in Farmville, full of wonder, fun and excitement. We hope you enjoyed your Christmas vacation with us. We wish you a merry and bright holiday and look forward to seeing you again next year!