12 Days Of Cheer In Fredericksburg: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Fredericksburg. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Fredericksburg feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. Explore local history at the Fredericksburg Area Museum.

Step inside the Fredericksburg Area Museum and discover stories that have shaped both the city and the nation. Housed in the historic 1816 Town Hall/Market House, this community-centered museum blends immersive exhibitions, local artifacts and thoughtful programming that celebrates Fredericksburg’s past and future. Admission is free, though donations help support their mission to preserve and share the region’s diverse history.

2. Step back in time at Reclaim Arcade.

The Reclaim Arcade brings the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s roaring back with more than 70 classic arcade games and pinball machines — all set to free play with the purchase of a day pass. Your visit even begins inside Reclaim Video, a retro-style movie rental store stocked with VHS tapes and Laserdiscs. With a vintage console living room, a menu of smash burgers and loaded fries and a fully stocked bar, it’s an all-in-one nostalgia trip that’s fun for every generation. Tickets are $15 per person (discounts available on Thursdays and early Saturdays) and can be purchased on-site.

3. Glide into the season at the Riverfront Park Ice Skating Rink.

Celebrate winter in the heart of Fredericksburg at the Riverfront Park Ice Rink, open select dates from Nov. 29 through Dec. 28. This synthetic outdoor rink offers a smooth skating experience with skyline views, twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Timed tickets include skate rentals, and extended holiday hours mean plenty of chances to fit in a festive glide.

4. Warm up with a coffee drink at Hyperion Espresso.

A beloved downtown favorite for more than 30 years, Hyperion Espresso on William Street continues its legacy under Roadmap CoffeeWorks with the same cozy charm locals love. Stop in for expertly pulled espresso, seasonal specials and plenty of indoor seating to escape chilly December days. Whether you're grabbing a latte before shopping or settling in with a book, Hyperion remains one of Fredericksburg’s most dependable warm-and-welcoming spots all season long.

5. Capture holiday memories with Pictures with Santa.

Create a festive keepsake at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center during the annual Pictures With Santa event. This bring-your-own-camera setup allows families (and well-behaved dogs!) to enjoy dedicated time with Santa without the rush of mall crowds. Kids can sip cocoa, color and even leave letters for Santa (he’ll write them back!). Tickets are just $5 per group, with sessions offered on Dec. 5, 14 and 20.

6. Cozy up for a holiday carriage ride through historic Fredericksburg.

Turn a December evening into something truly magical with a carriage ride through the decorated streets of downtown. Running on select nights from Nov. 30 to Dec. 18, these romantic, horse-drawn rides operated by Olde Town Carriages feature glowing holiday greenery, jingling harness bells and photo-ready moments at every turn. Tickets are priced per carriage and rides depart from 706 Caroline Street.

7. Shop Virginia-made gifts at the Made in Virginia Store.

Holiday gifting gets easier — and more meaningful — at the Made in Virginia Store on Caroline Street. Packed with artisanal snacks, specialty peanuts, local wines, gourmet foods and handcrafted goods, this shop is all about celebrating the flavors and makers of the Commonwealth. December brings extended hours, custom gift boxes and plenty of festive browsing. It’s a must-stop for stocking stuffers, host gifts and anyone who loves to shop local.

8. Sip, shop and explore creativity at Original Grinds.

Part café, part vegan bakery, part art gallery and part music venue, Original Grinds on Caroline Street is one of Fredericksburg’s most creative community hubs. Grab a specialty coffee or plant-based pastry while browsing rotating art exhibits or catching an open mic night. As a sober-friendly performance space and active participant in First Fridays, it’s a welcoming spot to support local makers and warm up between holiday events downtown. Hours run daily, with extended evenings most weekends.

9. Enjoy classic French cuisine at La Petite Auberge.

Dine in the heart of Fredericksburg’s historic district at La Petite Auberge, a family-owned restaurant serving fine French and regional dishes since 1981. Known for its exceptional wine selection and elegant yet cozy atmosphere, it’s a perfect pick for holiday dinners, date nights or a slow lunch between shopping stops. Reservations are recommended, as this longtime local favorite fills up quickly.

10. Experience the magic of a Downtown Fredericksburg Holiday Light Trolley Tour.

See the city sparkle from a festive trolley during the annual Holiday Light Trolley Tour, offered Dec. 13 through 28. With seasonal music, decorated trolleys and curated routes through the best-lit neighborhoods, it’s one of the most cheerful ways to experience Fredericksburg at night. Public and private tours last about 75 minutes and depart from the Visitor Center. Early booking is highly recommended, especially for the special Santa Trolley tour.

11. Try ice skating or curling at Unreal Ice Skating & Curling.

Just 25 minutes from town, the Wilderness Presidential Resort offers year-round fun at Unreal Ice Skating & Curling, where a high-tech synthetic rink mimics the feel of real ice. With affordable pricing, skate rentals and adorable polar bear skate assists, it’s a great outing for families or first-timers. Curling lanes offer another playful option, and no resort day pass is required — simply let security know you’re there for skating.

12. See a Broadway-caliber holiday show at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.

Make your December feel a little more magical with a visit to the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, where this season’s production of “White Christmas” brings classic songs, big dance numbers and that nostalgic holiday warmth to the stage. Known for its professional casts, live orchestra and dinner-theatre experience, Riverside delivers a night out that feels special from the moment you walk into the chandeliered lobby. Performances are running on select dates now through Dec. 28, and tickets are available online.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Fredericksburg!

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