It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As the snow begins to fall in the mountains and holiday travelers make their way to our winter wonderland, we’re giving you our top recommendations on the best holiday events to help you celebrate Christmas in Massanutten.
From local parades and Santa meet and greets to light displays and Christmas markets, there are so many exciting holiday events happening throughout the Shenandoah Valley! Mark your calendars for these can’t-miss festivities, and get ready to enjoy a Christmas season you won’t soon forget.
Experience the Magic of Christmas in Massanutten
Santa Sightings
Santa’s making the rounds through the Shenandoah Valley as he gears up for his big day! If you’re traveling with little ones, be sure to visit one of these spots so they can pass along their Christmas wishes and snap pictures with the Claus!
Breakfast or Dinner with Santa at the Campfire Grill
- Breakfast: December 7, 14, and 21 | 9 AM – 11 AM
- Dinner: December 5, 12, and 19 | 5 PM – 8:30 PM
Visit the Massanutten Resort’s Campfire Grill for a delicious family breakfast or dinner followed by a meeting and photos with Santa Claus. And don’t forget to save room for the s’mores! Reservations are strongly encouraged for holiday events.
Santa at Massanutten Country Corner
December 15, 2024 | 10 AM – 3 PM
Sip hot cocoa and shop unique local goods at Massanutten Country Corner on December 15th and enjoy the added surprise of a visit from Santa! Fur babies are welcome to pose for pictures as well!
Milk and Cookies with Santa
December 21, 2024 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Cold weather never stopped anyone from enjoying a delicious scoop of ice cream or some fresh milk and cookies. Head to Smiley’s Ice Cream for delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies (gluten-free available, too) and milk from the Mount Crawford Creamery, and spend some time with Santa while you’re there! Make a lunch date out of the visit and grab a bite from the Old School Burger Bus while you’re there!
Christmas Parades and Holiday Markets
If you’re celebrating Christmas in Massanutten, visiting our popular holiday markets, parades, and festivals is a must. As you explore these top spots, you’ll find the perfect gifts for friends and family—and maybe even a keepsake just for you!
Brix & Columns Vineyards Christmas Market
December 7 – 8, 2024 | 12 PM – 5 PM
Sip delicious mimosas or some of the exceptional wines at Brix & Columns as you peruse artisan crafts and goods in search of the “just-right” gifts for your loved ones this year. This two-day market is an excellent addition to your holiday visit to Massanutten, giving you the chance to not only find an unexpected gift but also a new favorite vintage.
Holliday Parade and Winter Wonderfest
December 7, 2024 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Head to Downtown Harrisonburg for a full day of holiday magic! The Winter Wonderfest celebration kicks off with an 11 AM Santa Run, Walk ‘N Roll fun run down Main Street. Racers will don their holiday apparel as they make a dash through town competing for prizes and top honors.
From 12 PM – 6 PM, the town will be buzzing with cheer as competitions and community events unfold. Enter the gingerbread house competition for a chance to win $150 Downtown Dollars.
If you’re traveling with a furry family member, you can make their holiday bright with a ticket to Max’s Holiday Treat Heist. Each $22 ticket grants your pup five locally baked dog treats and comes with a gift card to Blue Ridge Dog.
Purchase a wristband for the Sip & Stroll event and keep warm with a cocktail, beer, or glass of wine from participating breweries, cideries, and restaurants. Afterward, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride around Central Library.
Other top activities include a Grinch-themed ornament scavenger hunt, a Nutcracker Story Walk, and of course, a Santa photo op from 1:30 PM – 3 PM at Court Square. Vendors and booths will be set up along Court Square so you can shop craft goods as well as the shops of Downtown Harrisonburg. Live music, hot cocoa, a kid’s zone, and more all await. View a full list of activities here.
At 7 PM, the parade kicks off at the Rockingham County Office Buildings. This year’s theme is Illuminate the Night, so you can expect lots of sparkling lights and twinkling surprises. For the best viewing opportunities, set up along Main Street from Gay Street to City Hall.
First Annual Christmas Holiday Farmers Market
December 21, 2024 | 10 AM
Back at Massanutten Country Corner, the vendors and local farmers will host their first-ever holiday market. Shop food, jewelry, presents, and more when you visit! Live music and food vendors will be on-site, so come hungry and ready to shop!
The Best Christmas Lights Displays in Massanutten
Now through January 4th, experience Light up the Park at Massanutten Resort’s outdoor waterpark. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and explore the snowflake tunnel, play in the interactive orb field, marvel at the ice throne, and watch the dancing tree show.
This year, Santa’s Workshop will host craft-making sessions where you can create three holiday-themed items: a gingerbread house, reindeer antlers, and a Christmas ornament. Make sure you get your 3D glasses to make the light show even more spectacular!
Craft workshops are for children ages 3-12 and cost $10. Grab your tickets to Light up the Park, and if you’re lucky, you may even get to meet the main man himself! Santa will be at the resort on select dates, so check out the hours for this festive event and plan your visit accordingly!
Another beloved tradition when spending Christmas in Massanutten is making the short trip to the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds for Christmas in the Valley. This drive-through light display happens every weekend through December 29th from 5 PM – 9 PM and costs $25 per car ($20 on Sunday).
After you drive through the colorful display, stop by the Christmas Crafter’s Village and shop holiday items and decorations. The Crafters Village is open:
- December 7: 3 PM – 9 PM
- December 8: 2 PM – 6 PM
- December 13: 5 PM – 9 PM
- December 14: 3 PM – 9 PM
Winter Fun at Massanutten Resort
Christmas in Massanutten is sure to come with time spent at the nearby Massanutten Resort. Whether you’re a snow sports wunderkind or looking to enjoy time ice skating or snow tubing, you’ll find a plethora of opportunities waiting for you.
Massanutten Resort Ski Season’s Opening Day is December 14th from 9 AM to 9 PM. Grab a free donut, an opening-day beanie, and exclusive giveaways, and don’t miss the chance to show off your best tricks at the Rail Jam at 1 PM, followed by après specials at Base Camp.
Book Your Holiday Escape to Massanutten Today
For a gorgeous home base that puts you in the center of regal vistas and all the Christmas fun, book your stay directly with Vacation Properties Made Simple.
Christmas in Massanutten is one of the most incredible times to visit, and with our gorgeous vacation rentals, you’ll feel right at home.
Enjoy excellent amenities, plush furnishings, fully equipped kitchens, and more. Plus, when you book directly with us, you can rest easy knowing you got the best rate on your stay.
Unlike online travel agencies, who constantly add hidden fees and extra taxes to their bottom line, booking directly with a property manager lets you bypass all of that. And this time of year, keeping money in your pocket is important.
Browse our complete inventory of Massanutten and Shenandoah Valley vacation rentals, and book your Christmas getaway directly today!
