Destination Bedford

Bower Center Exhibit
2025-12-11 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-12 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-13 11:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Bower Center for the Arts, 309 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, United States
Come to the Bower Center for the Arts to view two new exhibits: Through the Lens II, An Invitational Exhibit and Andrea Wild: Caught In Old Lace Between the Stars & the Earth.
Gallery admission to view the exhibits is free!
The Bower Center is open Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and both of these exhibits will be on display until January 24th.

Holiday Candlelight Tours
2025-12-11 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-12 17:30 - 20:30 | Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, 687 Poplar Forest Dr., Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Celebrate the advent of the Christmas season in Jeffersonian style at Poplar Forest. Explore the president’s cherished hideaway by candlelight on this hour-long holiday tour. See how early Americans decorated with fresh greens for the holidays as your guide paints intimate portraits of the Jefferson family’s celebration and Christmas at the Quarter Site, drawn from true stories and anecdotes discovered in Jefferson’s letters and diaries. The tour is followed by refreshments in the Museum Shop. Admission is $30 per person. Reservations are required.
Dec. 5, 6, 11, 12, 18, 19 at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Click here for tickets.

Music Bingo
2025-12-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Apocalypse Ale Works, 1257 Burnbridge Road, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
This is where the fun of bingo meets the excitement of your favorite tunes! Each round features hit songs across various genres, and you’ll mark your card to the beat. Win the coveted Music Bingo chain, gift cards, and of course, ultimate bragging rights! It’s a lively and unique way to enjoy great music, compete with friends, and score awesome prizes. Don’t miss the fun!

Festival of Trees
2025-12-12 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-12 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-13 09:00 - 17:00 | Bedford Area Welcome Center, 816 Burks Hill Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Join us for the 17th Annual Festival of Trees: Small Town Christmas!
Experience the magic of the season at this beloved, family-friendly event featuring 40 beautifully decorated trees created by local businesses and organizations.
Vote for your favorites for just $1 per vote. All proceeds benefit local charitable organizations. (Please bring cash for voting.)
Kids will love the holiday scavenger hunt and coloring sheet designed by local artist Terri Foster.
📍 Location: Bedford Area Welcome Center
🕘 Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
🌟 Extended evening hours: December 5–7 and 12–14, until 8 p.m.
📅 Event ends: January 4, 2026
The Welcome Center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day, so please plan your visit accordingly.
For more information, call (540) 587-5681.

Train Exhibit at the Bedford Museum
2025-12-12 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-13 10:00 - 17:00 | Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library, 201 East Main Street, Bedford, VA, United States
Don’t miss this Christmas train display featuring landmarks of Bedford and much more! The trains are located on the 3rd floor of the Museum. Admission is $5, kids are free. A train pass is also available to purchase for only $10 in the Museum gift shop, which grants unlimited admission through December.

Winter Meadery Open House
2025-12-12 15:00 - 19:00 | The Meadery at Graham Ordinary, 8578 Peaks Rd, Bedford, Virginia, 24523
The Meadery at Graham Ordinary invites you to enjoy a special holiday evening filled with delicious meads, live music from Root 2 Music from 4–6:30 p.m., and the warm, cozy atmosphere of their bar and tavern. While you’re there, browse their merchandise and pick up gift certificates for the perfect holiday treat. Swing by and celebrate the season with them!

Bower Center Exhibit Reception
2025-12-12 17:00 - 19:00 | Bower Center for the Arts, 309 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, United States
Join the Bower Center for the Arts for this artist’s reception for the two current exhibits: Through the Lens II, An Invitational Exhibit and Andrea Wild: Caught In Old Lace Between the Stars & the Earth.
This event is FREE to the public, light refreshments and drinks will be available.

Christmas at Smith Mountain Lake
2025-12-12 17:00 - 21:00 | EastLake Community Church, 1201 Timberwood Lane, Moneta, VA, 24121, United States
Join EastLake Community Church for one of the most festive weekends of the year as we bring the joy of Christmas to Smith Mountain Lake! Guests will enjoy an evening filled with laughter, music, and family fun.
What to Expect:
Christmas Variety Show — Performances at 6 PM and 8 PM
Food Trucks offering a variety of seasonal favorites
Craft Vendor Fair featuring local artisans and handmade gifts
Santa Photos — capture the magic with family and friends
Carolers spreading Christmas cheer throughout the evening
Ice Skating for a little winter adventure
Snowmazing — an inflatable maze filled with snowy surprises
Movie in the Courtyard — featuring a Christmas Favorite

The Christmas List
2025-12-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Cedar Oaks Farm
Coming this Christmas Season, at Cedar Oaks Farm
For the first time ever, this beautiful wedding venue is opening its doors for a holiday event that’s open to the public!
The Christmas List: A WWII Christmas Story
Presented by the Rose Ridge Players
Step back in time this December for an unforgettable, family-friendly evening filled with heart, history, and holiday spirit. The Christmas List is a touching WWII-era story of sacrifice, hope, and the enduring power of love, inspired in part by the bravery of Virginia’s own Bedford Boys.
Showtimes:
• Friday, December 12th at 7:00 PM
• Saturday, December 13th at 7:00 PM
• Sunday Matinee, December 14th at 2:00 PM- SOLD OUT
Tickets: $25 per person
Includes complimentary desserts, coffee, and tea.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the National Center for Healthy Veterans.
Come be part of history, holiday cheer, and heartfelt storytelling, all inside the beautiful Cedar Oaks
Buy tickets to secure your spot today!
CedarOaksFarm.com/Tickets

A Charlie Brown Christmas
2025-12-12 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Susie G. Gibson Science & Technology Center, 600 Edmund St., Bedford, Virginia, 24523
The classic animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang discover the true meaning of Christmas.
Presented by Liberty High School Performing Arts.
Show is located at Susie G. Gibson Science & Technology Center.

Friday, December 12, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 3:00 PM.
Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 3:00 PM

General Admission $12.00
Tickets available at https://libertyhighschoolperformingarts.ludus.com/200489831

Live Music @ Apocalypse Ale Works
2025-12-12 19:00 - 22:00 | Apocalypse Ale Works, 1257 Burnbridge Road, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Come to Apocalypse Ale Works for great beer and live music. For more information and to see who is playing each week, click here. Food by Bunker 42 Bar Bites will also be available for purchase!

Forest Farmers Market Christmas Market
2025-12-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Forest Farmers Market, 15583 Forest Road, Forest, VA, 24523, United States
Come celebrate the holidays with the Forest Farmers Market! Fresh produce, meats, baked goods, artisans and more.
Located behind the Forest Library.

Holiday Bake & Wreath Sale
2025-12-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Tractor Supply, 1128 East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
The Community Pet Coalition is hosting a Holiday Bake & Wreath Sale on Saturday, December 13th, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Bedford Tractor Supply Company. Enjoy festive treats and beautiful wreaths while supporting this fun fundraiser for a great cause.

Holiday Adoption Event
2025-12-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Bedford County Animal Shelter, 1307 Falling Creek Rd., Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
On Saturday, December 13th, Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter (FOBCAS), will be holding our annual Holiday Happiness Adoption Event at the Bedford County Animal Shelter. We will be offering $10 adoption specials for all available shelter pets for qualified adopters. Santa will be there for photos !!We will be serving a white chicken chili lunch for purchase. As always there will be lots of baked goodies for you and you furry friends available for purchase along with t-shirts, wine glasses, and tumblers.

Christmas in Sedalia
2025-12-13 10:00 - 15:00 | Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Road, Big Island, VA, 24526, United States
Join the Sedalia Center for another magical Christmas in Sedalia, filled with festive fun for the whole family!
Shop the charming Vendor Village of local artisans, visit with Santa and write letters to him, enjoy warm soup and grilled cheese, hot chocolate, roast-your-own s’mores, wreath-making, and relaxing holiday music from local Celtic trio Riddle on the Harp—all wrapped in that cozy winter wonderland feeling. This free, all-ages celebration is the perfect way to enjoy the glittery season with our community.
Also, visit Mountain Run Farm’s legendary Holiday Market, right down the road happening at the same time!

Mountain Run Farm Holiday Market
2025-12-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Mountain Run Farm, 1228 Charlemont Rd, Big Island, VA, 24526, United States
Come to Mountain Run Farm for their Holiday Market! This festive market will feature a wide variety of local goods, including metal art, jewelry, earth pottery, candles, blacksmithing, natural home décor, children’s items, stained glass, leather goods, apothecary products, pastured meats and eggs, woodcraft, fiber arts, and nature-inspired art and jewelry—plus much more. Enjoy delicious eats from Hado’s Lebanese Food Truck.
This event is held at the same time as Christmas in Sedalia at the Sedalia Center right down the road! Be sure to check out both events!

Bedford Central Library Christmas Event
2025-12-13 10:00 - 17:00 | Bedford Central Library, 321 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, United States
The Bedford Central Library will host its 2025 Christmas event on Saturday, December 13th, offering a full day of festive fun for all ages. The celebration begins with Breakfast with Santa from 10 AM to 12 PM in the Bedford Room, followed by a handbell concert at 10:30 AM in the main library performed by the Brightwell Bells from Main Street United Methodist Church.
At 12:30 PM, families can enjoy a showing of Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town with crafts, cookies, and hot cocoa in the Bedford Room. Adults can join in for Christmas Bingo from 1 PM to 3 PM in the Tharp Room, and teens and adults can participate in a Holiday Tea Light Holder Paint Party from 3 PM to 5 PM in the STEM Lab (registration required).
Throughout the day, kids can enjoy additional crafts in the main library from 10 AM to 3 PM, and families can explore a holiday-themed scavenger hunt in the Wharton Garden.

Daytime Holiday Tours
2025-12-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, 687 Poplar Forest Dr., Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Enjoy Poplar Forest decked out for the holidays on this special daytime tour that focuses on holiday traditions of the Jefferson time period. These hour-long, docent guided tours explore how Jefferson and his family celebrated the holidays and takes a look at how the holiday season impacted the enslaved community. These tours are only offered twice in December and reservations are strongly recommended. Tickets are $30 for adults 18+ and $17 for college students and teens (ages 12-17), $11 for youth (ages 6-11), under 6 free. Admission includes access to all self-guided exhibits on the property following your tour.

Wreaths Across America Ceremony
2025-12-13 11:00 - 13:00 | Greenwood Cemetery, 1311 Park Street, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
The Peaks of Otter Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution will be helping Greenwood/Longwood/Fairmont Cemetery to remember and honor our veterans by laying Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes. Please help honor and remember as many fallen heroes as possible by sponsoring remembrance wreaths, volunteering on Wreaths Day, or inviting your family and friends to attend with you. Click here for more information.

Gross Orchard Holiday Open House
2025-12-13 11:00 - 15:00 | Gross’ Orchard, 6817 Wheats Valley Rd., Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Take this time do some Holiday shopping or get those items for your Christmas dinner. Join in on the Christmas fun- come see Majic Mike and his card show, sit by the fire, play a game of checkers while listening to all of your favorite Christmas songs. While you are there be sure to register fort he cash drawing ( No Purchase Necessary to Win). 1st place- $200, 2nd place- $100, 3rd place-$50.00. Drawing will take place on Monday, December 22nd at noon( do not have to be present to win, but must pick up prize before close of business December 24th! Come celebrate Christmas in Apple Valley!

Santa at the Vineyard
2025-12-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Fables & Feathers Winery, 2117 Bruno Dr., Goodview, VA, 24095
SANTA IS COMING!!!!
Bring out the whole family for a low-key festive time! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Fable & Feather Winery for photos, games, and anything else your kiddos need.
Carol along with Daniel Kepel, the singing violinist- he knows all the best Christmas songs!
KEFI- Greek food with Passion will be grilling up delicious food from 12-5
Do a little local shopping- Wire Wrapping & Beading by Renee is bringing her bling & more, Max Meadows Lavender Farm has your soaps, shampoos, and other delicious smelling things, and Fletcher Fields Ceramics has your handmade pottery.
The Winery is also working with the local sheriff’s department to collect new & unwrapped toys for children in need this holiday season. If you can donate, it’s much appreciated, but it is not required! There is no cost to visit with Santa.

Meet Santa at Apocalypse
2025-12-13 14:00 - 17:00 | Apocalypse Ale Works, 1257 Burnbridge Road, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Santa Meet & Greet at Apocalypse Ale Works
Santa’s swinging by the brewery! Bring the family out to Apocalypse Ale Works for a festive afternoon of holiday fun.
Where: Apocalypse Ale Works
When: December 13th
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
What to expect:
• Meet & greet with Santa
• Take your own photos (don’t forget your phone or camera!)
• Cozy holiday vibes, great beer, and fun for all ages
Stop in, say hi to Santa, snap some pics, and stick around to enjoy a drink and relax.
Invite your friends and let’s make it a merry afternoon!

Flames of Memory
2025-12-13 17:00 - 21:00 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, United States
As twilight deepens and obscures the Blue Ridge Mountains, the National D-Day Memorial will once again honor the 4,427 men killed on D-Day during the annual Flames of Memory event.
Arranged throughout the Memorial’s grounds, thousands of luminarias will shine in recognition of Overlord’s fallen and in tribute to the ultimate sacrifice each made to relight the lamp of freedom.
Free admission. Donations welcome.
