What's Happening in Nelson

December 1-13
The Homecoming, by Earl Hamner, directed by Boomie Pedersen. The heart-warming story of a family waiting for the magic of Christmas Eve to arrive – not Santa, but Daddy – told from the perspective of the adult Clay-Boy as he remembers the journey he took, that snowy evening long ago… “It is remembered in my family that on Christmas Eve of 1933 my father was late arriving home. That, along with the love he and my mother bestowed upon their eight red-headed offspring, is fact. The rest is fiction.” – Earl Hamner
Show starts at 7:30p.m. Thu.-Sat.; 2:00p.m. Sun. There will be no show Thanksgiving Thu. & Fri., Reservations advised, 434 361 1999.

December 5
Rockfish Valley Community Center’s third, annual Holiday Market from 9 am to 2 pm.  The market features local, artisan cheeses, eggs, beef, chicken & pork, plus seasonal vegetables and fresh baked goods.  Additionally there will be local artisans and crafters, fresh and dried holiday wreaths and trees with live music during the entire event.  The market begins with a scrumptious pancake breakfast and a delicious lunch will be prepared by Claudia Gibson. Admission is free.  For more information contact: market@rockfishcc.org

December 5, 6
A Christmas Weekend at Walton’s Mountain Museum. Enjoy apple cider and cookies with paid admission. The rooms have Christmas decorations and you can take your own photo inside replica rooms. 434-831-2002

December 5, 6 and 12, 13
Winter Open House at Afton Mountain Vineyards. Come taste our entire selection of wine for holiday gifts and join us for barrel tasting of the new vintage. 10 am-5 pm. 540-456-8667

December 5, 6, and 12,13 and 19,20
Want to make a holiday family memory?  Come to Montebello Country Store and take a horse drawn buggy ride!  While you’re here, browse our new addition to the store and even do some Christmas shopping! Explore Nelson County and buy a Christmas tree at a local tree farm or make a weekend of it and stay in one of our rental cabins. For more information click here or call the country store at 540-377-2650.

December 6
Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Parade in the village of Lovingston. The parade features floats, marching units, vehicles, animals and best of all Santa Claus. There are also civic clubs and street vendors selling food and beverages. The parade travels north through the village. Santa visits with children of all ages. 3 pm – 5 pm  434-263-8178

December 12, 13 and 19, 20
Holiday Open House at Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery. Come in out of the cold and enjoy fruit wines and meads. Food pairings, hot mulled wine. We’ll show you how our wines pair with foods. Lots of Holiday spirit. Find a unique gift for someone special from our gift shop or wine selection. 11 am – 5 pm; Sunday 1 – 5 pm.   434-361-1266

December 13
The Nelson County Historical Society and Oakland-Nelson County Museum of History host The Oakland Christmas Open House from 5 – 7 pm.  Gift shop items include Hurricane Camille dvd’s, local history publications, maps and a few homemade items.

December 19
The Lovingston Farm Market moves indoors to the Nelson Center Great Room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be food for sale and musical entertainment. 434-263-8074

December 18-22
“Bethlehem Alive,” one of the longest running and largest Central Virginia presentations of 1st century Bethlehem and the birth of Christ returns to Hebron Baptist Church in Afton.
The village is comprised of many permanent buildings including a working olive press, carpentry, music, scribe and weapons shops, live camels and other animals, a nativity, inn and the ever-popular narrative singing angels.  With over 40 costumed characters the event adds an authenticity to the holiday season that has been experienced by some 80,000 visitors since its inception. Visitors can leisurely stroll among campfires, the bustling marketplace, villagers who have come to register for the census, the many period-staffed buildings and of course Roman soldiers who heed visitors to move along.  Overlooking it all is the star of Bethlehem, a bright light beaming high into the Afton night. Free, and open nightly from 6-9 (weather permitting). Hebron Baptist Church at (540) 456-6863

December 20 – 31 (CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY)
The Circle of Lights at Oak Ridge – Holiday Light Illumination Driving Tour. 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Nightly. Enjoy an array of holidays lights with your family and friends as you drive through the sparkle and cheer at Oak Ridge Estate. This seasonal light display is held on the front lawn of the historic Oak Ridge Manor House. Half of all proceeds go the benefit the Nelson County volunteer fire and rescue squads. Fee. 434-263-8676.

December 31
Enjoy Veritas wine and hors díoeuvres and then on to a winemakerís dinner in Saddleback Hall. There will be dancing until midnight, when the masks come off and the Champagne flows. Breakfast follows – so bring your mask and your dancing shoes to have some great food, great wine and great fun and bring in the New Year.  540-456-8000 ext 108