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What's Happening in Colonial Beach in December



Rod Club Car Show at the Winter Festival Date Saturday, December 2 2-4 PM Location Town Hill at the corner of Colonial and Washington Avenues If you want to be in the Winter Festival car show, there’s no fee other than a new toy. Compete for best decorated car/truck. Want to drive in the parade? Contact the Chamber (804) 224-8145. Individuals who want to be in the show, parking begins at 10:00 AM. Stop at the Rod Club table for candy and free Hot Wheels cars for little ones. Host: The Colonial Rod Club and the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce The Search for a Golden Oyster Shell Saturday, December 2 – Tuesday, December 12 Time: Shell seekers at their leisure and on their own time. Location: Downtown Colonial Beach Wander the area around Downtown Colonial Beach and search for golden oyster shells. When you find a golden shell, take it to one of these shops: Beach Paws Boutique on Hawthorne Street, Colonial Buzz, or Peddlers Market. Then, trade the golden shell for a uniquely decorated oyster shell to take home as a special holidaymemento. Hosts: The Colonial Beach Parks, Recreation, & Events Department and Colonial Beach Explorers

Christmastide at Monroe Hall Open House Saturday, December2 Times: Open House from 5 pm - 8 pm Location: James Monroe Birthplace Park &Museum, 4460 James Monroe Hwy The Colonial Dancers in period garb will be present, and we will serve Wassail, spiced cider, and ginger cookies as wellas other sweetmeats reminiscent of the era. Donations are requested. Santa’s Wonderland and Winter Festival Parade Saturday, December 2 11 am – 4 pm Location: Town Hill at the corner of Colonial and Washington Avenues


The Winter Festival Parade begins at noon at Colonial Beach High School and travels to Colonial and Washington Avenues. This much loved holiday celebration on Town Hill also features vendors, food, music, and - of course - Santa Claus! Host: Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce Lighted Jeep Parade

Saturday, December 2

Starts at Dusk Location: Commences at the parking lot of Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar on the Point. Anyone who drives a Jeep is invited to decorate it and join in this annual parade oflighted cars as they travel around the Point to show off their holiday spirit. This event is a fundraiser for the No Child Left Behind / Colonial Beach Elementary School Toy Drive, and encourages participants and spectators to donate NEW, UNWRAPPED toys for children. Host: Dockside Restaurant &Tiki Bar First Night of Hanukkah - Lighting of the Menorah Thursday, December 7 Sunset (approximately 4:47 pm) Location: Town Hill For the first year ever, a large Menorah will be illuminated on Town Hill for Hanukkah, inaugurating a new holiday tradition for Colonial Beach. All are welcome. Host: Hanukkah Friends 2nd Friday Artwalk Friday, December 8 6-9 PM 2nd Friday Art Walks in November and December feature works in galleries, retail establishments, and restaurants & breweries throughouttown. Visitors will find paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and textile arts. Often, the artists are on hand. Host: Colonial Beach Artists Guild Christmastide Weekend at Stratford Hall

Friday, December 8 – Sunday, December 10 All Day Location: Stratford Hall Historic Preserve. 483 Great House Rd, Stratford, VA 22558 For the first time, this year’s annual Christmastide celebration at Stratford Hall will feature a full weekend of activities. Come enjoy historic Stratford Hall and its grounds while taking in the spirit of the season. Host: Stratford Hall Chesapeake Bay Wine TrailWineries’ Holiday Sip & Shop Saturday, December 9

Time varies per winery

Location: Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail Participating Wineries Join the participating wineries of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail for holiday refreshments and wine/gift specials during their Holiday Sip & Shop. Check out the @ChesapeakeBayWineTrail Facebook page for more info, participants, times, and updates leading up to the event. Host: The Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail 21st Annual Colonial Beach Christmas House Tour for the Holidays Saturday, December 9, 4-6 PM Saturday, December 9, 6-8 PM Sunday, December 10, 2-4 PM For over 21 years the Holiday House Tour in Colonial Beach has featured some of the most beautiful homes in the Northern Neck. This year there will be 3 tour times and several tour routes. All tours start at the Colonial Beach History Museum. Visitors can enjoy the trolley for an additional fee or take a self-guided driving tour. Host: The Colonial Beach Historical Society and Museum https://www.eventbrite.com/e/21st-annual-colonial-beach-christmas-house-tour-for-the- holidays-tickets-720505781187 Parks & Recreation Winter Door Décor Contest

Wednesday, December 13 to Friday, December 22

Location: Homes and businesses around Colonial Beach The Door Décor contest is happening again! Judging starts December 13th and winners will be announced December 22nd. Prizes include a sign to place in your yard that identifies your door as a Winner! Host: Colonial BeachParks, Recreation, &Events Department Shop Colonial Beach Small Business Saturday, December 16

All Day - 8 am -6 pm Location: Colonial Beach Businesses Give the gift of small business, whether it is a gift certificate from our family owned and operated restaurants, or our shops Hawthorne Mercantile, Peddlers Market, Beach Paws Boutique, Beach Shop and more, or a night / weekend away from our Inns, B& B or cottages. Walk through our holiday decorated Hathorne Street or along the Boardwalk and step back in time. Also stop in at the train depot for the train enthusiasts. Visit the CoBe Workspaces the refurbished Westmoreland Bank Building for a chance to work awayfrom home. Hosted by: Local Family Owned and Operated Businesses.


Picking the Perfect Train

Saturday, December 16

11 am - 12 pm

Location: CB Train Junction, 509 Colonial Ave.

A short seminar on picking the best model train or train accessories for the train enthusiast or introducing trains to someone as the perfect Christmas gift.



CBKids Christmas Party

Saturday, December 16

3-7 p.m.

Custom T’s Motorsports Park, 2035 James Monroe Hwy

The annual holiday party for CB Kids encourages kids to come and enjoy treats, games, music, and Santa even stops by for a visit. Families in need have the option of receiving gifts and wrapping supplies for their kids’ Christmas. Host: CBKids



5th Annual “Let’s Light Up the Beach” Light Contest

Saturday, December 16 through Thursday, December 21

Register your home’s holiday decorations by Friday, December 15 by email to: townofcolonialbeachchristmas@gmail.com.

Location: Homes around Colonial Beach

@TownofCBVA Facebook voting will be open from Saturday, December 16 – Thursday, December 21 at midnight. First & Second Place Winners will be announced on Friday, December 22. Winners receive bragging rights and yard signs for the best home décor that involves outdoor lighting.

Host: Town of Colonial Beach Christmas


Music in the Air

Saturday, December 23 and Sunday, December 24 Noon-4 pm

Location: Downtown Colonial Beach

Live Music will be performed throughout the downtown area to celebrate the holiday season while shoppers enjoy a grand holiday shopping experience!

Hosts: Downtown Colonial Beach and the Colonial Beach Community Foundation


New Year’s Eve Crab Pot Drop

Sunday, December 31

6-8 pm

Location: Town Hill at the corner of Washington and Colonial Avenues

This annual family-friendly event features games, music, hot cocoa, and the dropping of an illuminated Crab Pot that counts down to an early New Year.

Hosts: Colonial Beach Outfitters and the Colonial Beach Parks, Recreation, & Events Department

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