Downtown Lewisburg is preparing for the holiday season with the launch of “The Magic of Christmas,” a series of festive events running from Nov. 21 through Dec. 24. The full calendar includes events, performances, and community activities designed for all ages.
The festivities begin on Friday, Nov. 21, with the annual Tree Lighting at 7 p.m. in the Greenspace with Santa himself. On Friday evening, Raising Arizona will be shown at the Lewis Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The following day, Saturday, Nov. 22, features the 10 a.m. Jinglebell Jog at the Greenbrier Community School, Santa photo ops at the Visitors Center at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m., and carriage rides at the Greenspace from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Thanksgiving weekend features shopping events, beginning with Black Friday Shopping Specials on Friday, Nov. 28 in downtown Lewisburg, with carriage rides offered from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29 includes Santa strolling around town from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and carriage rides at the Greenspace from 3 to 7 p.m. The month concludes on Sunday, Nov. 30, with a 2 p.m. performance of A Christmas Carol at Carnegie Hall.
The first week of December opens with the Christmas Parade with Santa on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, is First Friday, featuring carriage rides from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at City Hall, 5 p.m. carolers in the Greenspace, and Christmas Ukulele Tunes at the Visitor Center from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The evening continues with an Elf on the Shelf Reading of Love Child at 6 p.m., a showing of Home Alone at the Lewis Theatre at 7 p.m., and a Carriage Hall performance by the WV Symphony Orchestra at 7 p.m.
The following day, Saturday, Dec. 6, will have Santa and Lewis the Elf will be strolling from 12 noon to 2 p.m., and carriage rides at the Greenspace will run from 3 to 7 p.m.
Mid-month activities include carriage rides at City Hall on Friday, Dec. 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a screening of Gremlins at the Lewis Theatre at 7 p.m. Then, on Saturday, Dec. 13, it’s Girls Day Out all day, featuring strolling appearances by Santa and Lewis the Elf from 12 noon to 2 p.m., and carriage rides at the Greenspace from 3 to 7 p.m. The Greenbrier Valley Chorale will perform at Carnegie Hall on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m.
Events continue on Friday, Dec. 19, with carriage rides at City Hall from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., GEHS Choir Caroling in the Greenspace from 2 to 3 p.m., and a 7 p.m. movie showing of Bad Santa at the Lewis Theatre.
The final weekend begins on Saturday, Dec. 20, with Santa and Lewis the Elf strolling from 12 noon to 2 p.m., carriage rides at the Greenspace from 3 to 7 p.m., and GEHS Choir Caroling in the streets from 3 to 5 p.m., concluding at the CVB. Christmas Ukulele Tunes will be played at the Visitor Center on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 1 p.m.
Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy extended holiday shopping and dining hours, photos with Santa in the Greenspace, and Santa’s Mailbox. The Polar Express Story Walk will be active throughout town from Dec. 1 to Dec. 24. The Greenbrier Valley Theatre will also be holding performances, with tickets available at gvt.theatre.org. The Visitor Center will host the Merry Christmas Around the World Christmas Tree Display, and art exhibits and music will be featured throughout town.
Carriage Rides are available for $10 for adults and $5 for kids age five and under. The Lewisburg Convention and Visitors Bureau noted that new events are constantly being added, encouraging the public to follow @VisitLewisburgWV on Facebook for the latest details and updates.
