Martinsville, Virginia

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Christmas & Holiday Happenings in MHC

With the Thanksgiving turkey and the many tasty side dishes all ate up, it’s time to kick off the second round of the Holiday season here in Martinsville- Henry County. Throughout the month of December, you can participate in an abundance of Christmas and Holiday activities for great memories and family fun. We have listed several of these happenings to fill your heart with the Holiday spirit.

Christmas Spectacular by PHCC Patriot Players (December 5-8) – A sequel to their popular 2017 revue, the ‘2019 Patriot Player Christmas Spectacular’ is a holiday themed music revue that the whole family can enjoy. Directed by Devin Pendleton, under the music direction of Linda Via.

Piedmont Arts Christmas Tree Lighting (December 5) – Join Piedmont Arts for crafts, refreshments and caroling at the second annual Christmas tree lighting in the Gravely-Lester Art Garden. Just like the sculptures in its Art Garden, the museum’s Christmas tree will be a work of art. Created by Ian Hogg using lights strung on wire, the tree will be lit at sunset on December 5 and brighten the Art Garden through New Year’s Day. Kids can create a craft to take home and Santa Claus, the jolly old elf himself, will make an appearance. Complimentary snacks and hot chocolate will be available. All are welcome.

Martinsville Speedway Toy Drive (December 6) – Martinsville Speedway will hold its annual new toy drive to benefit Martinsville-based Grace Network on Friday night, Dec. 6, and anyone who donates a new toy or a cash contribution of $20 can make a lap around the track. New this year, fans who make a donation can also visit Club 47 and see Santa in the President’s Suite from 5:30pm until 8pm and enjoy refreshments courtesy of the speedway.

Dinner with Santa at Spencer-Penn Centre (December 6) - Celebrate Christmas with SPC! Join Santa for dinner, dessert, and a special surprise Christmas movie which we know won't disappoint. Cost for adults and children is $15 per person.  Children's price includes a digital photo with Santa which will be emailed to you. Proceeds for this event will go toward the Spencer-Penn Centre Storytime program, so please celebrate with us and show your support!

Christmas Vendor Craft Fair at HDJB Event Center (December 7) – Come by the HJDB Center on Decmber 7th from 9am-4pm for their Vendor/Craft Fair. Check out the booths, enjoy music, hourly door prizes, and more!

Sew a Holiday Apron (December 7) – Join the Spencer-Penn Centre for a fun, family-friendly sewing class and create your own apron perfect for your holiday baking or gift-giving. All ages are invited to attend. Supplies are provided. Pre-registration is required. Call the Centre at (276) 957-5757 to register. The cost is $10/members and $15/non-members.

Santa Claus at the Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center (December 7) – Santa Claus is coming to town! Uptown Martinsville, that is! Join the Martinsville - Henry County Tourism Office for a special afternoon at the Visitor Center. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be there from 12-3 pm on Saturday, December 7th to visit with all the good boys and girls and hear those special holiday wishes. Bring your own camera to take your own pictures.

2019 Light Up the Night 5K (December 7) – Miles in Martinsville and the Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA, is pleased to announce the running of the Light Up The Night 5K on Saturday, December 7, 2019.  Starting time is 5:00 pm. This event is a fun kick off to the holiday season with many runners and walkers dressed in festive costumes.  The race is loaded with youngsters, enjoying an evening of fun and fellowship with parents and friends.

3rd Annual Ridgeway Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting (December 7) – The Town of Ridegway will be hosting their 3rd Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 7th at 5pm.

Bassett Christmas Parade (December 7) – Bring the whole family for a one of a kind parade experience in the historic town of Bassett, Virginia. Parade starts at 2pm.

Pictures With Santa at the MHC SPCA (December 7) – Get into the Christmas spirit with Santa Claus at the SPCA!  On Saturday, December 7th Kris Kringle and Dawson Photography will be here from 9am – 2pm to take pictures of you and your entire family (furry friends are invited).  There is no appointment necessary, but they will be available if you so choose. Each print is only $10.  So go ahead, buy that doggy Christmas sweater! It will only make the picture cuter.

Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops (December 8) – The most highly anticipated holiday event of the season returns with an all-new matinee performance. There’s no better way to lift your spirits than with the music of the season delivered in full sound and spectacle by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. This year, David Stewart Wiley conducts the Holiday Pops with all the magical elements you have come to expect – high energy, familiar carols, and lots of holiday warmth. Altrusa will collect non-perishable food items for Grace Network in the lobby during the symphony's performance. $25 Reserved, $15 General Admission, $5 Student.

Holidays From the Market (December 14) – Join the Uptown Farmers' Market vendors and local crafters for some holiday fun! Baked goods, jams & jellies, crafts, homemade soaps, knife sharpening, fresh flower arrangements, jewelry, and more!

Santa Claus at the Bakery! (December 14) – Santa Claus is coming to Rising Sun Breads bakery!! Santa will be available for kids of all ages from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm to share a Christmas wish list. A Free homemade gingerbread cookie will be given to each child. Don't be surprised if other holiday characters appear as well. Hot Chocolate and homemade marshmallows, Spiced Apple Cider, Special coffee drinks, hot soups, and of course our gourmet sandwiches will all be available for sale.

Christmas Parade in Uptown Martinsville (December 15) – It's that time of year and the Martinsville-Henry County Christmas Parade Association and Star News have another great parade planned for you and your family. 2019's parade theme is "The Magic of Christmas." Many spectators start their holiday season each year to the sounds of prancing ponies, motors rumbling and cool breezes blowing the tinsel on the festive floats. This year's parade will consist of over 100 units to include; Harley Davidson motorcycles, marching bands, dancers, floats, civic organizations, horses and lots of fun! Fun you and your family don't want to miss. You'll also get that first glimpse of Santa before he slides down your chimney. We invite you to come early do some shopping, grab dinner, and find your perfect spot on the parade route!

Dinner With Santa Cow (December 16) – Join the folks at Chic-fil-a Martinsville for a memorable evening filled with fun holiday activities and enjoy dinner with Santa Cow. 4:30pm-8:30pm.

Breakfast with Santa at Chicken In The Basket (December 21) – Be sure to stop by Chicken In The Basket on Saturday, December 21st from 8am-11am to have breakfast with Santa! There will also be a photographer on site to capture the fun had by all. We hope to see you there!

New Year's Eve Celebration at Fairy Stone State Park (December 31) – The 9th Annual New Year's Eve Celebration at Fairy Stone State Park will once again be held in Fayerdale Hall beginning at 9:00 pm until 1:00 am. You and your friends can dance, laugh, and ring the new year in to the sounds of a local DJ. Party favors and refreshments provided. Punch will be available for the midnight toast or you may bring your own adult beverage (beer or wine only please). $15/person.

We hope everyone has a great start to the Christmas and Holiday season. These Holiday happenings in MHC are sure to fill you and your loved ones hearts with joy and holiday spirit. For more information about local events, check out our website at www.VisitMartinsville.com, call the Visitor Center at 888.722.3498, or stop by and see us Tuesday-Saturday at 191 Fayette Street Martinsville, VA. We wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas!