HOLIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN FREDERICKSBURG · 2026
Make Downtown Your Holiday Tradition
Festive shopping, twinkling lights, skating by the river and unique gifts from the local shops that make Fredericksburg feel like home.
2026 HOLIDAY SEASON PARTNER
Fredericksburg Main Street is proud to celebrate the holidays with Mary Washington Healthcare.
Holiday Events & Celebrations
From the first tree lighting to the last cookie, here's how downtown celebrates.
Sat–Sun, Nov 14th–15th
Holiday Open House Weekend
Kick off the season with festive shopping, giveaways and door prizes in our shops, plus photos with Santa at the Visitor Center.
Sat, Nov 14th · 4:00–7:00 PM · Riverfront Park
Fredericksburg Tree Lighting
Gather by the river for live music, food trucks, vendors and the moment the downtown tree comes to life.
Sat, Nov 28
Small Business Saturday
Shop small, find new favorites and stop by our hot cocoa and tote bag stations while supplies last.
Sat, Dec 12
Downtown Cookie Crawl
Stroll downtown and collect sweet treats from local bakers and shops. Tickets are limited.
Every Holiday Happening Downtown
More Downtown Celebrations
Christmas Parade
Sat, Dec 5
Make a day of it downtown, do some holiday shopping, grab a bite to eat and enjoy the annual Christmas Parade, hosted by Fredericksburg Parks and Rec.
Window Wonderland
Nov 14 – Jan 1
Stroll downtown and see storefront windows dressed for the season.
Giving Tuesday
Tue, Dec 1
Love what downtown feels like this time of year? Help keep it that way.
Skating Rink at Riverfront Park
Skate into the holiday spirit by the river! Our eco-friendly synthetic rink is fun for all ages, with skates included in your ticket, all beneath the glow of the Riverfront Park Christmas tree.
- Opens Friday, November 27, 2026.
- Hours, ticket prices and timed-entry reservations will be announced soon.
- Ticket proceeds support Fredericksburg Main Street.
Free 2-hour parking at Riverfront Park
Free street parking on Sophia Street and nearby side streets
Paid parking at the City Parking Garage (Sophia & Wolfe)
Shop Downtown & Share the Holiday Cheer
Shop Downtown. Collect Stamps. Win Prizes.
November 14 – December 31, 2026
- Download the Visit Fredericksburg app and open the FXBG Holiday Passport 2026 (under the Goals icon).
- Shop participating businesses. After you meet each shop's minimum purchase, scan its QR code.
- Collect 7 stamps from 7 different businesses to enter the prize drawing.
Downtown Gift Cards Never Go Out of Style
Give the gift of Downtown Fredericksburg, accepted at 55+ participating shops, restaurants and galleries. Buy cards in person at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, 601 Caroline Street (open daily 9 AM–4 PM).
Receive a $10 bonus gift card for every $50 in Downtown Gift Cards purchased, up to $250 in bonus gift cards.
Plan Your Holiday Visit
Park. Ride. Explore.
Spend less time looking for parking this holiday season. Our free trolley shuttle connects parking with the heart of the shopping district on four big days from 9:30am till 6:30pm.
- Saturday, November 14: Holiday Open House & Tree Lighting
- Friday, November 27: Black Friday & Skating Rink opening
- Saturday, November 28: Small Business Saturday
- Saturday, December 19: Saturday before Christmas
Downtown has free 4-hour street parking from Saturday, November 14th through Sunday, January 10th and paid garage parking. Riverfront Park and Sophia Street are closest to the skating rink.
Get the Holiday Scoop
New events, shop specials and skating updates, straight to your inbox.
Keep Downtown Fredericksburg Thriving
Fredericksburg Main Street hosts over 40 community events a year, including Small Business Saturday and the Tree Lighting. Your gift stays local and goes to work right away.