Light Up the Tracks Ornaments Commemorate the Holiday Season in Ashland

Get ahead of the glow! Pre-order Light Up the Tracks ornaments for pick-up at the Celebration.

This holiday season, Downtown Ashland Association is shining a light on our hallmark town’s unique six weeks of holiday festivities and mile-long light display with exclusive Light Up the Tracks ornaments. These charming decorations not only add a touch of magic to your holiday decor but also capture the essence of illuminated evenings in the Center of the Universe.

Choose from three enchanting options:
Light Up the Tracks Ornament ($10) - Made to deck any hall with a touch of holiday radiance.

2022 Commemorative Ornament ($15) - Relive the nostalgia of Light Up the Tracks celebrations with this special keepsake.

2023 Commemorative Ornament ($20) - Be among the first to embrace the holiday spirit with this year's exclusive design to be revealed during the Light Up the Tracks Celebration.

These exquisite ornaments are available for purchase now, but the real celebration happens on Saturday, November 18 from 5 - 7 PM at the Downtown Ashland Association's booth during the Light Up the Tracks Celebration. There you can pick up your pre-ordered ornaments and purchase more for everyone on your list. 

Want a present? Get a free Light Up the Tracks ornament when you become a VIP Member of Downtown Ashland Association. Learn more about how your tax-deductible donation supports free events like Light Up the Tracks, bolsters businesses, and supports the vitality of Ashland’s future in the button below.

Light Up the Tracks Celebration Guide

Start the holiday season off merry and bright during the Light Up the Tracks Celebration! Use this guide to discover all the dazzling entertainment, delectable food, and bright stores open at 5 PM on November 18.

The Experience

More than 10K holiday bulbs
A mile-long light display
Live luminous entertainment
An illuminated costume contest
Fluorescent food trucks, restaurants, and retailers

The Entertainment

Magic by Jonathan the Juggler
Caroling by Randolph-Macon Choir and Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale
Dancing with Ashland Dance Academy
Music by Center Street Sound Company
“Ghost of Christmas Past” Ashland Haunted History Tours
Ashland Branch Library Holiday Used Book Sale
Songs of Praise and Thanksgiving ft. Bubba and the Richmond Gospel Gents at the Ashland Theatre

The Eats

Hot Chocolate by Farmview Creamery
Latino Cusine by Los Regios Movil
Daddy’s Baby BBQ
Strawberry Street Catering
The Local Cup at Thrill of the Hunt
Andy’s Restaurant & Lounge
Ashland Meat Company at Cross Brothers
Ban Thai Take Out
The Caboose Market & Cafe
Casa Herradura Family Mexican Restaurant
Henry Clay Inn
Huddle Up Sports Bar
Iron Horse Restaurant
Jake’s Place
Origin Beer Lab
Sports Page Bar & Grill
Sugar Fix
SweetFrog
Trackside Kitchen and Wine

The Buys
Holiday Bazaar at 110 Thompson Street
ReFunkIt & Scratch Vintage Pop-Up
Caravati's Architectural Salvage
Changing Reins
Fin & Feather Pet Center
Hickory Creek Antiques
Thrill of the Hunt
Tiny Tim’s Toys & Trains
Wagner Jewellers

The Prizes

Come dressed in an illuminated outfit for your chance to win prizes from Ashland Christmas Market vendors!
DayLily Acres
cre8tdwseaglass (Created with Seaglass)
Boozy Bundt Cocktail Cakes
TBS Dream Designs
Whiskerful
MOMS VA K9 RESCUE
Immagine' LLC
Hang It Up RVA

Pre-order your commemorative Light Up the Tracks ornaments!

Pick them up in person on November 18 between 5 - 7 PM at the Light Up the Tracks Celebration in Downtown Ashland Association’s merchandise booth on Ashland Town Hall Lawn.

Pre-Order Today

Unwrap the Best Holiday Event Venues in Ashland, Virginia

Whether you're planning a festive soirée or a merry gathering, Ashland offers 'yule-nique' settings to make your celebrations 'tree-mendous.' ‘Sleigh' the season with style and grace in these event venues ‘gift-wrapped’ in holiday charm.

The Henry Clay Inn

Make Ashland’s Georgian-style Inn the centerpiece for your holiday event. They’ve seamlessly woven modern conveniences into this historic gem, creating a warm and authentic atmosphere.

Amenities include…

• In-house catering

• Tables

• Chairs

• Gas Fireplaces

• Up to 50 guests in the Banquet Room

• 30 seated guests on the Front Porch

• 15 guests in the semi-private Breakfast Room

• 15 guests in the semi-private Parlor

• 16 guests on the second floor Upper Veranda

• ...or rent out the entire inn!
  

Hanover Arts & Activities Center

From its 1800s roots, this grand estate has blossomed as the 'Center of the Universe's' cultural, educational, and community hub. 'Unwrap' the magic of this historic venue when you book your holiday event.

Amenities include…

• Max 150 for a seated dinner

• Max 250 for a cocktail reception

• Includes Stage & Ballroom

• Front Lawn

• Kitchen

• 20 6' long tables

• 20 4' round tables

• 3 5' round tables

• 175 white folding chairs

• Free parking
  

Ashland Theatre

Ashland’s enchanting historic theater and performing arts venue isn't just about 'drama' on the stage; it's also the perfect 'holiday stage' for your special events. Let the Ashland Theatre 'wrap up' the details and 'stage' an unforgettable holiday celebration for you!

Amenities include…

• 268 to 276 seating capacity

• 26'(W) X 18'(D) stage

• 7.1 Surround Sound

• Sony 4K Digital Projection

• HD video presentation with a retractable 23-foot screen

• Two green rooms

• Two concessions bars with beer, wine and spirits

• Private VIP lounge (balcony level) for 8 to 12 guests

• Ample Free Parking within a five-minute walk

• Fully handicap accessible
  

The Depot

Step into the charm of yesteryear in The Depot’s meticulously restored historic venue, nestled in the heart of downtown Ashland. The friendly staff ‘sleighs’ your celebrations in their 'merry and bright' location.

Amenities include…

• 3,000 square feet

• Tables

• Chairs

• Bar service

• Catering

• A personal point of contact

• Free parking
  

110 Thompson Street

A versatile holiday haven tailored to meet your festive needs, with a dedicated staff 'elfing' you ensure every detail is flawlessly executed.

Amenities include…

• 1450 square foot room 

• 560 square foot room

• Sound system

• Free off-street parking

• A personal point of contact

Illuminated Costume Contest at Light Up the Tracks Celebration

You shine! Be the 'light' of the party and 'spark' your chance to win at the Light Up the Tracks Celebration!

Dress in your merriest and most illuminated attire for a shot at winning radiant rewards from celebrated Ashland Christmas Market creators DayLily Acres, cre8tdwseaglass (Created with Seaglass), Boozy Bundt Cocktail Cakes, TBS Dream Designs, Whiskerful, MOMS VA K9 RESCUE, Immagine' LLC, and Hang It Up RVA.

Arrive early with a twinkle in your eye and sign up at the Downtown Ashland Association booth for your chance to win. Then, bask in the brilliance of the Light Up the Tracks Celebration, keep an ear out for your name, and grab the beaming prize of your dreams!

Pre-order your commemorative Light Up the Tracks ornaments!

Pick them up in person on November 18 between 5 - 7 PM at the Light Up the Tracks Celebration in Downtown Ashland Association’s merchandise booth on Ashland Town Hall Lawn.

Pre-order Now

Ghostly Gratitude: The Supply Room and We Think In Ink Sponsor Ashland Halloween

Gather 'round, ghosts and goblins, because this year, Ashland Halloween is brewing up a wickedly wonderful treat for the community, and we have some fang-tastic sponsors to thank. 

Downtown Ashland Association is proud to support kids’ trick-or-treating on Halloween–Tuesday, October 31 from 5-8pm–with an online map, scavenger hunt, and prizes! The effort wouldn’t be possible without the support of two local businesses: 

• The Supply Room Company, the second-largest independent office furniture and supplies dealer in the US, and 

• We Think In Ink, a custom design, apparel, and print company with two locations in the Center of the Universe.

We sat down with the folks from The Supply Room to find out what they're looking forward to during Ashland Halloween. Marketing and Communications Manager Wallace Parker’s answer was all treats and no tricks: "We are looking forward to coming together as a community this Fall. Halloween is such a great time to be outside, spend time with families, and see the beauty of Ashland."

But what makes this Ashland company special, you ask? Supply Room Company Chief Operating Officer Yancey Jones Jr. explained, 

"The Supply Room Company is fundamentally an Ashland business – started right on the railroad tracks – where Trackside Grill is today. We take great pride in the fact that Ashland is our hometown, and the people have supported us in growing to where we are today."

““The Supply Room Company is fundamentally an Ashland business – started right on the railroad tracks – where Trackside Grill is today. We take great pride in the fact that Ashland is our hometown, and the people have supported us in growing to where we are today.””

— Chief Operating Officer, Yancey Jones Jr.

The Supply Room Company both supports our community and its industry, Yancey said, "To me, The Supply Room Company stands out by way of the people that make up our amazing team. Our incredible customer service and product that we source and provide across the mid-Atlantic is successful due to the people who support it and make it happen. We are incredibly grateful for our partners, vendors, and team members who make the magic happen, and it’s an honor to see the business continue to evolve right here in Ashland where we started."

While you enjoy the festivities of kids’ trick-or-treating and scavenger hunt on Tuesday, remember to tip your witch’s hat to We Think In Ink and The Supply Room for their spellbinding support of Ashland Halloween. 

Learn more about how to make this Halloween celebration in the Center of the Universe a spooktacular success at AshlandHalloween.com