Light Up the Tracks Events Guide

Downtown Ashland Virginia lit up with over 10 thousand lights during Light Up the Tracks

For the next six weeks, Ashland's holiday spirit shines bright with festive foods, events, and over ten thousand lights. We call the celebration Light Up the Tracks!

Here’s a sneak peek, and you can find the full calendar of events here.

Illuminated Events
Nov 18 - Light Up the Tracks Celebration with Downtown Ashland Association
Nov 18 - Illuminated Costume Contest at the Light Up the Tracks Celebration
Nov 19 - Olde Time Holiday Parade with the Ashland Kiwanis Club
Nov 19 - Thanksgiving Floral Arranging Workshop at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center
Dec 2 - Holly Jolly Holiday Party at the Ashland Theatre
Dec 3 - Deck the Halls at Pine Grove Farm
Dec 9 - Jolly Jaunt Bar Crawl & Concert With Origin Beer Lab
Dec 31 - Light the Way to 2024 at the Hanover Arts and Activites Center

Sleighing Shops
Dec 2 - Ashland Christmas Market
Dec 2 - England Street “Christmas Market” at Thrill of the Hunt
Nov 25 - Small Business Saturday in Downtown Ashland
Mon - Sat - Ashland Feed Store
Tues - Sat - Caravati's Architectural Salvage
Tues - Sun - Center of the Yarniverse
Tues - Sat - Changing Reins
Mon - Sun - Fin & Feather Pet Center
Mon - Sun - Hickory Creek Antiques
Tues - Sun - ReFunkIt
Tues - Sat - Thrill of the Hunt
Mon - Sun - Tiny Tim's Toys & Trains
Sat - The Shop at 112
Tues - Sat - Wagner Jewellers

Glow Shows
Every Saturday! - Caroling in Downtown Ashland
Weds - Sun - Fearfully Festive Escape Room at RED VEIN Escape
Fri - Sat - “Ghosts of Christmas Past” with Ashland Haunted History Tours
Fri - Sat - Live Concerts at Huddle Up Sports Bar
Fri - Sun - Ashland Museum & the Red Caboose Tours
Dec 1 - The Barter Players’ “Frosty the Snowman” at Ashland Theatre
Dec 1 - 3 - LUX Holiday Spectacular at Randolph-Macon College
Dec 3 - Richmond Symphony at Randolph-Macon College
Dec 7 - Choral and Instrumental Winter Concert with Randolph-Macon College
Dec 8 - 17 - “The Polar Express” at the Ashland Theatre
Dec 10 - Holiday Concert at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church
Dec 10 - “The Grinch” at the Ashland Theatre
Dec 15 - “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation” at the Ashland Theatre
Dec 21 - “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Ashland Theatre

Festive Foods
Nov 23 - Thanksgiving Dinner at the Henry Clay Inn
Fridays - Wine Tasting at the Caboose Market and Cafe
Thursday to Monday - Dining at the Henry Clay Inn
Mon - Sat - Andy's Restaurant & Lounge
Mon - Sun - Ashland Meat Company at Cross Brothers
Wed - Sat - Ashland Pot Pie Company
Mon - Sun - Ban Thai
Mon - Sat - The Caboose Market & Cafe
Mon - Sun - Casa Herradura Family Mexican Restaurant
Mon - Sun - The Depot
Tues - Sat - Homemades by Suzanne
Wed - Sat - Huddle Up Sports Bar
Mon - Sun - Iron Horse Restaurant
Mon - Sun - Jake's Place
Tues - Sun - Origin Beer Lab
Mon - Sun - Sports Page Bar & Grill
Tues - Sat - Sugar Fix Bakery
Mon - Sun - SweetFrog
Mon - Sun - Trackside Kitchen and Wine

How to Support Downtown Ashland on Small Business Saturday

Holidays in Ashland, Virginia

Small Business Saturday is just around the corner, and there's no better time to highlight the significant impact of supporting local businesses, especially in Downtown Ashland. This year, we encourage you not only to shop and dine locally but to consider making a donation to bolster the efforts of the Downtown Ashland Association.

Enhancing Public Spaces & Historic Preservation

Stride through the heart of Ashland's downtown with ease, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Downtown Ashland Association, the Town of Ashland, and urban planners. We invest in walkability, enhancing everything from street lights to planters and expanding sidewalks, ensuring that our downtown is not just welcoming but effortlessly navigable.

Preserving the character is at the forefront of our mission. The Downtown Ashland Association actively supports initiatives that acknowledge our unique history and work hand in hand with partners like the Ashland Museum and Hanover County Black Heritage Society.


Promoting Downtown & Increasing Visitation
We believe in creating vibrant, dynamic spaces that attract visitors and celebrate the essence of our historic downtown. Signature events such as Ashland Train Day and Light Up the Tracks, along with community-building initiatives like Untold Stories, Ashland Fourth Fridays, Ashland Halloween, and more, are orchestrated by the Downtown Ashland Association. These events draw both residents and visitors into our downtown.

Stay informed about these exciting events by following us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to "Get Centered," our email newsletter.


Supporting Business Growth
For small businesses to thrive, communication and resources are key. Downtown Ashland Association plays a pivotal role by providing workshops, resources, and regular communication on issues that may impact local businesses, fostering a business-friendly environment.

"Eat & Shop Local" is not just a catchphrase for us—it's a mission. We actively promote patronage of Ashland businesses through our events and marketing initiatives. Our partnerships with Market Ashland Partnership and Hanover Chamber of Commerce further amplify the impact of supporting local businesses.


This Small Business Saturday, consider making a difference beyond your purchases. Your donation to Downtown Ashland Association will contribute directly to the growth and sustainability of our local economy, ensuring that Ashland's downtown remains a thriving hub of community, culture, and commerce.

Light Up the Tracks Ornaments Commemorate the Holiday Season in Ashland

Light Up the Tracks commemorative ornament from Ashland, Virginia.

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

Light Up the Tracks hosts a mile-long holiday light display and six weeks of special events in Ashland, Virginia.

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

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