Spending the Thanksgiving Weekend in Lexington, Virginia
Thanksgiving weekend brings the beginning of the festive atmosphere of the winter holidays. Whether you are a local looking for festive activities or a visitor seeking an authentic Virginia experience, the historic college town or Lexington, Virginia, provides a memorable backdrop for celebrating gratitude and ushering in the holiday season.
Art and Culture Before the Feast
Begin your Thanksgiving weekend by immersing yourself in Indigenous culture at the Kamen Gallery’s temporary exhibition, “Native Art & Ancestral Inspiration: Drawing Endurance.” Open daily from 9 am to 9 pm through December 15, this powerful exhibit features the work of Ethan Brown, a citizen of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe who homesteads on the Pamunkey Reservation in King William, Virginia.
Brown’s self-taught artistry spans multiple mediums including oil painting, gourd art, sculpture, and film. His work draws deeply from Indigenous storytelling traditions and finds inspiration in Pamunkey history and culture. The exhibit offers visitors a rare opportunity to connect with Virginia’s Native heritage through contemporary art that honors ancestral wisdom and resilience. It’s a meaningful way to reflect on the complex history of Thanksgiving while appreciating the enduring strength and artistic vision of Virginia’s Indigenous peoples.
Farm-Fresh Wednesday
On Wednesday, November 26, the Lexington Farmer’s Market provides the perfect opportunity to gather fresh, local ingredients for your Thanksgiving feast. There’s something special about sourcing your holiday meal from the farmers and artisans who call the Shenandoah Valley home. From seasonal vegetables and locally raised meats to artisanal breads and homemade preserves, the market showcases the bounty of the region. Shopping local not only ensures the freshest ingredients for your table but also supports the community’s agricultural traditions. Arrive early for the best selection and chat with vendors who are passionate about their craft and always happy to share cooking tips and recipe suggestions.
If you live within a couple of hours drive of Lexington, consider giving yourself a pre-Thanksgiving gift with a few days at Inn at Brierley Hill. You can relax for a couple days before the hustle and bustle of the holiday. Stop in to the Farmer’s Market before leaving town on Wednesday to pick up supplies for your Thanksgiving feast at home.
Thanksgiving Morning Tradition
Thanksgiving Day in Lexington means lacing up your running shoes for the 14th Annual Lexington Gobble Wobble 5K and Fun Run, hosted by the Lexington-Rockbridge Jaycees on November 27. This beloved community tradition has become the perfect way to work up an appetite before the big meal. The event welcomes the entire family with both a 5K option for walkers and runners, and a Children’s Fun Run that gets even the youngest participants excited about the holiday.
The festive atmosphere transforms downtown Lexington as neighbors and visitors come together in the crisp autumn air. Do not worry about timing; the organizers promise to get you home with plenty of time to put the turkey in the oven. It is these kinds of wholesome, community-centered events that make Lexington feel less like a tourist destination and more like home, even if you are just visiting for the weekend.
Friday Night Magic
As Thanksgiving gives way to the weekend, Lexington’s 30th Annual Candlelight Processional and Community Tree Lighting on November 28 captures the magic of the season. This cherished tradition begins at 5:15 pm with lineup at the Main Street entrance to Oak Grove Cemetery, where participants receive candles and holiday songbooks.
At 5:30 pm, the enchantment truly begins as Santa and Mrs. Claus lead the procession down Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage provided by the Lexington Carriage Company. The sight of candlelit faces and the sound of carolers filling the historic streets creates an atmosphere straight out of a storybook. The procession culminates at Hopkins Green, where community caroling continues and the lighting of the community tree officially welcomes the holiday season. This family-friendly event is free and open to all, embodying the spirit of community that defines Lexington.
Beyond Lexington: Festival of Trees
Just a short drive away, the Natural Bridge Festival of Trees runs from November 28 through January 1, offering another dimension to your holiday weekend. Local organizations decorate trees representing their place in the community, and visitors vote for their favorites by placing donation items beneath their chosen tree or purchasing ballots. It is a creative way to support local causes while enjoying beautiful holiday decorations. The tree with the most items and ballots by December 31 claims the victory, making it a competition with heart.
If the weather cooperates, take time to explore more of Natural Bridge State Park. Cedar Creek Trail is especially popular because it leads hikers to the impressive Lace Falls.
Crafting Traditions
For those seeking a more hands-on holiday experience, the Advent Wreath Workshops at Lavender Fields at Tantivy Farm on November 28 and 30 offer the chance to create a beautiful centerpiece for your home. Using fresh herbs picked from the farm, including lavender, rosemary, rue, sage, thyme, boxwood, and juniper, participants craft their own advent wreaths to mark the Sundays leading up to Christmas. Materials and candles are provided, along with refreshments, but space is limited, so early registration is recommended.
Shop Small, Win Big
While details for the 2025 Shop Small Sweepstakes are still forthcoming, this annual event has become a November tradition worth planning for. In past years, shoppers who spent $10 or more at participating downtown businesses received cards with stickers. The more stickers collected, the more sweepstakes entries earned, with prizes ranging from $100 to $750 in downtown shopping credits. It’s the perfect incentive to support local businesses while checking names off your gift list.
Enjoy the Comfort of a Relaxing Stay
The Inn at Brierley Hill is accepting reservations for Thanksgiving week. Whether you are looking for a home base for small town shopping or a private cottage with a hot tub, the inn has everything you need to add relaxation to your Thanksgiving weekend itinerary.
Lexington’s Thanksgiving weekend offers something rare: a genuine community celebration that welcomes visitors as friends. From honoring Indigenous culture to building new traditions with your family, this charming Virginia town proves that the best holidays are those spent connecting with history, community, and each other.