.jpg)
Main Street Lexington is sponsoring a series of festive events in downtown to mark the holiday season.
The 28th annual candlelight processional and community tree lighting is taking place Friday, Nov. 24. Lineup begins at 5:15 p.m. at the Main Street entrance to Oak Grove Cemetery, where candles and holiday songbooks will be distributed. At 5:30, Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead the processional down Main Street in a horsedrawn carriage provided by the Lexington Carriage Company. The processional will arrive at Hopkins Green, where caroling will continue.
The Lexington Presbyterian Church will serve hot cocoa, and the community tree will be lit to officially usher in the holiday season. The Rockbridge SPCA will again be displaying luminaries at Hopkins Green in honor or memory of pets or people; for more information, visit rockbridgespca.net. As always, the processional is family-friendly, open to all and free of charge.
Saturday, Nov. 25 is Small Business Saturday, a national program encouraging shoppers to support local and independent businesses. “Downtown businesses are the economic backbone of our community, and this event offers us the opportunity to show our support,” said a spokesperson. The Grinch will be making an appearance downtown from 1 to 3 p.m.
Nov. 25 is also the kickoff day for the month-long Love Lex Lotto sweepstakes. For the 10th year in a row, this game involves having folks pick up an entry card at any one of the 22 participating shops and restaurants. Participants will collect stickers from all businesses and enter to win a $1,000 downtown shopping spree.
Completed cards can be dropped off by 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, at the MSL office above Wells Fargo at 101 S. Main Street, or by 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23, at Ladles & Linens at 1 S. Main Street. Players must be 18 years or older, and there is no purchase necessary. “It’s a fun way to see all that downtown Lexington has to offer while doing your holiday shopping and having a chance to win the sweepstakes,” said the spokesperson.
The Downtown Lexington Christmas Parade returns on Friday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. This year’s theme is “Home for the Holidays.” To enter a float or organization, visit the MSL website at mainstreetlexington. org, download a hard copy from the website to drop off or mail, or pick up a hard copy at the MSL office. Early registration ends on Friday, Nov. 17, and all entries must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 24. The parade will take place rain or shine, and it will only be canceled in case of very inclement weather. Check mainstreetlexington. org, our Facebook page at facebook.com/MainStreetLexington, or listen to 3WZ 96.7 FM for updates.
The 10th annual Jingle Bell Run will follow the next day, Saturday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m. The streets of Lexington will ring with the sound of tiny bells attached to the feet of runners in the 5K or walkers in the 1.5-mile loop. People of all abilities are invited to take part in this fundraiser for MSL. As usual, all participants are encouraged to wear fun holiday costumes; children in strollers and well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome to walk or run. Children ages 2 to 6 can test their legs in the Tot Trot across the Nelson Street Bridge, with prizes given to all participants. After the races there will be a costume contest and a jingle bell raffle, with prizes provided by downtown businesses. Entry fees to the race include a head warmer embroidered with “LoveLexVA.” Register online at runsignup.com/Race/VA/ Lexington/MainStreetLexingtonJingle-BellRun.
Everyone is encouraged to return downtown on Friday, Dec. 8, for Open Late Shopping. The Dickens Carolers will be performing throughout the downtown district from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and local businesses are encouraged to stay open until at least 7 p.m.
One of the newest local traditions returns on Friday, Dec. 15, with the Church Open House from 4 to 6 p.m. Places of worship in downtown will open their doors to visitors. The event will feature refreshments, holiday music and historic tours. Visit MSL’s website at mainstreetlexington. org for details.
