’Tis the season to get out there— plays, lights, and plenty of cheer await
Gifted and grateful Shop local, eat well, and discover the gifts our staff is giving (and hoping to get)
Sip and savor
From sparkling to bold reds, pour some holiday spirit— Virginia-style
Discover the events, gifts, and wines that make Charlottesville shine this season
Charlottesville shines a little brighter this time of year—and not just from the lights strung up on the Downtown Mall. Here the holidays are about slowing down, taking stock, and enjoying what this place does best: food, wine, and community. This year, we’ve rounded up ways to make the most of the season close to home, from can’t-miss events to our staff’s favorite local gifts, festive bites, and bottles to share. Whether you’re raising a glass, checking off your list, or just soaking it all in, we hope this guide helps you celebrate the best of Charlottesville this holiday season.—C-VILLE Weekly
P. 8
From plays and light shows to concerts and markets, here’s where to find the season’s best happenings around Charlottesville.
P. 17
’Tis the season for toasting. Explore nearby vineyards and try these bottles that pair perfectly with your holiday table.
P. 22
Our staff members share their favorite local gifts—and where to grab a great meal or drink while you’re out shopping.
P. 26
Local experts weigh in on the best ways to get cozy—from a calming playlist to snuggly blankets to good reads.
P.30
Jason Becton’s (super easy!) apple-cranberry crisp
c-ville.com
HOLIDAYS, a supplement to C-VILLE Weekly, is distributed in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the Shenandoah Valley. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. HOLIDAYS Editor Caite Hamilton. Contributor Carol Diggs. Copy Editor Susan Sorensen. Art Director Max March. Graphic Designer Tracy Federico. Director of Sales Bianca J. Johnson. Real Estate & Classifieds Manager Brian Hrozencik. Account Executives Stephanie Vogtman-Say, Jacob Phillips. Production Coordinator Faith Gibson. Publisher Anna Harrison. Chief Financial Officer Debbie Miller. A/R Specialist Nanci Winter. Circulation Manager Billy Dempsey. ©2025 C-VILLE Weekly
Wintertime’s most Instagram-worthy destination awaits at the Winter Wander Trail of Lights in Charlottesville. This year’s show reaches new heights with breathtaking drone shows on four select nights, plus the debut of Glistening Grove—a shimmering walkway circling Firefly Pond, where more than 700 illuminated light posts dance in harmony to a 20-minute musical composition.
Virginia’s premier holiday light show.
we’ve got you covered
Here come the holidays—from Thanksgiving to the end of another year, a time filled with events and celebrations. In our area, you can find something for everyone, so have fun and enjoy, because the cold dark days of January are coming!
By Carol Diggs
LET VOICES RING
December is the time of year for lots of classical and holiday music performances. Start off on December 6 and 7 with UVA’s Family Holiday Concert with the Charlottesville Symphony and University Singers, who perform a collection of sacred and holiday classics. This is the 20th year of this town-andgown favorite—get your tickets early!
Return to Old Cabell Hall on December 9 for the 58th annual Messiah Sing-in. Singers and instrumentalists can bring their own score or pick one up on site. Or just come to listen, as
an entire community performs this classic work, from selected excerpts to Handel’s masterful “Hallelujah.”
The following weekend, join the Virginia Consort for Christmas with the Consort on December 13 for two concerts, at either 2:30pm or 5:30pm.
If you’re yearning for mountain vistas, the Consort will also perform on December 14 at Rockfish Presbyterian Church in Nellysford for Wintergreen Music’s Wintergreen Wonderland.
Make it a three-fer with The Oratorio Society of Virginia’s Christmas at The Paramount (matinee and evening con-
certs) on December 20. This year’s major work is Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio, plus guest performances by local youth choirs.
MUSIC OF THE SEASON
Another Christmas tradition: the dancing mice and musical magic of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Two versions on offer: The Charlottesville Ballet performs on December 6, 7, and 22, and again on December 13 and 14 (these dates have live musical accompaniment by the Charlottesville Symphony). On December 8, the Paramount hosts another take on this classic with Talmi Entertainment’s’ Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet.
If you want to cover the full range of musical genres, check out the Paramount’s other offerings: Big Ray and the Kool Kats bring us Christmas with Elvis on December 4; on December 16, it’s Béla Fleck and the Flecktones: Jingle All The Way; and then mellow out with Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas on December 17.
THE PLAY’S THE THING
Community theaters are also all in on family fare. Weekends from November 21 through December 14, Four County Players stages The Game’s Afoot, Or Holmes for the Holidays. In this 1930sbased whodunit, William Gillette, noted Broadway interpreter of the great sleuth, invites the cast for a weekend at his Connecticut mansion. Who knew murder was on the menu?
For many of us, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Scrooge and Tiny Tim. You can get your Dickens fix at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse, where you can see A Christmas Carol from December 4 through December 27. It’s a 90-minute family-fun romp with a moral: God bless us, everyone! (Tickets go quickly.)
If you love live theater but are on Christmas overload, from December 5 through January 3 Live Arts is offering Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, a musical black comedy based on the movie by Pedro Almodóvar. And take advantage of the theater’s 434 Initiative—tickets are only $4.34 for those
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
25 and under or anyone visiting Live Arts for the first time.
There are other notable holidays in December. Hanukkah is celebrated this year from December 15 to 22, and UVA’s Chabad House is a good source for nearby events. For Kwanzaa (December 26 to January 1), the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center will hold its annual celebration December 13, including photos with Santa, holiday libations, and other family activities.
This area is rich in history, so there are plenty of opportunities to sample holidays of the pre-Santa past. Enjoy an 18th-century repast at the Yuletide Dinner at Michie Tavern (December 13, two seatings).
You can also head up the mountain to see how deist Thomas Jefferson celebrated the season. Monticello’s Holiday Evening Tours, including the second floor and the Dome Room, are offered December 12 to 23 and 26 to 30.
December is also the time of the winter solstice, and celebrating with lights is an ancient tradition. The Boar’s Head Resort hosts its Winter Wander Trail of Lights, November 14 through January 3—a dynamic light display around the lakeside trail, plus lots of food and drink and photos with Santa. This year, the resort is adding the Glistening Grove and two new shows from the dance troupe. (Again, tickets go quickly.)
Other area sites also light up our December evenings. One of the best known is Veritas Illuminated at Veritas Vineyard, November 24 through January 3. The Downtown Mall’s Grand Illumination is scheduled for December 5, complete with music, food, games, and Santa. (We can’t wait to find out the 2025 Christmas tree’s name!) UVA’s Lighting of the Lawn will be scheduled soon, so check online for day and time.
The Downtown Mall usually hosts Magic on the Mall, which includes a variety of events like a Santa’s Scout Elves scavenger hunt, the Peppermint Trail, selfies with Santa, the Saturday Holiday Downtown Express, and holiday markets. Check the Friends of Charlottesville Downtown website for this year’s plans.
On December 6, “be a Claus for a cause” at Arc of the Piedmont’s Santa Fun Run and Walk, for ages 3 to 99. Kids wear elf ears, adults wear Santa costumes, the race is only a mile, and this year there’s a virtual option.
More grown-up fun will be happening at the local wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries. The Crozet Winter Brews Festival at Claudius Crozet Park
on December 6 offers a range of brews and food, as well as the Winter Market. Show off your ugliest holiday sweater— or don your Krampus outfit! And take advantage of the shuttles from Old Trail and IX Art Park.
Once you’ve recovered, head to Potter’s Craft Cider’s Wassail on December 20 for food and drink, singing to the apple trees (to encourage a good 2026 harvest), and the crowning of the Wassail Royals. To wave goodbye to 2025, mark your calendar for Veritas Vineyard’s New Year’s Eve Masked Ball for a five-course, wine-paired dinner, dancing, and a buffet breakfast at midnight. Cheers to 2026!
Fifty-Third wines!
Fifty-Third wines!
Virginia’s sparkling wines bring holiday cheer
BY STEPHANIE VOGTMAN-SAY
The air is crisp, the scent of woodsmoke drifts through town, and the season of gathering is upon us. As fireplaces crackle and tables fill with family, friends, and laughter, there’s no better time to pop a cork and raise a glass to the holidays ahead. Around Charlottesville, sparkling wine has long been the unofficial toast of the season—and this year, local vineyards have truly outdone themselves. With an array of festive, elegant, and inventive bottles to choose from, Virginia bubbles are ready to make every celebration shine.
The earliest record of sparkling wine traces back to France’s Languedoc region, where Blanquette de Limoux was produced using the ancestral method—halting fermentation early so the wine could undergo a natural secondary fermentation in the bottle. As winemaking advanced, monk Dom Pierre Pérignon refined the process in the early 1700s, leading to the consistent production of sparkling wine now known as the méthode Champenoise or méthode traditionnelle. In the late 1800s, Italian winemaker Federico Martinotti introduced
a more efficient, pressurized-tank method that made sparkling wine easier and more affordable to produce—something later perfected and popularized as the Charmat method. Around the same time, British chemist Joseph Priestley’s experiments with carbonation led to Jacob Schweppe’s creation of commercial sparkling beverages. Today, nearly all sparkling wines are still crafted in one of these time-honored styles. This season, consider picking up one of these local bottles to celebrate with.
Just east of Scottsville, Hardware Hills Vineyard offers an inviting tasting room with sweeping views of the Monticello AVA—a scenic stop that perfectly captures the region’s relaxed charm. It’s the kind of place that encourages you to linger, glass in hand, as the afternoon light fades across the vines. Among its lineup of sparkling wines, the 2021 Riparian Rosé stands out as a festive favorite. Crafted from chambourcin, it opens with an elegant, spiced-berry nose—clove, cinnamon, and raspberry leading the way—before unfolding on the palate with notes of strawberry-rhubarb pie and fresh-cut roses. The texture is vibrant yet smooth, balanced by just the right amount of acidity to refresh between bites of rich seasonal dishes. Try it with green bean casserole, roasted root vegetables, or bright winter salads. And when dessert arrives, pour another glass alongside fruit pies or tarts—the Riparian Rosé carries its charm beautifully from first toast to final course. $34
For more than three decades, Horton Vineyards has helped define Virginia’s wine landscape, pioneering varietals and styles that continue to shape the region’s reputation. Its extensive portfolio spans everything from dry, barrel-aged reds to sweet, delicately perfumed whites—offering something for every palate. Among the winery’s most distinctive lines, the Gears & Lace series adds a playful twist to Horton’s legacy of in-
novation. Within that collection, Knots & Shuttles, a sparkling tannat, showcases craftsmanship and creativity in equal measure. Traditionally known for producing bold, deeply tannic still wines, tannat takes on new life here—lighter, more vivacious, and full of charm. The nose opens with dark berries, clove, and baking spice, leading into a palate of bright cranberry, juicy black currant, and a whisper of cocoa. Fine bubbles lift the wine beautifully, softening tannat’s natural intensity and revealing a graceful elegance. Despite its rich color and assertive aromatics, Knots & Shuttles finishes refreshingly dry. Enjoy it with roasted poultry or a decadent slice of pumpkin pie—it’s a conversation-starting sparkling red, perfectly suited for both festive gatherings and holiday tables. $27
Just north of town in the rolling hills of Madison County, Revalation Vineyards offers a relaxed, scenic, and quietly elegant escape. It’s an especially lovely stop this season—made even better with dinner at The Bavarian Chef just down the road. The winery’s newly built tasting room features sweeping mountain views and a warm, inviting atmosphere that pairs perfectly with a glass of something sparkling. Among Revalation’s lineup, two standout bottles capture the season’s spirit: Zeus, made entirely from vidal blanc, and Hera, a bright, graceful blend of vidal and albariño. While Zeus highlights vidal’s classic structure and crispness, Hera steals the spotlight this year. The addition of albariño lends subtle sophistication, elevating vidal’s natural fruitiness with minerality and lift. Aromas of fresh pear and nectarine mingle with citrus blossom on the nose, while the palate opens with lively layers of lime
zest, clementine, and a whisper of salinity on the finish. Sunlit and refreshing, Hera balances its brightness with a gentle roundness that complements richer dishes beautifully. Try it with creamy soups, baked brie, or buttery seafood for a pairing that feels both vibrant and indulgent. And for those seeking something lighter, Revalation’s Verjus—a nonalcoholic juice made from earlypressed grapes—is a tart, refreshing reminder that the vineyard’s thoughtful craftsmanship extends well beyond the bottle. $37
Tucked into the heart of Barboursville, Reynard Florence feels less like a winery and more like stepping into a beloved friend’s home. The cozy tasting room radiates warmth, and you’re likely to be greeted by the owners’ cheerful corgis before you make it to the door. Hospitality here isn’t just a gesture—it’s part of the experience. A lifelong admirer of French wines, the late Roe Allison, Reynard Florence’s co-owner and head winemaker, brought that inspiration to life in the 2021 Blanc de Blanc, crafted in the traditional méthode champenoise from 100 percent chardonnay. His signature touch is evident in the wine’s grace and balance. The Blanc de Blanc sparkles with precision: bright green apple, lemon zest, and delicate hints of brioche glide across the palate. A crisp minerality keeps each sip clean and refreshing, while a subtle whisper of toast adds depth and charm. Whether poured for a holiday toast, paired with briny oysters, or enjoyed beside a plate of freshly baked cookies, this wine captures both celebration and comfort. It stands as a fitting reflection of Roe’s artistry and passion—an enduring tribute to his craft and the community he helped shape. $38
In the foothills of Crozet, surrounded by a patchwork of neighboring vineyards, Stinson Vineyards has long been known for its downto-earth charm. The tasting room strikes the perfect balance between modern and cozy, with sweeping Blue Ridge views that invite you to linger for an afternoon. Family-run and full of personality, Stinson embodies the spirit of Virginia wine country: approachable, inventive, and deeply connected to the land. Among its lineup, the 2022 Farmers Rest Blanc de Mourvèdre stands out as a rare gem. While Stinson also crafts a red sparkling blend, it’s uncommon to find a sparkling mourvèdre made with such finesse. The nose opens with lively notes of citrus zest and white blossoms, leading to a richly textured yet refreshing palate of golden apple, nougat, and honeyed pear balanced by bright, mouthwatering acidity. Elegant without pretense, Farmers Rest feels tailor-made for the season. It’s a versatile companion for roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or creamy winter sides—a sparkling wine that captures everything we love about Virginia winemaking: creativity, warmth, and a deep sense of place. $42
It’s nearly impossible to talk about sparkling wine in Virginia without mentioning ThibautJanisson. For decades, Claude Thibaut has been a cornerstone of the state’s sparklingwine scene—a master craftsman whose ex-
pertise has shaped not only his own label but the sparkling programs of many wineries across the region. His hallmark is unmistakable: precision, patience, and a distinctly French finesse. While Thibaut-Janisson doesn’t operate a tasting room, its wines are easily found in local bottle shops, restaurants, and even grocery stores across the area. Released in late 2024, the Virginia Fizz Rosé exemplifies Thibaut’s ability to balance elegance and approachability. Its cheerful pink hue and lively mousse immediately draw you in, followed by aromas of ripe strawberries and rosehips that feel bright and inviting. On the palate, layers of strawberry nougat, brioche, and red currant unfold gracefully, carried by a fine, persistent effervescence that keeps each sip light and refreshing. Versatile and full of charm, the Fizz Rosé is equally at home on the holiday table or beside a cozy fire. Pair it with seasonal salads, goat cheese, or delicate desserts—or simply enjoy it on its own as a toast to everyday celebrations. $25–30
Just off Route 29 near the beloved Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie, Brent Manor Vineyards is one of those hidden gems that rewards those who seek it out. Open only on weekends, the tasting room feels less like a business and more like a homecoming. Guests are welcomed by the owners themselves, whose hospitality and passion for their craft are immediately apparent. With a Portuguese winemaker at the helm, Brent Manor’s wines blend Virginia-grown fruit with Old World influence, a balance most evident in its trio of exceptional port-style offerings.
The Vinho Abafado Branco, made from petit manseng, opens with aromas of toasted almonds, caramel, and orange. Rich and golden in the glass, it balances sweetness with elegant acidity, creating a lingering, harmonious finish. The Vinho Abafado Rosé—crafted from chambourcin—is perhaps the most distinctive of the three, offering delicate notes of red berries and baking spice with a brightness that keeps it both intriguing and refreshingly drinkable. Finally, the Vinho Abafado Tinto, made from Touriga Nacional, captures the heart of the classic ruby port tradition with deep flavors of dark fruit, cacao, and warm spice.
Each of these wines reflects the winemaker’s heritage and creativity—expressive, beautifully balanced, and brimming with personality. Whether you’re looking for the perfect after-dinner pour or a thoughtful holiday gift, Brent Manor’s port-style trio delivers something rare: wines that feel both authentic and entirely their own.
Thibaut-Janisson was born from a long friendship that began in a Grand Cru village in the Champagne region of France and continues today in Blue Ridge Mountains of Charlottesville, Virginia.
Thibaut-Janisson Winery | Charlottesville, Virginia | (434) 996-3307 | claude@tjwinery.com
The Transit Limousine has all the luxury you have come to expect from a standard limousine, but with enough room for everyone. This is the perfect vehicle to enjoy Charlottesville’s many wineries and breweries with friends and family.
The Motor Coach is the largest vehicle type in our fleet. We have two sizes of Motor Coach, 47 Passenger and 55 Passenger, both of which are ideal for large groups. These vehicles enable you to transport a significant number of passengers at one time
Our Mini Buses are great vehicles for medium sized groups. These 25 Passenger vehicles, with their large viewing windows and individual seating, are a great way to tour the local area or shuttle guests from one location to another.
As the holiday season begins to light up our corner of Virginia, the C‑VILLE Weekly team has curated a local guide that brings together the best of what Charlottesville has to offer. From standout gifts sourced right here in town, to festive events you won’t want to miss, and food and drink experiences that capture the spirit of the season, our staff picks highlight what makes this community special. Shopping for someone else? Simply looking to savor the season yourself? Here’s our selection of locally rooted treasures and happen ings that embody the warmth, creativity, and flavor of Charlottesville.
Favorite gift ideas: Stocking stuffers from Darling x Dashing, O’Suzannah, Wilder, and The Beautiful Idea
Favorite holiday event: Charlottesville Symphony Family Holiday concert
Favorite food and beverage option: To gift: Gearharts Chocolates, Caromont cheese, and peanuts or snacks from The Virginia Shop
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Favorite gift ideas: Tickets to an upcoming show—theater or live music
Favorite holiday event: Veritas Illuminated walking trail of lights
Favorite food and beverage option: Holiday food tour with C ville Bites
NEWS REPORTER
Favorite gift ideas: Rock Paper Scissors for supplies for stationery enthusiasts
Favorite holiday event: Looking at all the Christmas lights downtown
Favorite food and beverage option: Grabbing any festive drink (bonus points if it’s a spritz!) on the Downtown Mall
CULTURE EDITOR
Favorite gift ideas: In name charitable donation to local nonprofit
Favorite holiday event: Christmas at The Paramount
Favorite food and beverage option: Italian sparkling wine class by Cellar Road
Favorite gift ideas: Original work from a local artist or nonprofit gallery
Favorite holiday event:
Charlottesville Ballet’s The Nutcracker with Charlottesville Symphony
Favorite food and beverage option: Cou Cou Rachou seasonal offerings
Favorite gift ideas: Gift card from New Dominion Bookshop
Favorite holiday event: Lighting (and naming!) the Downtown Mall holiday tree
Favorite food and beverage option: Whatever pastry MarieBette whips up for the season
Favorite gift ideas: A weekend getaway at Massanutten Resort (snow sports, spa packages!)
Favorite holiday event: City Market’s holiday market for local gifts, Boar’s Head Winter Wander Trail of Lights
The staff at New Dominion Bookshop says the best kind of cozy comes with a good book. Here are their picks for winter reading that celebrates warmth, wonder, and beauty of slowing down.
By Kate Allen Fox and illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
Families in a seaside town gather on the beach for a Winter Solstice bonfire. This children’s picture book features whimsical color illustrations throughout. Recommended for ages 4-8.
By Polina Chesnakova
Naomi Duguid, author of The Miracle of Salt , called UVA alum Polina Chesnakova’s new cookbook “a beautiful invitation to explore the delicious home cooking traditions of the Soviet diaspora.”
By Miya Ando
This gorgeous collection of specific words for different kinds of rain is accompanied by impressionistic color illustrations. A perfect gift for someone who loves nature and words.
By Martha Barnette
Fascinating stories of word origins and neologisms from the co-host of the hit radio show “Way With Words.” For the language-lover in your life!
Michael Allenby knows a thing or two about getting cozy with good music. His newest offering, The Guild at Vault Virginia, offers an intimate setting that blurs the line between artist and audience. We asked him to create a playlist that does the same, wrapping you up in songs made for soft light and slower days.
“The coziness of this playlist goes beyond the songs—it’s woven from the real-life connections of local artists who share not just stages, but also pieces of their lives,” he says. “What you’ll hear is a reflection of a community that’s as close-knit and warmly intertwined as the tunes themselves.” Find the playlist on Spotify at bit.ly/getcozycville.
“Station Side” by The Hill and Wood
“Lady in Green” by Kendall Street Company
“This Life is Kindly” by Suz Slezak
“A Couple Things” by Kate Bollinger
“Folded Flowers” by Lowland Hum
“Let’s Go Out” by Devon Sproule
“My Darlin’ hometown” by Jesse Harper
“Rare Kind of Beauty” by Colin & Caroline
“Big Sur” by David Wax Museum
“#34” by Dave Matthews Band
Staying in? Grab a blanket, beverage, and beloved soundtrack. We’ve
Curl up
Nothing says cozy like a good blanket. These locally found favorites make it easy to stay warm in style—no fireplace required.
cozy- night essentials covered, from local reads to the perfect playlist. BY CAITE HAMILTON
“I learned this recipe at one of the first restaurants I worked in, as a server, during college. It’s super simple but works well. The store-bought granola cereal seems kind of weird, but I gotta say it’s great every time, and it adds the perfect amount of crunch to the crisp. I have made this recipe at least 200 times with whatever fruit is in season. It’s a quick and delicious alternative to assembling a pie.”
—Jason Becton, chef/owner, MarieBette Café & Bakery and Petite MarieBette
Serves 10-14 people
Crumble topping
1 cup flour
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup store-bought granola cereal
1 1/2 sticks of butter, roughly cut into 1-inch pieces
Filling
8 large tart apples (Gold Rush is my favorite), peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch slices
1.5 cups of fresh cranberries
1.5 cups of light brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place all of the crumble topping ingredients in a large bowl. Using a pastry blender or two butter knives, cut and mix the ingredients together until they form pea-sized clumps. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the filling ingredients until the apples and cranberries are coated in the sugar and the cinnamon. Place the apple and cranberry mix into a 3-quart baking dish and arrange the crumb topping on top of the fruit as evenly as possible. Place in the oven and bake for about 35 to 45 minutes depending on how much bite you want the cooked apples to have. Let the crisp stand for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite local ice cream or some whipped cream.
