Parks and Recreation once again will offer a full lineup of holiday events in December, beginning this weekend with the 11th annual Holiday Market, the Luminaria Trail Walk, and the Riverview Rotary Christmas Parade.
Here is the December schedule:
11th Annual Holiday Market
Saturday, Dec. 7, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Community Market
Visit the Danville Farmers’ Market for a special Holiday Market featuring everything you need to get ready for your holiday get-togethers, including:
- Handmade crafts, jewelry, artwork, and other unique gifts
- Delicious baked goods and other homemade foods
- Handmade wreaths and centerpieces
- Locally grown Christmas trees
We will also host our Annual Breakfast with Santa Claus from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Enjoy pancakes, pictures, and visits with Santa. It is sponsored by the Danville Girl Scouts. This event is free to attend. Call (434) 797-8961.
Luminaria Trail Walk
Saturday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Main Street Plaza to the Community Market
Celebrate the season with a candlelit stroll along the Riverwalk while listening to beautiful holiday music from local carolers and musicians. The walk will begin at the Main Street Plaza and will loop around near the Community Market. Warm yourself by our Parks and Recreation fire pit and enjoy festive refreshments. This free annual event is a favorite of all ages.
In case of rain or inclement weather, the event will be held at the Community Market. For more information, call (434) 799-5150.
Riverview Rotary Christmas Parade
Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m., Main Street.
The grand marshal for this year’s parade will be Kenny Lewis, executive director of the Danville Church-Based Tutorial Program. The parade theme will be Hometown Christmas and will feature over 100 entries. Judging will take place before the parade; signage will designate winners during the parade.
Seating is first-come, first-served along the route. Parking is available on side streets around the area; private businesses along the route retain the right to provide or deny parking. Main Street, from Rison Street to Craghead Street, will be closed beginning at 2 p.m. City officials are asking that all vehicles be removed from Main Street no later than 1:30 p.m.
In the event of bad weather, parade organizers will make every attempt to hold the parade; there is no reschedule date. The Ugly Sweater/Jingle Bell Fun Run will be held before the parade. Runners and joggers wishing to participate need to meet at the top of the parade route at 2:30 p.m. There is no fee or registration required.
For information, call the Danville Welcome Center at (434) 793-4636.
Bark the Halls
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Ballou Park
Ring in the season with a “woof!” Enjoy the start of the Holiday Light Show with your very best bud. Get a picture with Santa, enjoy some holiday-themed treats, and warm your paws by the Parks and Recreation fire pit. The night is sure to be a delight for pups and humans alike. This is a free event.
We will also be collecting pet food donations for the Danville Area Humane Society for local animals in need.
Holiday Retail Show
Saturday, Dec. 14, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Community Market
This event is the first time for a holiday show of this kind here at the market. The Holiday Retail Show will feature local retailers, direct sales vendors, and craft and baked goods vendors that sell in retail outlets. We have over 80 vendors signed up for this event so far!
Community Holiday Light Show
Thursday, Dec. 12 to Wednesday, Dec. 25, Ballou Park
Experience the holiday magic within Ballou Park during the Community Holiday Light Show, open Dec. 12 – 25. The event, however, will be closed on Christmas Eve. Businesses, organizations, and families built the displays in the park!
Admission to the show is $10 a car and $20 for 15-passenger vans and buses. Dec. 16 and Dec. 17 are discount nights, with admission on these two nights $7 for cars and $15 for 15-passenger vans and buses.
This is a cash-only event. New this year are the Fast Passes. They are $20 each and will be sold at the Danville Welcome Center. It will allow you to skip the general admission line. No Fast Passes will be sold at the gates to the event.
As you drive through the Light Show, remember your favorite display number to turn your vote in at the end. There is one vote per vehicle. Each display is building for a local non-profit of their choice. Their non-profit will receive a monetary donation if their display places in the "Best in Show" vote contest.
At the end of the show, head inside the Children's Village to see everyone's favorite, Santa! There is hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, coloring sheets, and different activities each night. All of the Children's Village is included in the price of admission. A schedule of the specialty nights will be posted when confirmed. Thank you to Lidl for providing the hot chocolate and cookies for Children's Village.