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Description of Festival Events
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Santa's Arrival on the Mall 5:30 PM
Santa
rides a horsedrawn carriage down the mall! Then he will set up
shop in The Shops at April's Corner, where he will be available
to listen to the wishes of children of all ages. The carriage
will then be available for free rides on a first come, first
serve basis.
Grand Illumination of Christmas Tree on the Mall
6:00 PM
Join
the festivities at Central Place with comments from
Charlottesville’s Mayor and other dignitaries and then watch the
illumination of the Community’s Christmas Tree with brilliant
holiday lights. Afterward enjoy face painting, and balloon art
while you continue to make decorations for the tree while
listening to seasonal music. You might even enjoy an early
snowfall!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Thanksgiving
Parade on the Mall 10:00 AM
An
old-fashioned Revolutionary pipe and drum parade. Historic
costumed characters will take part in a procession that starts
at the Ice Park and ends in the Pavilion. It includes musical
performances, dances and musket firings and brief greetings from
historic and modern public officials.
Dolly Madison's Thanksgiving Dinner at Omni Hotel
7:00 PM
Step
back in time for a Thanksgiving dinner hosted by James and
Dolley Madison. They have just returned to the area after two
terms in the White House. You are encouraged (but not required)
to dress up as they would 200 years ago. While you dine, you
will watch a performance by John Douglas Hall and Katherine
Spivey of northern Virginia. And you will mingle and converse
with other dignitaries from the past. After dinner you will be
able to join in period music and dancing at the Three
President’s Ball in the adjacent ballroom. Cost is $30/person
for both the dinner and the Ball. Cash bar also available.
For ticket
reservations,
click
here.
Three Presidents Ball at Omni Hotel 7:00
PM
Join Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe in an
authentic period ball with music and dancing. Family-friendly
dances will be led by the Cuckoo Assembly Dancers and music will
be performed by Howard Markham and Michael Dunn. You are
encouraged (but not required) to dress up as they would 200
years ago. Entrance to the ball is $10/person. Children under 13
are admitted free.
For ticket
reservations,
click
here.
Holiday City Market at City Hall Plaza
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Holiday City Market will offer crafts, baked goods, toys,
greenery and more. Everything is locally made. Great gift
ideas! $free. All ages welcome.
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
10 AM to 4 PM
Go for a
ride in a horse and carriage like they did in Jefferson's
day (fee required). Rides begin at the 4th street crossing
on the Mall.
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