By Madeline Otten
Correspondent
As fall festivities have come to an end, leaves have fallen, and the weather grows colder, the holiday season is already here. Houses throughout Fluvanna County are decorated in holiday lights to spread holiday cheer, radio stations have switched into holiday mode for listeners to sing-a-long to their favorite tunes, and stores are prepped and ready for Black Friday and end of the year sales. The county is setting itself up for the holidays as well with multiple events happening throughout December. Be sure to check out at least one of these events to help get into the mood of the holiday season.
To start off the holiday cheer and kick off December, the Lake Monticello Fire Department will host cookies, crafts, and cocoa with Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, on Dec. 1. This event is free.
On Dec. 6, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Lauterbach Chiropractic near the Turkeysag Trail/Gate Plaza will host Fluvanna’s annual Toy Lift. They will be collecting new unwrapped toys as well as bikes and cash donations. And, do not miss Santa and his elves who will make an appearance and share some hot cocoa and cookies with guests.
The Lake Monticello Owner Association is hosting their Festival of Trees on Dec. 6 and 7. Storytellers will be reading holiday stories throughout the two days. Fluvanna County High School’s (FCHS) principal Margo Bruce will make an appearance as a reader on Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. In addition to holiday readers, Santa Claus and Ms. Claus and other activities will be present to help the community get into the holiday spirit.
Also happening on Dec. 6 and 7 is the Fluvanna Community Singers Christmas concert at the Carysbrook Performing Arts Center. Old and new songs of the season can be heard in the performance under director Scott David, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free with an appreciated donation to the Fluvanna Food Pantry.
Cunningham Creek Wintery (CCW) has a couple of events to spread holiday cheer. On Dec. 7 Santa will visit CCW from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Visitors are asked to please bring their own camera and perishable donations for the Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACAA).
MACAA serves the City of Charlottesville along with surrounding counties such as Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, and Nelson. Its mission is “to improve the lives of people with low income by helping them become self-reliant, thereby enhancing the economic vitality and well-being of the community.”
On the following day, Dec. 8, CCW will host their canine Christmas cheer. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with pet photographer Theresa White, who will be taking holiday photos of guests and their furry friends. Three to six photos will be posted on Shutterfly and all that is asked is a donation of $5 or more for the Fluvanna’s SPCA jar.
Fast-forward to the next weekend, on Dec. 13 starting at 6 p.m., Pleasant Grove will host its annual holiday open house with light refreshments, Santa tree lighting, and crafts for all ages. Admission is one non-perishable food item. This event will be held outside, so please dressing accordingly to the weather.
The following day, Dec.14, there will be holiday performances from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Carysbrook Performing Art Center. Those wanting to celebrate will also receive a free 4×6 photo with Santa at this event. Admission to the event is a canned good donation or non-perishable food item to benefit the MACAA.
CCW’s last holiday event will also take place on Dec. 14 from 6:30 – 9 p.m. to celebrate the FSPCA’s 30th anniversary of the non-profit. The 12 Strays Soiree will have guests enjoying wine, tasty hors d’ouevres catered by Troy Market, music, door prizes, raffles, and the company of other animal friendly guests. There is a limit of 120 people so be sure to stop by the FSPCA or Happy Tails in Palmyra to buy your ticket in person. Tickets are also available online along with more information at the FSPCA’s website.
Join Santa again on Dec. 15 at Kents Store Firehouse from 2 to 5 p.m. for cookie decorating, crafts, hot chocolate, and hot apple cider. On the same day, Empowered Players presents Frozen Jr at 3 p.m. at the Carysbrook Performing Arts Center. The audience will join Anna, Elsa, Olaf and more as the characters take on the journey along with featured songs from the movie. Admissions costs $5 and there will not be advance sales.
There will even be an event on Dec. 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fluvanna Community Center for their Active Adult Center Members. Visitors aged 55 and over are welcomed to sign up. The event will host a nice holiday lunch, draw for raffle prizes, and give local preschoolers a special day with a visit from Santa Claus.
Last but not least, on the third weekend in December, the Fluvanna Historical Society will host its Village of Christmas held in the village of Palmyra. The village will be lit with Christmas lights, have reenactors, food, beverages, and a tree lighting for all of those to come. This event is also outside for those needing to dress for the weather.
