Ashland set to kick off annual Grand Illumination event

ASHLAND, Va. (WRIC) -- Downtown Ashland is about to look brighter than ever as they gear up for their annual holiday season event, "Light up the Tracks" display.

The mile long holiday display will light up Ashland's downtown area with festive holiday lights that will last all season long.

On Saturday, Nov. 22, the community is set to gather in Ashland's historic downtown area for what will be according to the release, "an afternoon of festive fun," before the tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m.

The Grand Illumination event is in partnership with Dominion Energy and will light over 10,000 lights to Ashland's buildings, restaurants and shops. "When the switch is flipped, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a holiday movie," added the town.

Per the release, several restaurants and cafes will be open for attendees to grab a bite to eat or a holiday drink. The Ashland Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m. to noon featuring items such as farm-fresh produce, baked goods and handmade treats surrounding Town Hall at 121 Thompson Street.

Artist will also showcase "autumn in Ashland" at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. guests will also be able to visit Ashland's historic history halls and buy pieces from local artists.

Families can visit Santa and Mrs. Clause at Ashland's downtown pavilion area, and enjoy performances by MKH Dabke Entertainment, the Ashland Dance Academy, and the Randolph-Macon College Choir, who will also lead a community sing-along to, Walking in a Winter Wonderland.

Ashland or, "The Center of the Universe," as it's referred to as, will light the town tree at 5:00 PM. The town will also see the return of the "Olde Time Holiday Parade" for the 56th year Sunday, Nov. 23.

In addition to the parade's return, attendees will also see local musicians, dancers, car groups and an outdoor vendor market at 110 Thompson Street.

On Nov. 29 carolers will stroll the downtown sidewalks every Saturday evening from 5 to 7 PM. The night will kick off with at Town Hall with a 5 p.m. community sing-along and make several stops throughout the town.

As it approaches closer to New Year's Eve, Ashland will be hosting its "Ashland Chocolate Bar Giveaway," where it will be distributed throughout the town with one golden ticket hidden inside of one select chocolate bar.

The festivities are set to run all the way until new year, Jan. 1. For more information about this event and more in Ashland click here.