Winterfest 2025: Golden Christmas Memories
5th Annual Winterfest Festival & 50th Annual Christmas Parade
📅 Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 1-7 PM | 📍 Downtown Tappahannock
🎉 New This Year – A Full Day of Celebration!
We’re bringing the community together like never before — for the first time, Winterfest and the 50th Annual Christmas Parade will happen on the same day!
Enjoy local shopping, tastings, food, and entertainment all afternoon, then stay downtown for the parade and evening lights. It’s one perfect day to experience the best of Tappahannock.
General Admission: Free
Save your spot for Winterfest! Free admission includes access to the marketplace, tree lighting, and the 50th Annual Christmas Parade.
Event Overview
Step back in time and relive the moments that have shaped our community with the Golden Memories Parade. This year’s theme celebrates cherished traditions, unforgettable milestones, and the timeless spirit that connects generations. Watch as floats, marching bands, dancers, and community groups bring history to life with dazzling displays of gold, nostalgia, and creativity. From honoring the past to celebrating the present, the Golden Memories Parade is a heartfelt tribute to the stories and people who continue to shine bright in our memories.
Event Schedule
- Festival Setup: 11:00 AM – 12:45 PM (Road closes at 12 PM)
- Festival and Holiday Tastings Area Begins: 1:00 PM
- Parade Line-up at Jeanette Drive: 2:30 PM
- Ugly Sweater Contest: 3:30 PM
- Parade: 4:30 PM
- Christmas Movie: 5:30 PM
- Firepit with S’mores and Hot Chocolate: 5:30 PM
- Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling: 6:00 PM
- Holiday Tastings Area Last Call: 6:30 PM
- Evening Fun: Through 7:00 PM
☕ Visit the HDT Booth from 1 – 6 PM for hot chocolate, cider, and coffee with optional spiking add-ons!
Friendly Reminders
Parking: Available in designated downtown lots. Follow the signs and volunteers’ directions.
Weather: This is an outdoor event; please dress warmly. In case of severe weather, updates will be posted on social media.
Adult Beverages: Beverage service concludes at 6:30 PM to ensure everyone gets home safely. Please drink responsibly.
Tappahannock Christmas Parade Registration
This year, the Christmas Parade will take place on the same day as Winterfest — Saturday, December 6, at 4:30 PM!
Check out the festival, then stay downtown to enjoy the 50th Annual Tappahannock Christmas Parade.
Attention Marching Groups, Community Organizations, and Performers!
Be part of the 50th Annual Tappahannock Christmas Parade and showcase your creativity to the community!
📅 Date & Time: Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 4:30 PM
💲 Registration Fee: $30 per float
📌 Deadline: November 15, 2025
Don’t miss this chance to shine in one of Tappahannock’s most cherished traditions.
🎶 Christmas Caroling at the Tree Lighting
Hosted By: Historic Downtown Tappahannock & Foundation for St. Margaret’s School
📍 Corner of Water Lane & Prince Street, Tappahannock, VA
Join the community, local church choirs, and St. Margaret’s alumni for a joyful evening of song as we illuminate the Historic Downtown Tappahannock Christmas Tree.
All are welcome — no singing experience required! You’re invited to share in the warmth and wonder of the season.
🎄 Meeting Time: 5:30 PM
🎶 Caroling Begins: 6:00 PM
One Optional Rehearsal:
Sunday, November 30 at 3:00 PM
📍 St. John’s Episcopal Church, 216 Duke St, Tappahannock, VA 22560
📘 Download the Christmas Carol Booklet
Reserve Your Ornament
Whether you’re honoring a loved one, marking a milestone, or simply celebrating the season, this is your chance to leave your mark downtown.
For a gift of $50, your personalized ornament will shine on the beautifully lit Historic Downtown Tappahannock Christmas Tree this holiday season.
You can order online now. The earlier you order, the more time we have to prepare your ornament for display during our Winterfest celebration.
Don’t miss this chance to shine in the heart of downtown. Act now—quantities are limited, and this celebration only happens once a year!
🗓️ Order Deadline: November 15, 2025
📍 Displayed during Winterfest 2025
🍷 NEW: Holiday Tastings Area
This year’s Holiday Tastings Area brings together some of the region’s favorite wineries and breweries for an afternoon of festive flavor.
- Enjoy tastings from local wineries and breweries — each offering up to 3 samples.
- Purchase a souvenir tasting glass for $15 to participate.
- Tastings conclude at 6:30 PM to ensure everyone gets home safely.
☕ Plus, you can visit the HDT Beverage Booth for hot chocolate, hot cider, and coffee, with optional spiking add-ons.
Festival Wristbands
Enjoy unlimited access to attractions with a festival wristband!
- Bowling Alley
- Bounce Houses
- On the Fly Game Truck
- Face Painting
- Outdoor movie and firepit
- Santa’s Village meet and greet and Crafts
Early Bird Wristband Price (Sales end on Nov 16, 2025): $7 per person
Standard Price (Nov 17, 2025 – December 6, 2025): $12 per person
Wristbands will be available for purchase online and on-site.
Don’t miss out! Get Your Tickets Now!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Be part of the magic and showcase your business at Winterfest 2025!
| Silver Sponsor – $500 | Bronze Sponsor – $250 |
|---|---|
| ✓ Prime booth location at Winterfest | ✓ Business name listed on website & social media |
| ✓ Logo on event materials, website, and social media | ✓ Recognition in event announcements |
| ✓ Acknowledgment during event announcements | |
| ✓ 2 complimentary Winterfest wristbands |
Vendor Opportunities
Be part of the Winterfest Marketplace and reach thousands of holiday shoppers.
Vendor Booth – $50 (single), $75 (double)
✓ Booth space in Winterfest Marketplace
✓ High foot traffic during festival & parade hours
✓ Exposure through event promotions
📌 Registration Deadline: November 15, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it true that the Christmas Parade is on the same day as Winterfest this year?
A: Yes! For the first time, Winterfest and the 50th Annual Tappahannock Christmas Parade will be held on the same day — Saturday, December 6, 2025.
This new schedule makes it easier for everyone to enjoy both events without choosing between them — one full day of small-town charm, local shopping, tastings, and parade fun!
Winterfest runs from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with the parade beginning at 4:30 PM.
We encourage you to come early, shop local, and stay downtown for the full day of festivities!
Q. Where is Winterfest held?
A: Downtown Tappahannock, centered around Prince Street and Water Lane.
Q. How do I get wristbands?
A: Wristbands will be available for purchase online in advance and onsite at the festival entrance.
Q. What’s included with a wristband?
A: Unlimited access to attractions including bowling, bounce houses, game truck, face painting, and Santa’s Village.
Q. What is the Holiday Tastings Area?
A: The Holiday Tastings Area features multiple regional wineries and breweries offering festive samples.
Guests can purchase a souvenir tasting glass for $15 and enjoy up to three samples per station.
Tastings conclude at 6:30 PM, and visitors are encouraged to enjoy responsibly.
Non-alcoholic drinks, including hot chocolate, hot cider, and coffee, are available at the HDT Booth.
Q. I purchased an ornament. When and where will my ornament be displayed?
A. Your ornament will hang on the beautifully lit Historic Downtown Christmas tree in Historic Downtown Tappahannock starting in November 2025.
Q. Can I buy more than one ornament?
A. Yes! Multiple ornaments are welcome—order one for each person or memory you’d like to celebrate.
Q. What do the ornament proceeds support?
A. All proceeds go toward programs and beautification efforts in Historic Downtown Tappahannock—helping our community shine all year long.
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We strive to respond to all inquiries within one business day.
