Festival of Trees
2024-12-01 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-02 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-03 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-04 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-05 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-06 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-07 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-07 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) and 8 more dates | Bedford Area Welcome Center, 816 Burks Hill Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Festival of Trees: A Christmas to Remember
Dates: November 25, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Location: Bedford Area Welcome Center
Join us in celebrating the 16th annual Festival of Trees, where the Bedford Area Welcome Center transforms into a breathtaking holiday wonderland! Experience the magic as 40 beautifully decorated trees come to life under the theme “A Christmas to Remember,” each showcasing the creativity of local businesses and organizations.
Voting: Visitors can vote for their favorite tree(s) for just $1.00 per vote. At the end of the festival, all proceeds will be distributed to the charitable organizations chosen by the businesses, ensuring that everyone has a chance to support a cause close to their hearts.
Family Fun: This festive, family-friendly event includes a scavenger hunt for children, giving them a chance to win a prize!
Hours:

Open Daily: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Extended Hours: Until 8 p.m. on the first two weekends in December.
Holiday Closures: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Come celebrate the season with us and make a difference in the community!

D-Day Flames of Memory
2024-12-06 17:00 - 21:00 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, United States
As twilight deepens and obscures the Blue Ridge, the Memorial will honor the 4,426 men killed on D-Day. Arranged throughout the memorial’s grounds, thousands of luminarias will shine in recognition of Overlord’s fallen and in tribute to the ultimate sacrifice each made to relight the lamp of freedom.

Admission is free. Donations are welcome.

Christmas Classic 5K
2024-12-07 08:30 - 11:30 | Bedford Baptist Church, 1516 Oakwood Street, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
The Peaks of Otter Christmas Classic 5k is celebrating 45 years! Join runners and walkers of all ages and abilities for this central Virginia holiday tradition. Children are also invited to participate in the “Peaks Junior” 1 Mile. Proceeds support the Bedford Area YMCA’s Financial Aid program. This event is known for its friendly faces, caroling volunteers, and fun post-race celebration with a cinnamon roll! Location is the Bedford Baptist Church, 1516 Oakwood St. Bedford, VA 24523.
For more information and to sign up, click here!

Christmas in Wartime
2024-12-07 17:00 - 21:00 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, United States
Christmas 1944 on the frontlines comes to life with this unique presentation featuring re-enactors and living history displays, reminiscent of how soldiers celebrated the holidays while fighting in World War II.
Held Saturday evening in conjunction with the Flames of Memory event.
Free admission. Donations welcome.

Align Before Nine
2024-12-10 08:00 - 09:00 | Bedford Area Welcome Center, 816 Burks Hill Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Join the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, December 10 from 8-9AM for an Align Before Nine hosted by the Bedford Area Welcome Center!
It’s a tradition for the Chamber to wrap up the year with their friends at the Bedford Area Welcome Center and Destination Bedford. Align Before Nine is also an excellent opportunity to check out the Welcome Center and their Festival of Trees!
The theme this year is “A Christmas to Remember,” and there will be 40 trees decorated by businesses and organizations across the Bedford area. Make sure to bring some $1 bills so you can vote for your favorite tree(s)! All proceeds go towards the decorators’ chosen charity.

National Guard Birthday
2024-12-13 10:00 - 17:00 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
In honor of the National Guard’s birthday, National Guardsmen and National Guard veterans receive complimentary admission to the Memorial.

Train Display
2024-12-13 10:00 - 17:00 | VA
The trains are back! $5 for adults/free for kids.

Art Exhibit & Reception
2024-12-13 11:00 - 19:00 | Bower Center for the Arts, 309 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, United States
Gallery admission is free for the current exhibit!
Meet the Artist reception begins at 5pm and is open to
the public.

Candlelight Tours
2024-12-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, 687 Poplar Forest Dr., Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Tour the president’s cherished hideaway decorated for
the holidays on these hour-long tours. Admission:
$20/pp; reservations required. www.poplarforest.org.

Winter Carriage Rides
2024-12-13 18:00 - 21:00 | bedford Primary School
$5 person, children 4 and under free. Rides first come,
first serve. Pick up at the Bedford Primary School and go
through the Elks Home Christmas lights. Cash only.

Liberty High School Performing Arts
2024-12-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Liberty High School, 100 Liberty Minuteman Drive, Bedford , VA, 24523, United States
LHS Performing Arts presents Rudolph the Red Nose
Reindeer Jr., the musical! Tickets: $12 at the door.

Live Music
2024-12-13 19:00 - 22:00 | Apocalypse Ale Works, 1257 Burnbridge Road, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Live music by Waffle House Index, beer, and food!

Breakfast with Santa
2024-12-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Elks National Home, 931 Ashland Avenue, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Join Bedford County Parks and Recreation for breakfast
and a visit with Santa! Parents are invited to bring a
camera for a free picture with Santa and their little one.

Forest Farmers Holiday Market
2024-12-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Forest Library Grounds, 15583 Old Forest Road, Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Stroll through the market and find the perfect gift made
locally. Also, fresh produce, meat, bread and treats.

Montvale Christmas Market
2024-12-14 09:00 - 14:00 | Montvale Rec Club
Shop with local vendors for holiday gifts!
