It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - December in Luray-Page County
December is a time for bright lights, warm drinks, and making memories with family and friends. With plenty of fun events, great shops for Holiday shopping, restaurants for some tasty family meals, and plenty of activities to beat the cold, December in Luray-Page County really is the most wonderful time of the year.
The Weather Outside is Frightful - Indoor Activities
The first signs of winter are slowly creeping in, meaning having fun outdoors isn’t as easy. Although Luray-Page County is known for outdoor activities, there are still plenty of options for having fun indoors during December.
If you have an art lover in your family, make sure to stop in at the Warehouse Art Gallery. Located in Luray, the Warehouse Art Gallery is a hub for local artists and their work. Featuring 90 artists from Luray-Page County and surrounding areas, you’ll get to immerse yourself in over 1,000 pieces of art and all types of mediums. When you visit on the weekend, you might even get to see live music, meet some of the artists, and participate in classes and workshops.
Another great option for art lovers in Luray-Page County is Studio 31.13. Perfect for an afternoon out of the cold, you’ll get to pick from over 40 different crafts that you can do in the studio. Their crafts range from easy for beginners to more intricate ones that are perfect for seasoned crafters. A visit to Studio 31.13 is perfect for families, couples, or just someone looking to have fun by themselves.
For adventure seekers that want to beat the chill of a December day, we have you covered. Luray Caverns is filled with 4 million centuries of adventure and beauty. When you enter Luray Caverns you’ll be amazed at the beautiful formations, the sheer size of the caverns, and the hidden gems that you’ll find while you’re there. After you discover the secrets that the caverns hold, you can visit the Car, Carriage, and Caravan Museum and the Shenandoah Heritage Museum, both of which are included in the tickets for the Caverns.
While you’re here, make sure to spend an afternoon at Escape 211. Luray-Page County’s own Escape Room, your group will be able to challenge yourselves to beat the mystery that each of their three rooms holds. With the option to choose from one of three rooms, you’ll have an hour to beat the riddles, puzzles, and challenges that the room holds. Perfect for small or large groups, you’re sure to have an afternoon of fun when you visit Escape 211.
Laughter Fills the Air - Family Fun
It’s no secret that the Holidays are most kids’ favorite time of the year. Luray-Page County is chock-full of tons of kid-friendly activities to enjoy this December.
For families that live just a few hours from Luray-Page County, make a stop at Valley Star Farm. This local Christmas Tree farm has a variety of live trees that you can choose from. For families that really want to feel rustic, you can even make your way through the trees and cut the perfect one yourself. In addition to finding the perfect tree, you can also pick up fresh Christmas decorations, such as wreaths and garlands.
If your kids want to have fun in the snow, head up to Massanutten Resort. Just a short drive from Luray-Page County, your family can enjoy things like snowboarding, skiing, tubing down a snow-covered mountain, and other wintery activities. If being in the snow isn’t your thing, pack a bathing suit and hit up their award-winning indoor waterpark.
For more Holiday fun, book a trail ride at Fort Valley Ranch. Their friendly horses are perfect for riders of any experience. When you’re done trotting through the George Washington National Forest, you can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and even make a Branded Ornament. If you love horseback riding through a winter wonderland, you can also book trail rides with Jordan Hollow Stables and River’s Bend Ranch.
As we get closer to the Holidays, you can take a drive through Luray, Stanley, or Shenandoah for some true Holiday Magic. Houses and businesses throughout Luray-Page County go all out with decorating. On a clear December night, you can enjoy a peaceful drive through the country to look at all the beautiful lights and decorations.
Have a Cup of Cheer - Food and Drink
Nothing says December like warm drinks on a cold morning or afternoon and plenty of comfort food to keep you going. When you visit Luray-Page County this December, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try delicious food and drink.
December is a time for hot cocoa, warm coffee, and hot tea. At Broad Porch Coffee Co., you’ll find all this and more. A local coffee shop located in downtown Luray, the friendly staff at Broad Porch can help create pretty much any coffee creation you want. Using coffee that’s roasted right down the street and other fresh ingredients, you can enjoy a morning cup of cheer in their laidback cafe, or take it to-go and enjoy it while you make your way through shops.
For some delicious comfort food that will leave you feeling full and happy, Brookside Restaurant is the place to go. This family-owned restaurant is a favorite of the locals, and it’s not hard to figure out why. When you dine with them, you’ll enjoy delicious classic Country food, friendly staff, and a great environment that will keep you coming back every time you visit Luray-Page County.
If you’re looking for some drinks and a menu that will make any foodie happy, make a reservation with Circa ‘31, located at the Mimlsyn Inn. Here, you’ll find everything from steak to burgers, and even a fantastic dessert menu. For their drinks, they have a constantly rotating selection of specialty cocktails that are perfect for the season. Beautifully decorated for the Holidays, Circa ‘31 will leave you feeling full, happy, and in the Holiday spirit.
We all know that kids can be picky eaters, but most of them love pizza or pasta. If you’re looking for a great restaurant that will make both the parents and little ones happy, head down to Shenandoah and enjoy lunch or dinner at Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant. The adults can choose from authentic Italian recipes that come from the owner’s family, while the kids can enjoy pasta, pizza, or even burgers. When you eat at Mamma Mia’s, your entire family will leave happy.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Shopping
Playing Santa for family and friends is one of the best parts of the Holidays. No matter what your people are into, Luray-Page County has locally owned shops where you can find the perfect presents.
For the people who love unique, handmade gifts, make sure you shop at Massanutten Country Corner. With plenty of options for people who love rocks and gemstones, gardening, locally made products, and even kids, you’ll find everything you need when you visit them. If you have the kids with you, you can even enjoy their baby goats, chickens, and pigs. And don’t miss out on their local market, where they have a stock of baked goods, dairy products, meat and cheese, and much more.
If your family loves decorations, products that are Virginia-Made, and other unique treasures, visit the Shenandoah General Store. Located in the town of Shenandoah, you’ll be able to get beautifully crafted decorations, food and other things made right here in Virginia, and find trinkets and treasures for your favorite people.
To find the perfect gift for the hikers and outdoor lovers in your life, the Appalachian Trail Outfitters has you covered. With a stock of name-brand hiking and outdoor gear, you’ll be able to get everything from boots, bags, and even some great shirts. Their staff will greet you with smiles, share their knowledge of hiking in and around the area, and help you pick out the perfect items to give your adventure lovers.
Not a Creature was Stirring - Lodging
Luray-Page County is known as the Cabin Capital of Virginia. With over 400 lodging options, a December vacation in Luray-Page County is the perfect way to relax and unwind from the stress that the holidays bring.
Sometimes, traveling with family is the only way to enjoy a vacation. For bigger families that want to get away for a couple of days, you can pick from a number of Cabins and Vacation Houses. With cabins that sit along the Shenandoah River, are tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or are located close to shops and restaurants, you and your family are sure to find a comfy place to call home for a few days and have stunning views to go along with it.
For a romantic getaway, you can choose from Bed and Breakfasts, most of which are adult-only, making them perfect for a few days with your partner. With beautifully decorated rooms, delicious breakfasts, and plenty of privacy, you’ll be close enough to shops and restaurants that you can enjoy, or have plenty of space to enjoy a few days in.
Hotels, Motels, and Inns are also great options for spending a few days in Luray-Page County. From historic inns to hotels right in the heart of downtown, you won’t be disappointed when you book a room with them. You and your family will be close to all the best food and Holiday shopping, but still have a comfy place to rest your heads at night.
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas - Holiday Events and Fun
One fun part of the Holidays is all the events that go on. Throughout Luray-Page County, there are plenty of Holiday events to keep you busy!
6th Annual Chamber Holiday Festival - December 3, 3:00-8:00 PM, 18 Campbell Street, Luray
Help us get in the Holiday Spirit with our 6th Annual Chamber Holiday Festival. Families can come and enjoy pictures with Santa, live holiday music, cookies, hot cocoa, kid’s crafts, barrel train and wagon rides, local vendors, and much more. This is a free event, but we do ask for a $5 cash donation, pet food, or canned food donations in exchange for pictures with Santa.
Luray Tree Lighting Ceremony – December 3, 7:30 PM, 1 East Main Street, Luray
Follow Satna from the Visitor's Center to light up the tree and start the Holiday season! Holiday Music by LHS Choir, Free Hot Cocoa provided by Baby Moons.
Cocoa and Sweet Rides – December 4 & 11, Fort Valley Ranch, 299 South Fort Valley Road, Fort Valley
Join Fort Valley Ranch for a 1 hour guided horseback ride with hot cocoa or other warm drinks. There will also be homemade sweet treats, as well as a Fort Valley Ranch Branded Ornament. Call to book your spot.
Christmas in Stanley – December 4, 6:00 PM, Ed Good Memorial Park, 332 East Main Street, Stanley
Christmas tree lighting, Annual Christmas Parade, Selfies with Santa, Food and drinks, luminary bags for sale, clear Christmas ornaments for decorating for $5.00 (decorate them and place them on the tree), letters to Santa.
Shop Late in Shenandoah – December 10, Town of Shenandoah
Shop late in the Town of Shenandoah. Participating Stores: Four Season Gifts & Decor, Shenandoah General Store, Southern Accents, Steve's Archery
Shop Late in Luray – December 10, Town of Luray
Finish up your Christmas shopping with this year's Shop Late til 8, where stores will have extended hours for shoppers to enjoy.
Shenandoah Christmas Tree Lighting – December 11, 6:00 PM, Big Gem Park, 736 Fourth Street, Shenandoah
Santa will be there! Listen to carols sung by Shenandoah Elementary School, cookies and candy canes will be available, winners of Christmas Decorating Contest will be announced.
Luray Christmas Parade – December 11, 6:00 PM, East Main Street, Luray
Head out to Main Street, Luray to enjoy this year's Christmas Parade!
Movies on Main – A Christmas Story – December 14, 6:30 PM, Page Theater, 33 East Main Street, Luray
Enjoy a free showing of A Christmas Story. Hosted by Town of Luray and sponsored by PACA.
Shriners Caroling in the Caverns – December 18, 6:00-9:00 PM, Luray Caverns, 970 US Highway 211 East, Luray
Proceeds benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children. A unique holiday experience. Journey into this underground wonder while enjoying Christmas performances by local music ensembles and choirs. Admission: $15 per adult, 12 & under are free. Tickets will be sold at the door.
Movies on Main – The Polar Express – December 28, 6:30 PM, Page Theater, 33 East Main Street, Luray
Enjoy a free showing of The Polar Express. Hosted by Town of Luray and Sponsored by Luray Zoo.
Whether you’re looking for a pre-Holiday getaway, family fun, or just a chance to unwind from your day-to-day life, December in Luray-Page County really is the most wonderful time of the year.
