Lighting of the Lawn, Concerts, New Boar’s Head ‘Winter Wander’ Ring in the Holidays

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, the University of Virginia is gearing up to celebrate the end of the year with the community by offering a vast array of sparkling holiday programming.

UVA’s 20^th annual Lighting of the Lawn will highlight the end-of-year celebrations. The beloved student-run event will begin Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. This year’s theme is “Brighter Than Ever” and will feature dozens of student groups, including a cappella performances, a poem read by surprise guests and a unique music and light show set to debut at about 9:30 p.m. Lighting of the Lawn was founded after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to foster unity.

This year’s event is open to UVA students, faculty, staff, and their families, but it is closed to the broader public, recognizing the potential risk posed to children who are not yet vaccinated against the coronavirus. The program will be livestreamed.

New ‘Winter Wander,’ Presented by UVA Health; Discounts for Students, Faculty & Staff

The Charlottesville community has a new way to celebrate the holiday season this year, with a whimsically decorated, lighted walking path at the Boar’s Head Resort. Sponsored by UVA Health, “Winter Wander” will be open evenings from Nov. 26 through Jan. 30.

The Winter Wander walking trail is paved with a combination of cinder and grass and circles nearly a half-mile around Heritage Lake behind the main hotel at Boar’s Head Resort. The trail has an “easy” rating and can accommodate most larger-wheeled strollers.

Organizers are encouraging guests to purchase their tickets ahead of time as they anticipate times and dates will sell out. Plus, you can save $5 to $10 by purchasing your tickets at least a day in advance.

“We’re excited to launch UVA Student and Faculty/Staff nights in January,” Kevin Thurman, director of special events at Boar’s Head, said. “More information about those specific events will be available closer to the first of the year. We’re looking forward to welcoming UVA a cappella groups to Winter Wander in January, as well as a DJ for a couple of the UVA Student Nights,” he said.

The trail will end at an outdoor market, where visitors can meet with Santa through Dec. 24, shop and purchase snacks and drinks from indoor and outdoor bars.

Array of Musical Performances Will Round Out the Holidays

Aural excitement awaits music lovers of all ages, with a host of concerts that begin in early December, both at UVA and in the community.

The Virginia Women’s Chorus Candlelight Concert will be presented in the UVA Chapel on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4, at 8 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., respectively.

The Virginia Glee Club’s 81^st Annual Christmas Concert will take place Dec. 3 in Old Cabell Hall and again Dec. 11 at University Baptist Church, both at 8 p.m.

The Family Holiday Concert with the Charlottesville Symphony & UVA University Singers will take place twice in Old Cabell Hall. On Dec. 4, the show begins at 8 p.m. On Dec. 5, it starts at 3:30 p.m.

The 54^th Annual Messiah Sing-In will take place Dec. 7 in Old Cabell Hall at 8 p.m.