Splitsville free game and shoe rental. Nov. 29 – Dec. 26. Receive a FREE GAME AND SHOE RENTAL with each homemade ornament brought in for the FredParent tree at Splitsville. www.splitsvillelanes.com

Concert in Lights at The Village at Towne Centre. Performances are free and are every night of the week through New Year’s Eve, with shows at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30PM. Bring your family and embrace the holiday spirit by enjoying our festive Village and prepare to be mesmerized by the dancing lights set to Holiday Classics you’ll be sure to enjoy. This synchronized light spectacular will dazzle and delight children and adults of all ages. Ignite the Night!

The Santa Experience Carriage Rides. Various days/times. Imagine the excitement when Santa personally calls your child and invites them to join him on a carriage ride! They will enjoy one on one time with Santa himself, Christmas Carols, Holiday stories and so much more! Advance purchase required. Buy tickets by phone: 540-318-7455 or www.oldetownecarriages.com

Santa @ The Richard Johnston Inn. Dec 1, 8, 15, 22. 2:30 – 4:30 pm. Visit with Santa at The Richard Johnston Inn for story time & pictures–no charge! 711 Caroline St, 22401.
Evening Dessert With Santa. Dec 1. 5 – 8 pm. Join us for Children Activities, Take Home Photo with Santa, Hot Chocolate, Cider, Coffee for Adults, Dessert Candy Station Bar, Mini Cupcakes, Popcorn, S’mores, raffle tickets during the event for various donated children’s items and much more. Inn at the Old Silk Mill, 1707 Princess Anne St, F’burg. Children ages 3-12: $10; Children Cancer Survivors or currently in treatment FREE! Children 2 and under and Adults FREE! Tickets can be purchased through the Inn at the Old Silk Mill (540-371-5666) or through Teri R. Reece, treece@mellandfrost.com, (540-760-5705). All proceeds to the American Cancer Society.

Christmas Tours of Historic Kenmore. Dec 1 – 30. 10 am – 4 pm. During the month of December, visit Kenmore and experience a colonial holiday evening’s entertainment—the Dining Room will be set up for a ball and dancing, the traditional punch bowl and gentlemen’s card game will be displayed in the Drawing Room, and an elaborate dessert table will be displayed in the Passage. Closed Dec 24 & 25. Included w/ admission to Kenmore. www.kenmore.org

Kwanzaa Celebration. Dec 5. 6 pm. Partake in the rituals of Kwanzaa and enjoy a feast! UMW, (1301 College Ave, F’burg) Seacobeck Hall, Faculty/Staff Dining room. Free! 540-654-1044.

UMW Philharmonic Holiday Pops. Dec 5 & 6. 7:30pm. The Magic of Christmas, featuring the UMW Philharmonic Orchestra; Christmas carols and audience sing alongs. UMW: George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium. Cost: $10. Children 8 and under: Free! Get tickets online: www.umwphilharmonic.tix.com. 540-654-1324.

Cody & B.J. Present: Holidays Around the World. Dec 6. 6 pm. Let’s all join together in peace and joy, no matter what holiday you celebrate! Kids will love this high energy interactive rock and roll show! They will get a chance to be on stage while they sing, dance, and even play instruments in a band! Rowser Building, Stafford. Ages 2 – Adult: $3/Adv or $4/day of show. Limited space, tickets may sell out! www.staffordparks.com

Candlelight Christmas @ James Madison’s Montpelier. Dec 6, 7, 13, 14. 4:30 – 7:30pm. Explore the home of James and Dolley Madison by candlelight and learn about 19th-century Christmas customs of the early American republic. Light refreshment, wine, holiday music, caroling, and dancing. Complete your holiday shopping with gifts from Montpelier’s Museum Shop. Tickets are $25/adv, $35/door, $10/children 6-14, children under 6 – free. 11407 Constitution Hwy, Montpelier Station, 22957. www.montpelier.org/visit/candlelight-christmas

Rising Sun Tavern Open House. Dec 6. 6pm – 8:30pm. Join us for abbreviated tours of the Tavern, Joe Frogger cookies, Colonial spiced tea and caroling. 540-371-1494. 1304 Caroline Street, F’burg, 22401. Free!

Deck the Halls. Dec 7. 9:30am – 12 pm. Presented by Jan Williams, noted floral consultant and owner of Jan Williams Florals. Let Jan inspire you to dress your home for the holidays! She will demonstrate how to craft unique decorations from local evergreens and flora in this entertaining and inspiring annual presentation. Includes breakfast. UMW, Dodd Auditorium, 1300 College Ave, F’burg. Reservations required. 540-654-1123.

Breakfast with Santa. Dec 7. 10am. Get ready for the best Breakfast EVER!! It’s the Breakfast with Santa and the Chick-fil-A Cow in the food court at the Spotsy Towne Centre. Register at the Customer Service Center located by Bath and Body Works, Nov 22 – Dec 5.

5th Annual Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show. Dec 7(10am – 6pm) & Dec 8 (11am – 4pm). Almost 200 vendors will have many new one-of-a-kind handmade arts & crafts that will make wonderful gifts for your family, friends and even your pets. Browse through aisles filled with holiday ornaments, knick-knacks and wreaths, jewelry, soaps and lotions, gourmet foods, glassware, artwork, organic dog treats, clothing, candles and much more! Cost: Adults: $6, Kids 12 and under FREE. Tickets are good for both days. Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center. www.fredericksburgholidaycraftshow.com.

Lunch With Santa. Dec 7. 10:30am – 12pm. Join us for a wonderful time of fun, food, and entertainment! Santa and his gang will provide plenty of good cheer and delicious goodies. Tickets must be purchased in advance; spaces are limited. For Ages 1-5. Rowser Bldg, 1739 Jeff Davis Hwy, Stafford. Cost; $15 ($18 non-res); deadline 11/30 or until full. Price is for one child; parents may eat lunch for $4 each (not required). www.staffordparks.com.

Spotsylvania Christmas Parade. Dec 7. 1pm. “Parade of trees”. In addition to bands, floats, antique cars, fire trucks, horses, majorettes and more, this annual event includes a special appearance by Santa Claus. Spotsylvania Courthouse Area.

A Monroe Christmas. Dec 7. 4pm – 6pm. The museum will open its doors free of charge to celebrate the coming of the holiday season to downtown Fredericksburg. Join us for cookies, punch, and hot cider before the annual Fredericksburg holiday parade, and learn about how the holidays were celebrated in Monroe’s time. Free! Where: 908 Charles St, F’burg, 22401. 540-654-1043. www.jamesmonroemuseum.org

Fredericksburg Jaycees Christmas Parade. Dec 7. 5:30 – 7:30pm. Fredericksburg Jaycees 27th Annual Christmas Parade in historic Downtown Fredericksburg!
Rappahannock Choral Society Christmas Concert. Dec 7 (8pm) & Dec 8 (3pm) There will be something for everyone – from Hanukkah music to traditional holiday music. At Chancellor High School. Free! www.Rappahannock-choral-society.org

Eileen’s Breakfast W/ Santa. Dec 8 & 15: 8:45 or 10 am. We are doing a Breakfast Buffet this year with a fun area set up for the kiddos to decorate their own pancakes! Each child will have a magical time to have a personal visit with Santa! Santa will give each child a surprise gift. This is a great photo opportunity for parents so bring your cameras and be ready to snap those photos! www.eileensbakery.ticketbud.com/breakfast-with-santa-2013

Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit. Dec 8 – 30. 10am – 4pm. Join us in December for this delightful family treat. This year’s theme is “Moments in U.S. History”. At Ferry Farm. Cost: Adults, $4, Students, $2. Opens at Noon on Dec 8 only. Closed Dec. 24, 25. www.kenmore.org.

Painting With Santa. Dec 8. 4 pm or 5:30 pm. We will be painting with Santa at Art from the Heart. There will be 2 seatings, one at 4pm and one at 5:30pm. Cost is $20/child and includes an ornament, a visit with Santa and goodies. We are already taking reservations and seats are limited. 540-659-4092. 325 Garrisonville Rd, Stafford. www.yourartfromtheheart.com.

Courthouse Christmas Luminary. Dec 8. 4:45pm. Come enjoy this outdoor celebration as the candles are lit at dusk and the area Choirs begin to sing. Bring your blanket and your warm gloves and let the spirit warm your heart. Spotsylvania Courthouse Lawn.

Pet Pictures With Santa. Dec 8. 7pm – 9pm. Santa loves animals! Bring your fuzzy friends to have their picture taken with Santa at the Spotsy Towne Centre! Please use the main entrance near Dick’s Sporting Goods, all pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.

Colonial Christmas Open House. Dec 11. 6:30 pm. Celebrate Christmas as they did in Colonial America with crafts, games, and refreshments. All ages. Drop in. Headquarters Library, 1201 Caroline St, F’burg. www.librarypoint.org

Holiday Open House. Dec 12. 6 – 8 pm. Celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. Free! Porter Branch Library, Stafford. www.librarypoint.org
Alphabet Soup Special: Countdown to Christmas. Dec 13. 10:30 am. Stories, songs and activities with a very special guest-Santa Claus! Porter Branch Library, Stafford. www.librarypoint.org

Santa Visits The Museum Store. Dec 13. 6pm – 8pm. Bring the whole family and your camera for Santa’s annual visit to The Museum Store in downtown Fredericksburg. A great holiday photo opportunity! Free! 215 William St, 22401. www.famcc.org.

Holiday Drop & Shop. Dec 13. 6 – 9 pm. Finish up your last minute shopping or use the time to wrap Santa’s gifts! We will entertain the kids w/ gymnastics, games, snacks and holiday fun! Cost: $15. Pre-registration required. Stafford Gymnastics Ctr, 500 Nelms Cir, Falmouth. www.staffordparks.com

Night Before Christmas Hayride & Story. Dec 13, 14, 15, 20, 21. Bring a warm blanket, your singing voice and sense of humor to Caledon State Park. We will singing holiday songs, while taking a wagon ride through the winter woods. After the ride we will return to the visitor center for hot chocolate and a reading of the classic holiday story, T’was the Night Before Christmas. Reservations are required: 540-663-3861. $3/person or $8/family. There will be rides at 5 pm, 6:30 pm and 8 pm on Dec 13 & 20. On Dec 14, 15 & 21 the rides will be at 4, 6 & 8:00 p.m. 11617 Caledon Road, King George. www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/cal.shtml

Gingerbread Preschool Workshop. Dec 14. 10 am. New This Holiday Season -for Individual Children. A wonderful holiday tradition for 4- and 5-year olds; Listen to and act out Jan Brett’s “Gingerbread Baby” story; Decorate a paper gingerbread house and gingerbread person cookie; Go on a scavenger hunt; Tour the Gingerbread House Exhibit and choose a favorite; $6 per child. To register call 540-370-0732 ext. 24 or email hayes@gwffoundation.org

Story Time & Breakfast With Santa. Dec 14. 10 am. Bring the whole family for a special meal featuring a delicious hot and cold buffet, a Christmas story, craft making, and the jolly man in red himself! For 2yrs – 12yrs. $6/person. Adults free with paying child. Registration required. Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal St, F’burg. www.fredericksburgva.gov

YMCA Annual Holiday Craft Show. Dec 14. 9am – 3pm. Unique gifts, handmade items, art, jewelry, wood crafts, Santa’s Workshop, and much more! Massad YMCA, 212 Butler Rd, F’burg, 22405. www.family-ymca.org

Toys for Tots Finale. Dec 14. 12 – 6pm. Join 93.3 WFLS, 99.3 The Vibe, and Classic Rock 96.9 for the Toys for Tots Finale event at The Spotsylvania Towne Centre. Help area children this holiday season by bringing a new, un-wrapped toy donation for this Annual Toys for Tots collection event. Food Court.

Caroline YMCA Toys for Tots Event. Dec 14, 15. Bring your whole family and a new, in the box, unwrapped $25 toy or toys to donate to local kids in need. Not only will you give a needy Caroline county child a Christmas to remember, but we’ll also waive your joining fee. That’s $100 savings for a family! The event will include activities for all ages, including face painting, crafts, group fitness demos, sweet treats, caroling, surprises and tours of the new facility. Santa too! Dec 14 ( 12 – 5 pm): Caroline Family YMCA Storefront, Shoppes at Ladysmith, 17495 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Ruther Glen & Dec 15 ( 12 – 5 pm): Ladysmith Village, 17276 Camellia Dr, the Clubhouse, Ruther Glen. 804-448-9622.

Family Day @ National Museum of the Marine Corps. Dec 14. 3 – 5pm. Join us at the Museum to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, create a holiday craft, and write a letter to the North Pole. Free! 18900 Jeff Davis Hwy, Triangle. www.usmcmuseum.com

A Stratford Hall Christmas Tide. Dec 14. 4:30pm – 8:30 pm. Celebrate the season in another century. Experience the Great House and grounds as the Lees host their holiday festivities. Cost: $10 adults/$5 children. Christmas candlelight dinner by reservation only. www.stratfordhall.org

The Spotsylvanians Community Christmas Concert. Dec 14 (7:30 pm), Dec 15 (3 pm). The 2013 concerts will include a great variety of choral music with something for everyone. At Spotsy Middle School. 540-582-8541/(540) 786-9643 or email Spotsylvanians@aol.com.

Meet Santa @ KD’z Kidz World. Dec 15. 2 – 6 pm. This a pre registration event only! Cost is $10/child which includes 2 hours to bounce, cup cakes and other goodies. Registration after Dec 1:$15/child. Please ensure you check the appropriate time slot you wish to attend. 2 – 4 or 4 – 6. Call 540-318-8013 if you have any questions. www.kdkidzworld.com/meet-santa

Stafford Regional Choral Society Christmas Concert. Dec 15. 3pm. The Stafford Regional Choral Society will hold its Christmas Concert at Colonial Forge H.S., featuring Handel’s Messiah. 540-658-4580.

Books Before Bedtime: Christmas Countdown. Dec 16. 7pm. Stories, songs and activities with a very special guest-Santa Claus! All ages with a caregiver. Pajamas welcome! Drop in. England Run Library. www.librarypoint.org

Books Before Bedtime: Holiday Special. Dec 17. 7 pm. Specially trained staff present stories, songs, and activities. PJ’s welcome! Meet Santa and enjoy holiday songs and stories. All ages with a caregiver. Salem Church Library. www.librarypoint.org

Holiday Crafts. Dec 19. 5 pm. Gather around the craft table to make several holiday crafts. You will make a wide variety of Christmas crafts suitable to decorate your home! Be sure to wear a craft shirt. Rowser Building, Stafford. Cost: $8/$10-non res. Ages 3 – 5: 5 – 5:45 pm & Ages 6 – 10: 6 – 6:45 pm. Register at www.staffordparks.com

Rappahannock Pops Holiday Spectacular. Dec 20. 7:30 – 9 pm. Featuring songs: Go Tell It On, The Mountain; White Christmas; We Need a Little Christmas; The Christmas Song; A Civil War Christmas; Hanukkah Festival Overture; Christmas Festival; Sleigh Ride; I’ll Be Home for Christmas; a special visit from Santa! $20 Adults, $15 Seniors (65 and over), $15 Students (with valid ID), Children Under 18 FREE! 540-373-4496. Grace Church of F’burg, Center for the Arts, 1141 Heatherstone Dr. www.rappahannockpops.org

Splitsville Holiday Break Special. Dec 20 – Jan 1. Say code word FREDPARENT and get Free Shoe Rental for the group AND Free a kid’s meal with purchase of an adult meal.

The Nutcracker. Dec 20, 21 (7:30 pm) & Dec 22, 23 (3 pm). Manassas Ballet Theatre proudly presents this family Christmas classic. Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall, Manassas. Ticket prices vary. www.hyltoncenter.org

Fabulous Fridays: Gift Wrap Workshop. Dec 20. 4:30 pm. Drop in and learn how to wrap your holiday gifts with flair! Books, activities, and crafts! Grades K-6. Salem Church Library. www.librarypoint.org

The Nutcracker. Dec 21: (2 pm & 7:30 pm) & Dec 22 ( 2 pm). The Fredericksburg Ballet Centre’s annual Nutcracker performance will be held at James Monroe High School. Tickets may be purchased at FBC or Scrapdoodles (540-548-3788). Discounts for Scout Troops for the Saturday, December 21st @ 2:00 show. There is something for the whole family. 540-373-0978 or visit us at www.fredericksburgballet.com

Fredericksburg’s First Night. Dec 31. A family friendly celebration of the arts. Fireworks, NYE countdown, pineapple drop, 15 Stages, over 30 Entertainers, Children’s Block with the Wishing Tree, Street Drawing, Teen Scene, Vendors, Street eats, Clowns, Mascots, Dancing, Trolley Rides, Carriage Rides, and Chinese Dragon! The biggest and best NYE party you’ve ever seen! Historic Fredericksburg. Cost: $5 in advance, $8 night of the event. Buttons will be available at the Visitors Center after November 15. Watch for updates: www.FredericksburgFirstNight.com