Where To Find Santa, Bazaars and Markets, and Staunton Ornaments

We know it’s a crazy busy time of year! Between all the holiday shopping, parties, Christmas-light peeping, parade watching, stocking stuffing, and more, it’s hard to find time to do everything on your list. That’s why we’ve created this guide to finding Santa, markets, Staunton ornaments, and more. Thank us next year – when you have more time!

Where to Find Santa and Friends

Make sure you set a date to meet the big man in the red suit!

• You still have two more Saturdays to enjoy SDDA’s Saturdays in December – (December 9 and 16). Along with holiday decorations, shopping specials, and community cheer, there will be lots of fun activities and a chance to meet Santa and other characters.
  • December 9 – Santa’s Cottage, located in Gingerbread Gardens @ Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum (18 N. Coalter Street) Fun activities, music, and photo opportunities.
• December 16 – Pose with Santa in his Downtown Workshop inside THE SPACE (35A South New Street). 

• Find the Grinch skulking about in the Wharf on both days. 
• Father and Meri Christmas will be found in various downtown locations.
• Santa’s Mailbox is still accepting Santa letters.
• The kiddos will never forget the magic of Santa’s Scenic Railway ride. The 50-minute excursion starts at the historic Staunton station and riders can enjoy a festive atmosphere with decorations, music, and holiday snacks. Kids can also meet Santa (and adults can take lots of photos).
• Creative Works Farm’s Christmas Wonderland is a walk-through light and music show. Visitors can enjoy music, refreshments, wagon rides, and chances to meet and greet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch. December 8, and 9.
• The Grinch will appear at Stable Craft Brewing on December 10 (1 – 4 pm). Bring your pet and snap some “pawsome” holiday photos. Return on December 17 (1 – 4 pm) to have the kiddos pose with Santa.

Where to Find Goodies and Handmade Gifts

Stock up on gifts, treats, and decorations!

• Ciders From Mars is hosting a Winter Art Market on December 9. Sip some cider or a cider cocktail as you browse creations by local artisans and more. (10 am – 4 pm)
• Visit the Wharf lot on December 9 and 16 (9 am – noon) for the Staunton Winter Market. It features homegrown and hand-crafted products ranging from food to clothing and accessories, home decor, and gifts. There will also be weekly live music. 

• If you’re in Waynesboro on December 16, stop in a Basic City Beer Co. for the Holiday Cheers Maker’s Market. Local artists and craftspeople share their work. (Noon – 5 pm)
• December 17’s Barren Ridge Christmas Market at Barren Ridge Vineyards promises to be a wonderful afternoon of wine, live music, and opportunities to select one-of-a-kind gifts for those on your list. (Noon – 5 pm)
• The R.R. Smith Center for History and Art’s annual Art for Gifts holiday market is your one-stop shop for unique and thoughtful gifts. This gallery showcases works by 70 Virginia artists and artisans and features quality, handmade fine art and crafts. Open through December 31.

• Still need to find your tree? Michelle’s Wreaths & Christmas Trees at Sunspots Pavilion has beautiful trees in a range of sizes as well as seasonal wreaths and garlands.

• Doing a lot of baking? Stock up on bulk and specialty ingredients at The Cheese Shop in Stuarts Draft.

Where to Find Staunton Ornaments

Put the final touches on your Christmas tree with ornaments that are celebrations of the Staunton community and culture. Here’s where to find them!

• Each year the Staunton-Augusta Junior Women’s Club designs and sells a Staunton ornament. This year’s features the Irene Givens Building in Montgomery Hall Park. You can purchase this year’s ornament at Latitudes, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, and St. John’s Methodist Church. Collectors can grab ornaments from past years on the SAJWC’s website.
• There’s also an ornament dedicated to the Staunton Downtown Development Association’s vision of “connect[ing] customers, entrepreneurs, residents, and visitors, making Downtown Staunton a genuine community hub.” The 2023 “Downtown is Home” SDDA ornament comes in two finishes and features a Christmas tree. Buy it at the SDDA store to commemorate another wonderful year in Staunton.
• While not technically a Staunton ornament, you can choose an ornament made in Staunton at Sunspots Studios like a tree of life ornament of a glow-in-the-dark snowman. If you’re a hands-on person, sign up to blow your own with help from a professional glassblower.

• The Sparrow’s Nest has handmade Virginia ornaments.

• Find vintage-inspired ornaments at the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Presidential Library gift shop. Choose from balls and bells made from mercury glass, antique cars, pewter animals, glass sheep, and more. 

• You can also find ornaments at Made; By the People, For the People, Harmony Moon Gifts, The Foundry Pop-Ups, and Factory Antique Mall.

Enjoy your holidays in Staunton!