Main Street Lexington will be sponsoring a series of events to mark the holiday season, from “shopping small” to the Christmas parade to the holiday church open house.
The Shop Small Sweepstakes is already underway. Area residents are invited to pick up an entry card at any one of the 32 participating shops and restaurants and spend at least $10 to receive a sticker from any of those businesses. To enter the sweepstakes for a chance at $1,000 in shopping spree prizes – including the $750 grand prize – collect stickers from a minimum of five businesses. The more shops you support, the more chances you have to win.
Completed cards can be dropped off by 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, at the MSL office above Wells Fargo at 101 S. Main St., or by 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Ladles & Linens at 1 S. Main St. Players must be 18 years or older. Visit the website at mainstreetlexington.org/ shop-small-sweepstakes for more details.
Lexington will officially kick off the holiday season with the 30th annual candlelight processional and community tree lighting on Friday, Nov. 28.
Lineup begins at 5:15 p.m. at the Main Street entrance to Oak Grove Cemetery, where candles and holiday songbooks will be distributed. At 5:30 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead the processional down Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage provided by the Lexington Carriage Company.
The processional will arrive at Hopkins Green, where caroling will continue. The Lexington Presbyterian Church will serve hot cocoa, and the community tree will be lit to officially usher in the holiday season. The Rockbridge SPCA will again be displaying luminaries at Hopkins Green in honor or memory of pets or people.
The Downtown Lexington Christmas Parade returns on Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. This year’s theme is “A Storybook Christmas.” To enter your float or organization, visit the MSL website at mainstreetlexington. org/christmas-parade and complete the Google Form, download a copy from the website to drop off or mail, or pick up a hard copy at the MSL or chamber of commerce offices. All entries must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 28.
The parade will take place rain or shine, and it will only be canceled in case of very inclement weather. Check mainstreetlexington. org or visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/ MainStreetLexington for any weather updates.
Return downtown on Saturday, Dec. 6, for Shop Small Saturday. There will be live entertainment, along with fun promotions for both adults and kids. Check out the MLS website (mainstreetlexington. org) and Facebook page (facebook. com/MainStreetLexington) closer to the date for additional information.
One of the city’s newest annual traditions returns on Friday, Dec. 19, with the holiday church open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Explore the places of worship in the downtown district. The event will feature refreshments, holiday music and historic tours. Visit the MSL website at mainstreetlexington. org for details.
