“The world’s reigning male chorus” (The New Yorker) kicks off the holiday season at the Hylton Center with a concert of a cappella voices that includes classical music and popular holiday favorites. Chanticleer is renowned for the seamless blend of 12 extraordinary male voices, ranging from countertenor to bass, with their superior technique, sublime tone, and unparalleled musicality. Their original interpretations span period and genre—from Gregorian chant to jazz, popular, and contemporary music. The group, which has been praised by the San Francisco Chronicle for its “tonal luxuriance and crisply etched clarity,” has a long list of impressive accomplishments: sales of more than a million albums, winning two Grammy® Awards, being named Ensemble of the Year by Musical America in 2008, and induction into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame. Come savor these glorious sounds of the season.

Come and get into the joyful spirit of the holidays in Virginia’s beautiful horse country as the Town of Middleburg celebrates Christmas on Saturday, December 2.

The festivities begin at 8:30 a.m., with Breakfast with Santa at Middleburg Community Charter School.

At 11 a.m. the Middleburg Hunt takes to the streets creating a spectacular sight as approximately 150 horses, riders in hunting attire and dozens of hounds come through the town.

The Middleburg Christmas Parade begins at 2 p.m. as spectators line the sidewalks along Washington Street (Route 50) to watch as a unique assortment of floats, troops and musical groups march by in a mile-long parade. In keeping with the animal friendliness of the town, the parade features over 700 animals, which over the years has included horses, ponies, alpacas, llamas, and a variety of dog breeds. Not to be missed are the antique fire trucks, children on floats, and of course, Santa brings up the rear riding on a beautiful horse drawn coach. Throughout the day there are seasonal performances, the Middleburg Community Center Craft Show, as well as shopping and dining in the town’s shops and restaurants. In addition to the town’s restaurants, food trucks will be located on N. Pickering St., behind the BB&T Bank during the event.

From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. adults can relax and enjoy the Spirit of Middleburg. The progressive hospitality of food and wine tasting will allow adults to wind down and relax at Middleburg establishments of their choice while sampling foods, wines, and spirits from throughout the area at local restaurants. Visit www.ChristmasinMiddleburg.org for a full list of Spirit of Middleburg stops.

For more information call the Pink Box Visitor Center at 540-687-8888 or email Organizer@ChristmasinMiddleburg.org. Visit www.ChristmasinMiddleburg.org to view an event schedule, list of activities, shop specials and more.

(Photo credit: Jay Hubbard)

On Saturday, December 2, 2017, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. downtown Orange becomes an old-fashioned village filled with holiday music, seasonal vendors and Santa! The event will bring together live holiday music, downtown merchant Open Houses, a Makers Craft Village, food, children’s activities and local church bazaars. There will be plenty of parking readily available within easy walking from all the activities so don’t hesitate to plan on spending a wonderful Saturday in downtown Orange.

At 9:30 a.m. Mountain View Barbeque will be selling delicious breakfast sandwiches. At the Train Station, parents may enjoy seeing their little ones eyes light up when they talk with Santa. There will be a photographer available if you wish, but do not forget to bring the camera. Jonathan Slater, a trained classical guitarist, will be in the Train Station providing beautiful holiday music. Throughout the day children will be able to exercise their imagination during Storytime. Orange librarian Michelle Pursel who specializes in her weekly children’s reading-time and Sully Carter well known for his character talents, having studied at Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, will use their captivating reading skills to enthrall the little ones with Christmas stories. The Arts Center in Orange will be hosting a make-and-take craft center for children to create and take a holiday memento home.

Meanwhile, the downtown merchant’s Open Houses will be providing treats and specials to start the holiday shopping season off right! And the Open-air “Makers Village” will be filled with vendors selling handmade crafts, greenery and decorations, and local foods.

There will also be live holiday music throughout the event.

Also scheduled for the day will be the Enchanted Extravaganza at the Market at Grelen, the Montpelier Open House, local church bazaars and Orange School of Performing Arts Nutcracker performances.

The event is open to all ages and free to attend. Downtown parking is plentiful. Partners working to create this event are Holladay House Bed and Breakfast, The Arts Center in Orange, the Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Orange.

Visit https://www.theoda.org/the-downtown-orange-holiday-village/, or contact Diane Pendleton of the Orange Downtown Alliance for further info at (540) 672-2540 or assistant@theoda.org