The holidays are bringing some much-needed joy to our lives right now, and we are all about it. But we know some of you might be missing out on the annual parties, events, and tree-lightings that have become a tradition. That’s why DLA has rounded up the best and brightest (pun intended) holiday decorations in downtown to bring you a walking tour that can be experienced all month long! It’s a lovely and safe way to experience some holiday cheer with friends and family. You can do it on foot or by car, all at once (roughly a 3.15 mile trek), or print this list and check it off a little at a time. The choice is yours!
SYNONYM WARNING: A thesaurus was heavily consulted in the writing of this blog to properly convey our holiday cheer…glee…delight…you get the picture.
⇩Scroll to the bottom for a map of locations!⇩
Accents Flags & Gifts
1716 main Street - Great by day!
Unless you are a downtown resident (lucky you), you will likely be driving from elsewhere in the area. That’s why our first stop has us arriving at Accents Flags & Gifts. Located right off Route 29, they have a dedicated parking lot and, you guessed it, oodles of merry flags. And if you like the ones in the windows, be sure to step inside to find a plethora of options to take home with you!
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Head across the overpass (likely by car). As you are going by, see if you can glimpse the tree at the Travelodge on your right and the pretty lights at Federal House Antiques on your left. During our route, we parked at the Crossroads Lot which is free on nights and weekends. Learn more about parking in Downtown Lynchburg here.
Craddock Terry Hotel & Conference Center
1312 commerce Street - A Delight Day or Night!
Step onto the streets to a downtown holiday staple - the Craddock Terry tree. This festive fir sits atop a base decorated with the iconic “red shoe.” Take a photo up close, or strategically place yourself in the LOVE shoe to capture it in your background. But the drama doesn’t stop there. As the sun goes down, the entire hotel is washed with red and green illumination!
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Head down the steps towards Shoemakers American Grille and take a left onto the Bluffwalk to take a stop under the illuminated pergola (compliments of Downtown Lynchburg Association). Continue ahead and enjoy sweeping views over Jefferson Street.
James River Place Condos Rooftop
Lower Bluffwalk - Dazzling in the dark
The residents at James River Place Condos didn’t want the businesses to have all of the fun. They rallied together to frost their rooftop with icicle lights for your enjoyment as you journey down the walkway.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Keep heading forward, passing El Jefe and the soon-to-come Fratelli Italian Grille.
Takeout Patio on the bluffwalk
Lower bluffwalk - Dazzling in the dark
For the past three years, Downtown Lynchburg Association has lit the Bluffwalk for the holiday season. This year, we’ve deviated from a classic warm white bulb and injected a bit of fun, playing with a vibrant pink and green to match our patio seating. Sit down a while and enjoy!
Next Steps:
Continue along the Bluffwalk towards 11th Street and take the stairs (or ramp) down to Jefferson Street. Enjoy the lively green wreaths dotted with holly berries as you pass by Reserve Tasting Room and cross to Riverfront Park.
The Water Dog
1016 Jefferson Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
They’re not your traditional Christmas lights…and we kind of love that! Before you start pretending to be in Miami Vice, take a peak inside at the inventive use of snowflakes along the bar and try to spot Rudolph chillin’ in the corner.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Look left. Look right. Cross the parking lot. Yep, we are hoofing you towards The Depot Grille.
Takeout Patio at the Grove
6 9th Street - DAZZLING IN THE DARK
We’ve taken the liberty to wrap the trees! No, not with a bow and paper, but with a virtual blanket of lights that adds a touch of magic to this great public space. Bring some food, pop open a laptop, or bust out the card games while you’re here.
Next Steps:
Head up Ninth Street and take a right at Commerce. As you saunter along, be sure to enjoy the lamp posts dotted with snowflake banners and lights!
Tresca on 8th
724 Commerce Street - GREAT BY DAY!
We don’t use the word “Dickensian” lightly, but the contrast of freshly cut boughs of green set against pale white practically transforms the facade of this elegant event venue to one of days past. And if you’re feeling chilly, now would be the perfect time to grab a coffee, tea, or cocoa next door at Mission House Coffee before continuing your journey.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Head up 7th Street and take a right onto Main.
Academy Center of the Arts
600 main Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
It’s as if these buildings were intended for displays of creativity! A virtual tree of lights rising atop the marquee and paper wreaths crafted out of the handprints of valuable ACOA volunteers bring hope for a return to a vibrant theatre in the near future (all fingers crossed). BONUS: If you visit on a weekday afternoon, spot the wreaths on the Harrington Building and then stop inside to view the rotating galleries.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Head up the path next to the Lynchburg Grand Hotel and take a left on Church Street.
Anthony & Company
701 Church Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
Comb through all the streets to find this shearly transcendent display. Some might even call it a cut above. See what we did there? 😉 But, real talk, we are enamored with the oversized hair cutting tools the flank the entryway awning draped in lights.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Continue a few steps down the block…your next stop is practically across the street!
The Virginian Hotel
712 Church Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
The elegance of The Virginian cannot be denied. While their classic red-and-green wreaths offer a warm welcome to visitors, we cannot get enough of their guest-window displays courtesy of Moore & Giles and A Little Party Events.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Take a gander catty-corner across the intersection.
801 Church Street
801 Church Street (duh) - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
Talk about commitment. The owners of 801 Church Street applied a Christmas carol about their entrance. Oh, yeah! Stand back to take a gander at all three floors and you might even notice a little extra merriment in the upper windows.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
As you continue along Church Street towards 12th, take a moment to admire the wreaths lining the stairs of Monument Terrace, snowflakes dotting the windows of the Downtown Lynchburg Association office and the bows donning City Hall.
Live Trendy or Die & Gilded
1101 Church Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
When the ball dropped last December 31, we joked about entering into the roaring twenties. Little did we know, the only thing that would be roaring was a pile of trash being set ablaze, better know as the year 2020. But rather than get down about it, Live Trendy or Die is celebrating this year for what it is - a dumpster fire. In any case, you might as well buy a bottle of bubbly from Gilded and raise a glass to a better year in 2021!
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Turn your head slightly to the left.
Batter Bar
1103 Church Street, Suite b - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
Visions of sugarplum fairies have nothing on this gem of a gingerbread house. While crepes are their specialty, Batter Bar is ready to serve you up an order of holiday treats like pies, pop tarts, cookies, and even kringle (danish ring). Guess it’s not just the decorations giving us a sweet tooth.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Take a right at the liquor store (otherwise known as 12th Street) and work your way towards the post office.
The Art Box
411 12th Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
This is a work of art. You seriously need to stand back and take it all in before coming in for a closer look. From reindeer to elves to peppermint sticks, this hits all of the high notes. But for us, the pièce de résistance has to be the vintage plastic snowman in the window.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Heading back in the direction from which you came, take a shortcut by turning right at Court Street to swing by Three Roads Brewing Company. If you’re thirsty, stop for a frothy beverage. If not, enjoy their holiday flair from the outside through their showroom windows.
YMCA of Central Virginia
1315 Church Street - DAZZLING IN THE DARK
Candy canes and lights illuminate the stairs on your path to wellness. Need we say more? Well, maybe just $0 joining fee. Zero Contracts. Zero Worries.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Circle back towards the City Armory. Not only does the red door./green stone combination make it a natural backdrop for photos, but it plays host to an artisan fair as part of the Lynchburg Community Market’s Mistletoe Market ever Saturday leading up to Christmas. Speaking of the Market, follow the decked-out stairs next to the Visitors Center down to the plaza to explore even more.
Oshun Organics
1219 Main Street (at the Lynchburg Community Market) - GREAT BY DAY!
Step inside the Market for a shower of snowflakes at Oshun Organics. While you’re there, grab some of their fantastic plant-based soaps to use in your own shower.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Head across Main Street for a jam-packed row of window displays.
The Hip Tulip and Lexie & Lee
1220 Main Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
The Hip Tulip has NEVER disappointed us with their window displays and now that Lexie & Lee has joined the team, it has twice the style. This forest of trees is so glitzy, you’ll think that you’ve gone glamping!
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Continue along Main Street towards 9th Street.
Bailey Spencer Hardware
1216 Main Street- GREAT BY DAY!
If you think elves are checking Santa’s mail, you are sadly mistaken. According to Bailey Spencer, a trio of excited snowmen are ready to carry in the haul of colorful envelopes. If you play your cards right, you might even get a glance of Sully, the furry four-legged employee hanging out in the window.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Once again, continue along Main Street towards 9th Street.
The White Hart
1208 Main Street- GREAT BY DAY!
Have you ever encountered someone who painstakingly sets up a “Christmas Village” each year? Well The White Hart’s decorations are like that, only two dimensional. Bravo to the artist who created the intricate scene. Hot tip: when you are admiring the windows, try not to point…the people enjoying their coffee inside will think you are talking about them.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
You guessed it, continue along Main Street towards 9th Street. Try not to miss the snowstorm at Hot & Cold Cafe and sophisticated designs at Enchanted as you pass.
La Femme Permanent Cosmetics
1200 Main Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
The window scene at La Femme is like walking in a winter wonderland. The monochromatic elements of snow, poinsettias, and hand-drawn ornaments are lovely contrast to the vivid painting on display.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Cross the 12th Street intersection.
Dish
1120 Main Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
Dish knows a thing or two about pairings, and we have to say, their holiday decorations pair perfectly with the vibe of this small-plates restaurant. The tinsel tree is tinted pink and we’re sure the Christmas Drag Brunch ladies will approve.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
We suggest crossing the construction zone, because you will absolutely want to see the details on the next display.
Scene 3
1107 Main Street - GREAT BY DAY!
Even though he’s skinnier than the real thing, we are in AWE of this metal Santa made out of bicycle parts. Get up close and make out all of his facial features - eyes, nose, mouth, and even a jaw (but we like to think it’s a beard)!
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Take a gander past the heavy equipment to admire the illuminated tree and wreaths in hung in the entryway of Innovative Wireless Technologies. Continue along down Main Street.
Free Clinic of Central Virginia
1016 Main Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
Talk about stealing the show! If we didn’t know any better, we would think that the Grinch constructed an intricate system just to steal the lights atop the Free Clinic. As it were, the Free Clinic is going through a little bit of construction but they ARE still open.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Continue along Main Street. We hope you’ve been looking all around during your tour. We’ve noticed quite a few loft windows decorated by residents for some extra jolly. See if you can spot stockings hung with care as you are walking to your next stop.
Spearman Artisanry
919 Main Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
You may be more mesmerized by the handmade and fair-trade sourced items held in the displays at Spearman Artisanry than the holiday decor. We just ask that you go inside to shop if you want to feel the softness of an alpaca scarf…after all, we don’t want to smudge the glass showcases!
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Continue down the block, taking in the tall tannenbaum at The Galleria and the pearly display at Heritage Connection. And if you are looking for a perfect dad-gift, stop on in to grab some socks or a tie from their dashing haberdashery tree.
L. Oppleman
909 Main Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
It’s every kid’s dream to wake up on Christmas morning to see lots of large boxes wrapped and waiting under the tree. Throw in a real working train set and a life-sized nutcracker, and you have the amazing display at L. Oppleman Pawn Shop. The only thing we are left wondering is what could be filling those stockings.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Cross the 9th Street intersection.
Bowen Jewelry Company
829 Main Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Don’t you want a little white box like the ones in the Bowen showcases underneath your tree? We sure do!!
Next Steps:
Head on down Main Street to cross at 8th and make a u-turn. Along your way, check out the adorable holiday outfits donning the windows of Baby B’s.
First National Bank
800 Main Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
‘Tis the season for red and white packages tied with a bow. We hope there’s one with our names on it.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Heading down 9th Street towards the James River, led by illuminated snowflakes in the windows of MontVue Capital Management. Take a right onto Commerce.
TaleTellers Fly Shop
920 Commerce Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
There’s something so satisfying about the wreaths symmetrically hung across the front of TaleTellers Fly Shop. We can just imagine the whole family helping string the lights around each window with care.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Continue along Commerce towards My Dog Duke’s Diner.
Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats
Commerce Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
Considering the happiness of her bright yellow storefront, we should not have expected any less colorful joy in Mrs. Joy’s window display. Between the doughnut ornaments, retro tv, leg lamp, and plush teddy bear, we are just not sure what we love most!
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Continue on Commerce another block to 12th Street.
Estates & Consignments
139 12th Street - GREAT BY DAY!
There’s something about garland snaking around a lamp post that makes us think of the North Pole. This unassuming entrance is flanked by beaming topiaries. Come inside. You never know what treasures you may find.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Back to Commerce Street for another display by Moyanne Harding.
Interiors by Moyanne
107 13th Street (entrance on commerce) - GREAT BY DAY!
Clap for creative use of a sled. Yesss! But we shouldn’t be surprised…design is Moyanne’s expertise. Peer into the expansive window to see for yourself a comfy scene that could be right in your in your own living room.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Take a right and head up 13th Street.
Beeswax Candle Company
13th Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
You’ll want to take a walk through this winter wonderland. You can just imagine this arctic fox and bunny come to life along with the illusion of falling snow created by, get this, biodegradable packing peanuts. Wow!
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Circle back to Main Street and turn left for one last stop.
Estates Revisited
1301 Main Street - A DELIGHT DAY OR NIGHT!
Large bulbs brilliantly rim the window at Estates Revisited. We love the vintage ornaments adorning the trees. If you do too, be sure to stop in to find a special one to take home for your own tree.
Like my decorations? VOTE FOR ME!
Next Steps:
Don’t end it here! Grab some dinner, have a drink, do some shopping. After all, you’re already downtown.
Yeah, that’s A LOT. So, make a trip (or two or three) downtown this month and keep supporting locally owned businesses while you are there! Download a printable checklist or check out the fast tracks below.
Can’t complete it all at once? Check out our “Fast Tracks!”
1200 Block of Main
La Femme
Enchanted
Hot & Cold Cafe
The White Hart
Bailey Spencer
The Hip Tulip/Lexie & Lee
Beeswax Candle Co.
Lower Bluffwalk
Craddock Terry
Bluffwalk Lights
The “West End” of town
Academy Center of the Arts
Anthony & Company
The Virginian
