This holiday season, downtown Lynchburg is handing out stamps.
The Downtown Holiday Passport is a free way to explore downtown, support local businesses, and earn entries in a prize drawing while you do it. There's no app to download and nothing to sign up for ahead of time. You scan a QR code with your phone, collect a stamp, and keep going.
How it works
Find a Passport sign. Every participating business has a check-in sign in a public spot, usually the window or the front counter. Scan it with your phone's camera to collect that stop's stamp and points.
Earn bonus points. Make a purchase and ask to scan the bonus code behind the register for extra points. Some stops have bonus codes for other things too, like trying a featured item or checking out a book.
Complete challenges. Collect enough stamps in a category and you unlock milestone bonuses on top of your regular points.
Save your passport. After your first scan, add your email and tap the confirmation link. Until you do, your points are held but not entered in the drawing.
Every point is one entry in the prize drawing. The more you explore, the better your odds.
The details
The Passport runs November 9, 2026 through December 31, 2026.
Participation is free and open to anyone 18 or older.
One passport per person. If you switch phones or browsers, enter the same email and your points come with you.
Check your stamps and points any time at downtownlynchburg.com/passport.
Participating businesses
We're adding stops as businesses sign on. Check back, or follow along on Instagram and Facebook as new locations join.
This list was last updated November 9, 2026.
Eat & Drink
Bootleggers · 50 13th Street
Father's Cafe & Bakery · 1219 Main Street
Hot & Cold Cafe · 1206 Main Street
Ry's Pies 'N Cobblers · 1219 Main Street
Shop
Bailey Spencer Hardware · 1216 Main Street
Firebrick Pottery · 1105 Main Street
Wild Grove Florals · 1220 Main Street · Prize: a holiday bouquet ($45 value).
Explore
Downtown YMCA · 1315 Church Street
Frostfire Sauna & Cold Plunge · 1337 Main Street
Hill City Tours · 1103-C Church Street · Prizes: a T-shirt and a custom product from their Apothecary shop ($35 value), and two gift certificates to walking tours ($50 value).
Rise Up Climbing · 1225 Church Street
Own a downtown business?
There's still time to join. Participating businesses get two signs, a check-in sign for the front and a bonus sign for the register, plus a report at the end of the season showing how many passport holders visited and purchased. Email charles@downtownlynchburg.com to sign up.