ENTERTAINMENT

Petersburg has it going on this weekend: Magical holiday events and a special request

Tree lightings, holiday markets, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, holiday home tours, Christmas tree decorating contest, PSO concert, and more.

Kristi K. Higgins
The Progress-Index
Petersburg Tree Lighting at Union Train Station

PETERSBURG - Kick off the holiday season this weekend in Old Towne. A variety of festive fun happenings take place from Friday, Dec. 3 through Sunday, Dec. 5.

Back-to-back tree lightings

The Exchange Building Museum located at 15 W. Bank Street is hosting its first tree lighting event from 5 - 6 p.m. Join them for caroling with Leary Davis on the steps at 5 p.m. before the official lighting.

Next, head on over to the Union Train Station at 103 River Street where the City of Petersburg will host its Holiday Tree Lighting outdoor event from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Enjoy entertainment, food vendors, fireworks, and Santa from a distance.

River Street Market Home for the Holidays

River Street Holiday Market

Return to Old Towne the following morning on Saturday to shop at the River Street Holiday Market at 30 River Street from 9 a.m. - noon. Check some items off your Christmas list. Click here to see which vendors will be present.

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The historic Peter Jones Trading Station at the corner of North Market Street and River Street in Old Towne Petersburg on Oct. 17, 2020. The mural is the Petersburg waterfront located on the Appomattox River adapted from a drawing by William Waud.

Christmas at Peter Jones Trading Post

On Sunday, Dec. 5 from 1 - 4 p.m. attend Christmas at Peter Jones Trading Post located at the most historic intersection in Petersburg just south of the Appomattox River: North Market Street and Grove Avenue.

There will be holiday arts and crafts, live wreaths and live Christmas balls for sale, music, roasted chestnuts, and a visit from Santa.

'Trees of Christmas' at Petersburg Area Art League

Trees of Christmas

Don't miss one of the region’s holiday favorites! The Petersburg Area Art League at 7 E. Old Street will host its 42nd annual Trees of Christmas during the 6th Annual Battersea Holiday Homes Tour: Art & Architecture

The venue's main gallery will be filled with beautifully decorated trees to celebrate the holiday season. To attend this special event this Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., click here to purchase tickets to Battersea's tour.

Vote for your favorite decorated trees, view artwork by students from St. Joseph's Catholic School, browse the Christmas market filled with artwork and gift ideas, and walk through the pathway of lights in the Art Park. 

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'Festive Holiday Favorites'

Wrap up the weekend Sunday night at the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra's [PSO] holiday concert from 4 - 5:30 p.m. at the Petersburg Public Library at 201 West Washington Street.

Spark your holiday spirit while listening to Emmanuel Barks and Naima Burrs conduct the symphony as they play “A Christmas Festival,” “The Messiah Overture,” “Ave Maria,” Mozart’s “The Sleigh Ride” and much more. 

The PSO will also celebrate a new partnership with VA State University. This concert is available in person as well as virtually. Click here to purchase tickets.

Light up Petersburg

The City of Petersburg is asking all residents and businesses to help light up the city for the holidays. Place candles or decorative lights in your windows. For safety reasons, use solar, battery, or electric-powered lighting only.

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- Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly columnist is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@progress-index.com, follow @KHiggins_PI on Twitter, and subscribe to us at progress-index.com.