Magic on the Mall
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Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Magic on the Mall

Charlottesville's Downtown Mall becomes a magical winter wonderland for 'Magic on the Mall,' offering five weeks of festive holiday events. Engage in a fun Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes, and explore the Peppermint Trail for unique seasonal beverages. Visitors can also enjoy live music on Sundays and meet Santa for photos on Saturdays.

What to Expect

Five weeks of holiday happenings on the Downtown Mall

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Other Christmas Events Near Charlottesville

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and holiday shoppers

Vibe

Festive and community-oriented

Energy Level

Low to medium

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Medium

Special Events & Promotions

  • Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt
  • Peppermint Trail for festive sips
  • Santa photos on Saturdays
  • Live music on Sundays

Tags

community celebrationfamily friendlySanta visitslive musicfestive foodholiday traditionseasonal activitiesfree event

Location

The Downtown Mall
Charlottesville, VA

Event Details

Duration

All day

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Mall

Timed Entry

No

Featured Performers

  • Local musicians

Organizer

C-VILLE Weekly

Food & Drink

Festive sips available on the Peppermint Trail

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Plan to visit on a Saturday to catch Santa Claus for photos, or on a Sunday to enjoy live music performances.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be exploring the Downtown Mall, and consider bringing a reusable cup for your Peppermint Trail sips.
  • Check the C-VILLE Weekly website or social media for any updates on specific event times or participating vendors along the Peppermint Trail.
  • The Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt is a great way to engage children and explore different parts of the mall.
  • Arrive early on Saturdays to maximize your time with Santa and avoid potential queues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Peppermint Trail'?

The Peppermint Trail is a special route along the Downtown Mall where participating vendors offer delightful seasonal sips, such as candy cane coffees and minty craft cocktails.

Are there any activities specifically for children?

Yes, there is an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt where participants can win prizes, and Santa Claus is available for photos every Saturday afternoon.

Is there live entertainment?

Local musicians perform live every Sunday afternoon on the mall, adding to the festive atmosphere.

What are the operating hours for Magic on the Mall?

The event runs 'Through December 31' and is generally free and all-day, though specific activities like Santa visits have set times.

Where exactly does 'Magic on the Mall' take place?

The event transforms Charlottesville's Downtown Mall into a winter wonderland.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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