Good morning, Lynchburg.

Natural Bridge State Park will host holiday events for local families starting soon (including live music, crafts, and seasonal treats) with festivities planned to run through the holiday season.

The park aims to bring the community together for celebration.

Gold’s Gym has announced a local competition to benefit nonprofits that is set to take place soon at its Lynchburg facility, and more details including entry information are expected to be released soon.

Natural Bridge State Park is hosting its 10th annual Festival of Trees & Luminary Nights events throughout December, where visitors can view 50 decorated trees, vote with a $1 ballot to benefit local nonprofits, enjoy illuminated trails today, and ride carriage on selected dates.

Preparations for the Dickens Christmas Parade are underway as local volunteers fine-tune floats and routes for the upcoming festive event.

The celebration will roll through downtown Lynchburg later this week — inviting neighbors to enjoy a holiday tradition.

Warren Dance Academy will host its annual holiday performance today in Lynchburg — showcasing festive dance routines and seasonal music.

University of Lynchburg will add Bachelor's degree options in Public Health + Educational Studies starting in March, allowing eligible students to complete a 96-hour program in three years which is expected to save over $40,000 and ease the transition to graduate studies.

Central Virginia Community College has opened early college applications for its 2026 programs and introduced two new cohort options for homeschool students and aspiring educators in Lynchburg.

Applicants should check CVCC for details on deadlines and enrollment.

Lynchburg Public Works is set to upgrade Bedford Avenue with new ADA-compliant sidewalks, ramps and improved crosswalks to boost safety after recent business growth — design will be ready by Spring 2026 and construction will begin in Summer 2026.

Fans supported cancer survivors by painting messages on the ice at the Berglund Center as part of Rail Yard Dawgs' Paint the Ice event; later the team faces the Macon Mayhem in its Stick it to Cancer game with an auction of game-worn jerseys to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Six VHSL championship games are set to decide state titles on Saturday, Dec.

13, with contests in Harrisonburg, Lynchburg and Salem. Matchups include Oscar Smith vs. North Stafford at 11:30 a.m. and Maury vs. Highland Springs at 5 p.m. + four other games scheduled for later.

Morgan Wade Live Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $39 – $87 — Experience powerful storytelling through Morgan Wade's music reflecting her journey of self-discovery and resilience.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

4:30-5:30 p.m. — Sydnor Performance Hall — $ — Experience a candlelit string performance of beloved Christmas carols in a festive atmosphere.

New Year’s at Noon

10 AM – 1 PM — Amazement Square — Admission required — Glow into 2026 with dancing, crafts, and a balloon drop under dazzling lights.

BrickUniverse: The Immersive Brick Experience 2026

10 AM - 4 PM — River Ridge — Starting at $18 — Experience breathtaking LEGO creations and interactive building zones at this family-friendly event.