Last time I gave you a bit of the history of the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Now I’m going to tell you how we celebrate Thanksgiving in historic Charlottesville.

Football - then Black Friday!

Thanksgiving conjures up images of Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade with all the balloon characters, then the huge family feast and football the rest of the day - to be followed by Black Friday.

Around here you have the parade, feast and football on Thursday to be followed by Jefferson’s Thanksgiving celebrated on the following Friday and Saturday.

What’s Jefferson’s Thanksgiving?

For the last 14 years we in Charlottesville have celebrated Thanksgiving with reenactments, music, games, dancing, concerts, impromptu speeches from folks dressed in the style of the 1700s, colonial craft demonstrations, carriage rides and so on for 2 days, starting on the Friday after Thanksgiving.  So you can incorporate Black Friday by shopping at the downtown mall with Friday night culminating with the arrival of Santa and the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree.  And, you may want to wear your best outfit for …

The Three President’s Ball and Thanksgiving Dinner!!!!

The Three President’s Ball is held at the Omni Hotel downtown commemorating our three Presidents Thomas Jefferson of Monticello in Albemarle County, James Madison of Montpelier in neighboring Orange County, and James Monroe of Ashland-Highland in Albemarle County.  Reservations are required for this gala and this year they must be received by November 18.

History on Parade in Charlottesville

There is the big parade on the Downtown Mall.  This is not the parade you might be thinking of (remember we are reenacting life between 1776 and 1781) so our parade is made up of pipe and drum regiments, musket firing, dancing, soldiers, and other activities reminiscent of the colonial period.

Charlottesville Shopping - Shopping - Shopping

In addition to the shops that call the Downtown Mall home year-round, there will also be a Holiday City Market.  This is in the style of a craft fair - farmers market and there will be lots of homemade baked goods, toys, greenery, and many other items made by our local artisans.  It’s a great place to find that special gift.

Parking is available in nearby pubic parking lots, parking garages, and some street parking.  Come and enjoy.

While you’re here and want to see what Charlottesville real estate and local Charlottesville Homes may hold for you - contact us - we are happy to help.

Until my next post,

Laurie

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