BUCKHANNON – Is your family looking for cheerful things to do during the holiday season? Buckhannon has several exciting events on the calendar throughout November and December. Mark your calendars!
From theatre productions to parades, lots of fun is in store for residents of Upshur County and the surrounding areas! Haven’t been to downtown Buckhannon in some time? Here is your excuse to visit a quaint destination full of friendly faces and unique small businesses.
Visit the Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 14 East Main Street in Buckhannon to learn more about Upshur County’s people, places, things and events! See upcoming events across Upshur County on the Upshur County CVB website.
November Events
The Rink
When: Late November through Christmas
Where: The corner of Main and Spring streets in Buckhannon
The Rink, a 4,800-square-foot portable synthetic ice-skating rink, will open in November at the corner of Main and Spring streets in Buckhannon, offering a place to skate, play hockey or simply chill out.
Travis Foster with Foster’s Marketing Group purchased the portable rink — which is comprised of 150 panels that measure 32 square feet each, as well as surrounding safety boards — in 2023 to offer a magical winter activity in Buckhannon.
“It’s an idea that I’ve been talking about and working on for the last couple of years – an outdoor ice-skating rink for the community, and really, for the kids,” Foster said when he announced the rink. “I wanted to bring in something different that would not only be available to people here but would also bring visitors into the community to spend money and be a part of the great festivities in town that we already have.”
The Rink will be open in Buckhannon through Christmas.
4th Annual UCRC Turkey Trot 5K
When: Thursday, November 23, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Where: Jawbone Park in Buckhannon
Upshur County Recreation Complex, Inc. is proud to host the 4th Annual UCRC Turkey Trot 5K. The run will be held on Thursday, November 23, 2023 and start at 9:00 AM EST (check-in starts at 8:00AM EST) The Turkey Trot 5K takes participants on a route through the beautiful City of Buckhannon. All proceeds will be utilized to support the creation of a new recreation complex for all the citizens of Upshur County.
The 4th Annual UCRC Turkey Trot 5K is a fun run, so feel free to come no matter your fitness level. Run, walk, bring a friend, bring a spouse, bring your kids, or push a stroller. Just be sure to come down and show your support for the Upshur County Recreation Complex.
Registration and check-in for the races will begin at 8:00 a.m. at Jawbone Park with the races beginning at 9:00 a.m. Pre-registration for the event is $30 and all runners that register before Friday, November 10, 2023 will receive a commemorative race t-shirt. Registration on the day of the event is $35 and commemorative race t-shirts may be available while supplies last.
Christmas Ornament Decorating
Upshur County children ages 18 and under are invited to decorate ornaments for the Jawbone Park Christmas tree! Visit the Upshur County Public Library at 1150 Route 20 South Road in Buckhannon on Nov. 17 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 18 from noon until 2 p.m. to decorate. All ornaments will be on display during the 2nd Annual West Virginia Dickens Christmas Festival & Faire on Saturday, Dec. 2.
December Events
Buckhannon Fire Department’s Annual Christmas Parade
When: Friday, December 1, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Downtown Buckhannon
Santa Claus is coming to town! Invite your loved ones to downtown Buckhannon on Friday, Dec. 1 to witness the jolly arrival of Santa Claus to Buckhannon!
Snuggle up under a blanket, bring a thermos of hot chocolate and celebrate the Christmas season alongside your neighbors. Local organizations, marching bands, businesses and more will march in the parade as Christmas melodies fill the air.
BCT’s Adaptation of A Christmas Story
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 – Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Where: Colonial Arts Center, 48 E. Main Street in Buckhannon
Buckhannon Community Theatre will present a holiday favorite, “A Christmas Story” at the Colonial Arts Center in Buckhannon throughout the beginning of December.
The BCT’s Adaptation of A Christmas Story will be presented on multiple days, so don’t miss out!
- December 2nd @ 2pm and 7pm
- December 3rd @ 3pm
- December 8th @ 7pm
- December 9th @ 2pm and 7pm
- December 12th @ 2pm
2nd Annual Dicken’s Christmas Festival & Faire
When: Saturday, December 2
Where: Downtown Buckhannon
The 2nd Annual Dicken’s Faire & Festival will be this December 2023. Vendors will be dressed in period costumes serving up warm treats and classic street faire entertainment!
The Christmas cheer doesn’t end there!
Fezziwig’s Ball will take place Saturday, December 2 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m at the Buckhannon Opera House. The Opera House is located at 12 East Main Street in Buckhannon. The dinner menu includes an appetizer, roast beef, chicken, potatoes, vegetable of the day, salad, bread and dessert. A cash bar and live entertainment will be available. This is a costume ball, but costumes are NOT required.
Reserve a seat at Fezziwig’s Ball here.
SUBA Christmas Parade
When: Saturday, December 2 at 1:00 PM
Where: Rock Cave
The annual Southern Upshur Business Association Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 2, at 1 p.m. Line up at 12:30 p.m. at Rock Cave Elementary School. The parade will head down Route 20 into Rock Cave.
Visit with Santa afterward at Banks District VFD/Rock Cave Civic Center.
You do not need to register in advance to participate.
Curry Festival of Lights
When: Friday, Dec. 15 and Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: James W. Curry Public Library in Brooks Hill
Enjoy a magical trip into Southern Upshur County for the Curry Festival of Lights, held at the James W. Curry Public Library, 1271 Brooks Hill Road in French Creek.
Businesses, individuals and groups of any kind are welcome to decorate a spot for the festival. For more information, please call 304-924-6724.
