Festival of Lights Continues Through December, Community Events Fill County

The Morgan County Fairgrounds has extended its annual Festival of Lights drive through display through December 28, 2025, offering expanded scenes and longer operating hours this season. The display is part of a wider lineup of holiday programming across Jacksonville and surrounding communities intended to attract families and support local organizations during the busiest weeks of the year.

Organizers are also running Reindeer Run walk through nights on December 7 and December 21. Admission for the walk through events is five dollars with free entry for children under ten. Those events will provide an outdoor, pedestrian friendly complement to the drive through lights, and are timed to give families additional evening options between community parades and downtown holiday activities.

Community programming this season includes multiple neighborhood and town parades, Virginias Christmas Around the Square on December 5, cookie walks, Santa breakfasts, live nativities and musical performances. These events are spread across Jacksonville and nearby towns, drawing volunteers, civic organizations and local businesses into planning and participation. Participating organizations and specific event times and admission details are being provided to help residents plan visits throughout the month.

The cluster of events has practical implications for residents planning travel, family outings and volunteer commitments. Drivers should expect increased traffic near the fairgrounds and downtown squares on event evenings, and families should verify hours and admission options before attending to avoid peak crowds. The variety of free and low cost offerings aims to make seasonal programming accessible to a broad cross section of the community, while also producing economic activity for small retailers and food vendors.

Local officials and event organizers will be responsible for coordinating parking, crowd management and safety for the remaining weeks of the season. Verify event times and admission details before heading out, and consider supporting volunteer run activities to help ensure these community traditions continue in future years.