Best Things to Do this Winter in Lynchburg, VA
Photo Credit: Mullins Media Co
While we’re enjoying our pumpkin spice lattes and the beautiful changing leaves of fall, it’s not too early to start thinking about winter around the corner! And while central Virginia might be known for its outdoor activities in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s still plenty of reasons to plan a visit this winter.
What You Should Know Before You Visit
One of the strengths of Lynchburg, VA, is its moderate climate with 4 distinct seasons, so make sure to dress especially warm between December and March. You simply can’t get by without that winter coat. (If you plan to head to the mountains, expect temperatures to be about 10 degrees lower.)
General Facts
Average temperatures: 20’s-40’s (though it’s not uncommon to get up into the 50’s)
Coldest month: January
Average snowfall per winter: 11 inches
You likely won’t need to bring snow boots, but you’ll want to check the weather forecast beforehand to prepare for any chance of winter weather that might impact your trip. It’s common for Lynchburg to get a few good snows each year, while the mountains are used to seeing much more.
The sun begins setting around 5pm in the winter, so make sure you plan any outdoor activities earlier in the day.
Best Things to Do this Winter around Lynchburg, VA
BRIGHT NIGHTS on the BLUFFWALK
Here’s an inaugural downtown experience you don’t want to miss!
Nov. 19, 2023 (3pm-7pm) will kick off a festive 8 week experience with a tree lighting, live entertainment, holiday vendors, and activities! (We’ll be there, so come say hi!)
Location: Downtown Lynchburg Bluffwalk between Jefferson and Commerce Streets.
Immersive holiday experience with lights, large-scale installations, and festive music
ACADEMY CENTER OF THE ARTS
The historic Academy Theater will host a wide variety of live performances that appeal to all ages!
Location: 600 Main Street in downtown Lynchburg, VA
Holiday performances include Charlottesville Ballet’s Nutcracker, Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, a Mariachi Christmas, Christmas with the Celts, A Christmas Carol, Soultown to Motown, a Rockin’ Memphis Christmas, and more!
More Info and purchase tickets
Image credit: Liberty University
LIBERTY MOUNTAIN SNOWFLEX CENTRE
No snow? No problem. Where else can you go skiing, tubing, sledding and snowboarding year-round? Liberty’s Snowflex Centre is specially designed to mimic how real snow feels.
Location: 4000 Candlers Mountain Road on the campus of Liberty University
Awesome sunset views over the Blue Ridge Mountains
Great for all ages- bring the kids!
RISE UP CLIMBING
When it’s too cold to get outside, you can still scale mountains and boulders indoors! The best part? No reservations and no experience necessary.
Climbing walls up to 40’ tall.
All ages over 3 are welcome!
Location: 1225 Church Street in downtown Lynchburg, VA
HIKE SHARP TOP MOUNTAIN OR DRIVE THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
Bundle up on a clear day and we promise you won’t be disappointed by the awesome panoramic views at the top.
3.3 mile out-and-back trail located 45 minutes from Lynchburg.
Difficulty level: Intermediate-Difficult (steep hike at the summit)
Not up for hiking? We recommend taking a scenic drive along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway to enjoy the breathtaking overlooks.
AMAZEMENT SQUARE
You can’t beat our AWESOME children’s interactive museum filled with hands-on exhibits and four stories of endless slides, tunnels, and ladders. (There’s even a zip line!) If you are in town with kids, this is a MUST visit.
It’s the only museum in Virginia named as a Certified Autism Center
Location: 27 9th Street in downtown Lynchburg, VA
ICE SKATING, ICE HOCKEY & BASKETBALL
Enjoy public ice skating or take in an exciting Liberty University hockey game!
Location: 1971 University Blvd on Liberty University’s campus
More Info on games and public skate times
Not a hockey fan? Check the schedule here to see one of Liberty’s basketball games instead.
*EDITED*: check out the new ice skating rink opening this month at River Ridge Mall!
MUST-SEE HISTORIC SITES
Get your history on by visiting one or some of our area’s many historic sites!
Experience the Appomattox Courthouse where the Civil War ended and our nation reunited
Candlelight Tours of Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest home will be offered Nov 30-Dec 15, 2023
National D-Day Memorial is a must-visit for anyone interested in World War II
Tour the historic home of Patrick Henry’s physician at Point of Honor
Learn more about central Virginia’s history at the Lynchburg Museum
PAINT POTTERY
Try something new this winter. Take a date and get creative! Great for making Christmas presents or keepsakes.
All Fired Up paint your own pottery studio
Call to reserve or walk ins welcome
Location: 18478 Forest Road in Forest, VA
MORE IDEAS FOR FUN INDOORS
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t stay toasty, warm AND have fun in the process. Here’s some more winter activity ideas:
Work up a sweat at Get Air Trampoline Park
Wine tastings and pasta making classes at Flour District and Scratch Pasta
See if you can solve the puzzles at One Way Out escape room experience
Check out the interactive aquarium and land adventure with animals from 5 different continents at Seaquest
Visit a local brewery: Star Hill Brewery, Three Roads Brewing, and Beale’s Brewing.
Roller skating, laser tag, arcade and more at Funquest
Take the kids to Bounce About inflatable indoor playground
Shop River Ridge Mall and catch a movie at Regal Cinemas
Needing accommodations while you’re here?
Check out James Station, a unique train caboose stay overlooking the James River or search our 25+ properties for your next visit to the Lynchburg area! Even better, take our fun quiz to see which place is right for you.
