LEWISBURG, W.Va. (WVDN) — Lewisburg will celebrate the final First Friday of the year on Dec. 5 by transforming its downtown streets into a festive holiday spectacle. The event, dubbed “The Magic of Christmas,” will feature live music, extended shopping hours, and numerous activities across local businesses, culminating with a performance by the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
The evening is brought to the community by City National Bank and the Merchants of Downtown Lewisburg.
The atmosphere on Dec. 5 will be enhanced by the harmonies of Solis Consort, which will perform a cappella Christmas carols in the Greenspace, weather permitting. The Greenbrier River Optimistic Ukulele Players will also perform holiday tunes from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Lewisburg Visitors Center (905 Washington Street W) to view the annual art exhibit, “Sharing the Gift of Our Talents,” featuring work by Greenbrier County high school and middle school students. The center will also host the “Merry Christmas Around the World” display, showcasing beautifully decorated trees and the customs of various countries. Attendees can also honor a loved one by adding an ornament to the Greenbrier Valley HospiceCare “Love Light” tree. Additionally, local artist Lee Gillespie’s jeweled ornaments will be on display and available for purchase.
The Greenbrier Historical Society (814 W Washington St) is hosting a free Tavern Night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The historic holiday celebration will feature the North House Christmas exhibit, live music, historic hot chocolate, and mulled wine made in-house.
The highlight of the evening is the return of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) to Carnegie Hall (611 Church Street). The WVSO, under the baton of Music Director Maurice Cohn, will present “Sounds of the Season” at 7 p.m. The concert, a blend of classical and pops holiday favorites, requires tickets, which can be purchased by calling the venue or visiting www.carnegiehallwv.org.
Other retail and entertainment offerings include:
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The Lewis Theatre (865 Court St N) will screen the holiday movie Home Alone at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. The theater will host an “Anything Goes Holiday Costume Contest” before the film.
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A New Chapter bookstore (922 Washington St West) will host a book signing with author Rusty McQuade, featuring his book Greenbrier River Mermaid, Legend, Myth, or Secret.
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Plants Etc (846 Jefferson St S) will feature local Stained Glass Artist Lynda Weischowski of Glasswerks, who will demonstrate the creation of a hanging basket vine.
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Bella the Corner Gourmet (1017 Washington St) will offer tastings of a white wine paired with artisan cheese.
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Edith’s Health Food Store (1035 E Washington St) will serve complimentary hot mulled cider.
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Sensorium Herbals (178 Lafayette St) will offer Tea and Tarot readings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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The Livery (1134 E Washington S) will host a Happy Hour all night and a By the Bottle wine sale.
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Musical artist Nathan Seldomridge will perform at the Asylum (399 E Randolph) from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The event runs concurrently with the Carola & Sons horse-drawn carriage rides, which are offered at no cost to the public from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at City Hall under the clock.
