Downtown Culpeper kicks off holiday season

Local power crews decked the streetlights with evergreen and white lights this week, signaling the official start of the season in downtown Culpeper.

The annual holiday open house is Sunday, offering sleigh-loads of activities guaranteed to get you in the spirit.

Sponsored by Culpeper Renaissance, the downtown event runs from noon to 5:30 p.m. and will be headquartered at the Depot on Commerce Street. Besides shopping opportunities galore, the day's events offer something for the whole family.

Unless otherwise noted, all events are free.

Here's what will be happening Sunday in downtown Culpeper:

Wagon rides, departing from the Depot noon to 5 p.m. ($3)

Trolley rides with various stops around town; 1 to 4 p.m.

Pictures with Santa at the Depot; 1 to 4 p.m. ($5)

Windmore Festival of Trees at the Depot; noon to 5 p.m.

Museum of Culpeper History Open House: games, stories, cider and cookies; noon to 5 p.m.

Toys for Tots campaign at the Depot, sponsored by Clore-English Funeral Home and JROTC; noon to 5 p.m.

Brady Manor Miniature Horses at the Depot; noon to 5 p.m.

Skyline Harmony Chorus performs outside at the Hazel River Inn, East Davis Street; 1 to 2 p.m.

Culpeper High School Band performs outside at the Hazel River Inn; 2 to 4 p.m.

Community Christmas Tree Lighting at the Depot with music by the Piedmont Brass Ensemble and Blue Ridge Chorale; 5:30 p.m.