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Fayetteville’s Gingerbread Festival
Fayetteville’s Gingerbread Festival
December 5–7, 2025 | Downtown Fayetteville, WV
Nestled in the picturesque mountains of West Virginia, Fayetteville’s Gingerbread Festival invites you to step back in time and celebrate the holidays with small-town flair. Each December, our historic downtown is transformed into a whimsical candy land filled with gingerbread décor, twinkling lights, and festive cheer. Escape the hustle and bustle of the season and enjoy a magical holiday getaway with your family.
Schedule:
Friday, December 5th
9:00 am-4:00 pm Drop off Gingerbread Displays at Fayetteville Town Hall
5:00 pm-9:00 pm Holiday Arts Sampler at the Love Hope Center for the Arts
7:00 pm “Christmas in Comfort” Play at the Historic Fayette Theater
6:00 pm-9:00 pm Winter Wonderland of Lights at the Fayette County Park
Saturday, December 6th
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Breakfast with Santa at Cathedral Café
9:00 am – 4:00 pm Christmas Craft Show – Sponsored by the Fayetteville Woman’s Club Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building
10:00 am-5:00 pm Food Truck Vendors on Court Street
11:00 am – 5:00 pm Holiday Art Sampler at the Love Hope Center for The Arts
11:00 am – 5:00 pm Gingerbread Displays at Fayetteville Town Hall
11:00 am – 5:00 pm Christmas Open Houses
2:00 pm “Christmas in Comfort” Play at the Historic Fayette Theater 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Gingerbread Festival Kids Activities on Court Street
Letters to Santa – Grab and Go Craft – Face Painting
5:00 pm Parade- Theme is Come Home for Christmas – Hot Chocolate downtown
5:30 pm Free Community Chili Feed at Fayetteville Methodist Church Following the Parade
5:45 pm Community Choir Performance & Town Tree Lighting Following the Parade
6:00 pm Kids Games & Ugly Sweater Contest Adult and Youth Prizes for Best Sweater
Jingle Bell Toss inside Town Hall- Candy Cane Hunt- Cookie Walk
6:30pm- 11:30 pm “Larry Keel Experience HOLIDAY PICKIN’ FOR THE PANTRY” at the Outpost New River Gorge
7:00 pm “Christmas in Comfort” Play at the Historic Fayette Theater 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Winter Wonderland of Lights at the Fayette County Park
Sunday, December 7th
12:00 pm-3:00 pm Breakfast with Santa at Cathedral Cafe
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm Ugly Sweater Fun Run 5K/Walk at the Fayette County Park
6:00 pm-10:00 pm Winter Wonderland of Lights at the Fayette County Park
Can Food Drop-offs at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building, Love Hope Center for the Arts and The Outpost New River Gorge
Gingerbread festival schedule 2025
Gingerbread Trail Stops
We encourage folks to shop small as many businesses in town are holding their Christmas open houses this weekend!
Fayetteville Town Hall- Gingerbread Displays Voting Saturday
Southside Junction Tap House- Pop up Christmas Bar with seasonal drink menu, Live Music Friday with Shawn Benfield 7pm
Water Stone Outdoors- Gingerbread lattes and gingerbread beer (21+) for purchase
Lost Appalachia Trading Co– Will have Gingerbread Cocoa
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building- Fayetteville Women’s Club Christmas Craft Show
Mountain Magnolia Artisan Co-op & Bakery- seasonal treats for purchase
Cathedral Café – Breakfast with Santa Saturday & Sunday
Fayetteville Visitor Center- Gingerbread photo op, fresh wreaths, stained glass ornaments and baked goods
The Wild Kind- Artisan Boutique & Southern Pillar Jeweler
Wisteria Gifts- Gingerbread themed items for purchase
DRIVEABLE
Love Hope Center for the Arts- Holiday Arts Sampler
Maggie’s Pub -Seasonal Drinks for purchase
Wylde Berry Bakery -Seasonal Treats for purchase
Festival Highlights
Downtown Winter Wonderland Magic
Stroll through Fayetteville’s charming downtown as storefronts and streets are dressed in gingerbread and Christmas décor. Shop small at unique boutiques and enjoy holiday open houses throughout the weekend.
Annual Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 6 | 5:00 PM
Watch Maple Avenue come alive with sparkling floats, holiday characters, and plenty of lights. The evening ends with a special greeting from Santa himself.
Fayetteville’s Christmas Parade 2025
Gingerbread House Competition
Put your baking and building skills to the test! Our annual gingerbread competition features both youth and adult categories. Entries will be on display at Town Hall Saturday December 5th—don’t forget to cast your vote for your favorite creation!
Holiday Fun Run – Ugly Sweater Style
Sunday, December 7 | 4:45–6:00 PM | Fayette County Park
Join Active Southern WV for a festive Fun Run/Walk. Break out your ugliest holiday sweater and enjoy the Winter Wonderland of Lights at the park while you run (or stroll) through the holiday glow.
Ugly Sweater Run/Walk Registration
Winter Wonderland of Lights
Bundle up and explore the breathtaking light displays at the Fayette County Park. A perfect evening adventure for families and friends!
Local Arts & Theater
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Love Hope Center for the Arts – Browse the Holiday Art Sampler, where talented local artists showcase handmade creations perfect for holiday gifting.
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Historic Fayette Theater – Catch a holiday show in one of West Virginia’s most charming small-town theaters. “Christmas in Comfort “Tickets
- Fayetteville Women’s Club Christmas Craft Show – With over 50 vendors you will not want to miss strolling the Annual Christmas Craft Show at the Memorial Building.
Vendors, Food Trucks & Downtown Activities
On Saturday, downtown will be buzzing with festival vendors, food trucks, and hands-on holiday activities for all ages.
LARRY KEEL EXPERIENCE – HOLIDAY PICKIN’ FOR THE PANTRY – GROOVE IN THE GORGE MUSIC SERIES
- WHEN: Saturday, December 6, 2025
- TIME: 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm
- BAR: 6:30 pm
- DOORS: 6:30 pm
- WHERE: THE OUTPOST NEW RIVER GORGE
- HOW MUCH: $25 ADV / $29 DOS (CAMPING WILL NOT INCLUDE TICKETS)
- ** PLUS FEES AND TAXES **
- QUIET HOURS EVENT NIGHT: 12:00 AM
WHAT: A festive holiday concert event featuring the Larry Keel Experience at The Outpost at The New River Gorge. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to support the Fayette County Emergency Food Assistance Center or a monetary donation to support the Mountaineer Food Bank. Each $10 donation or food equivalent enters the guest into a raffle for special prizes with no limit to raffle entries. By feeding others, you can win a 2026 season pass to the Groove in the Gorge Music Series, a $100 gift certificate to The Outpost and SO much more! The event will feature live music, a full bar with special holiday drinks and bar bites, and a warm seasonal atmosphere.
Plan Your Visit
Come for the gingerbread, stay for the holiday magic! Whether you’re joining us for the parade, shopping for unique gifts, or savoring gingerbread treats, the Fayetteville Gingerbread Festival is the perfect way to celebrate the season.
