Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of December.
Good morning, Charlottesville.
🏘️ Community
Friends of PHAR, a group of University students who partnered with PHAR, is advocating for fair housing policies in Charlottesville to support local public housing residents.
They held a Fall Fest + plan to attend council meetings to rebuild trust between the University and its neighbors.
One Stop Cville held an event Monday at a local site to offer gifts and health services using toy, food, and clothing drives, haircuts, and prostate cancer screening (provided on site).
Organizers praised strong community turnout.
Toy Lift is gathering holiday donations Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Fashion Square Mall to help 1,800 local families across multiple counties; there are over 3,700 kids on the list, and organizers need gifts for children aged 9 to 13.
The North Garden Volunteer Fire Company will host the Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling Celebration at Cutright’s Lake (Route 29 and Red Hill Road) tomorrow at 5 p.m. The revived event will feature live music, fellowship and a special guest from the North Pole.
🎭 Culture
Today, the Rotunda hosts the 25th annual Lighting of the Lawn themed Remix, blending tradition with new tech.
Interactive CrowdSync wristbands and a 200-drone light show will enhance 26 performances for a night of community celebration.
The Paramount Theater (Downtown Mall) will screen a series of classic Christmas films in the coming weeks, starting with Home Alone Friday at 8 p.m., continuing with This Christmas Saturday at 2 p.m. and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Saturday at 7 p.m., and more through Dec. 21.
A college student broke from campus life by joining a ghost tour that took visitors through historic Charlottesville spots.
Offered by US Ghost Adventures, the tour moved from Downtown Mall to Market Street Park plus Inn at Court Square, encouraging broader exploration of local history.
🎓 Education
Guy Muguma, a CHS student who immigrated from Burundi in 2021, received a full UVA scholarship through QuestBridge after his sister received a college scholarship last year.
At Tuesday's meeting, Kenyon Bonner, vice president and chief student affairs officer, discussed updated safety protocols after a false shooter alert — including plans for improved de-icing — and announced open Lawn room applications and scheduled buses to Charlotte Dec.
6 for the ACC Championship game.
🏛️ Government
Today at noon, the UVA Living Wage Campaign will hold a March for Collective Bargaining on the Lawn at Bryan Hall before marching to the Rotunda.
At 12:45, charter busses will take marchers to Boar’s Head resort for the Pack the BOV event calling for wage improvements and leadership changes.
🏈 Sports
Virginia football finished 10-2 and became the sole ACC regular season champion with a key win against Virginia Tech on Nov.
29, sparking record student attendance and a memorable celebration at Scott Stadium (though students still face issues on the Hill with limited food and restroom access).
🎉 Charlottesville Events
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Tab Benoit Live
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Jefferson Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful Delta swamp blues from Grammy-nominated artist Tab Benoit.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
7:30-9:00 p.m. — John Paul Jones Arena — Family-friendly event — Experience a dazzling holiday spectacular filled with breathtaking performances.
Ramona & The Holy Smokes with Hannah Juanita
7-9 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy a lively Honky Tonk Night with great music from local talents.
Shakey Graves Solo Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Tickets available — Experience the unique musical journey of Shakey Graves up close and personal.
Rebirth Brass Band Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of the Rebirth Brass Band, a New Orleans institution.
Tuesday Rumba Night with Vincent Zorn
7-11 p.m. — The Bebedero — Check website for cost — Experience wild Gypsy Rumba guitars fused with Latin and Cuban influences in an evening of dynamic performances.
New Year's Eve Dining Experience
New Year's Eve 2025 — 4:00 p.m. onwards — Hamiltons' at First & Main — $95 per person — Enjoy a luxurious four-course dinner crafted by Chef Hunter Harding with a toast to ring in 2026.
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