Housing Growth Sets Record, Another Roundabout, and Lots of Events
Published about 1 month ago • 6 min read
Observer Weekly
December 4, 2025
Jefferson County, WV news & events
There are lots of holiday festivities this weekend. On Friday evening, Bolivar & Harpers Ferry kick off Olde Tyme Christmas. The Shepherdstown Christmas Parade is Saturday morning, followed by the Charles Town-Ranson Christmas Parade on Saturday afternoon. Scroll down for our complete Activities & Events listings.
— Steve Pearson
Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free.
County Expects A Record Number Of New Homes In 2025
*The 2025 number is for 11 months (January – November).
By the end of December 2025, the number of permits issued county-wide for new home construction (including apartments) will exceed 1,500 for the year.
A Dramatic Shift In The Past Five Years
From 2010 through 2019 the county-wide non-apartment residential permit number averaged 189 units per year. The numbers started to increase slowly in 2020 and have been ramping up consistently for the past five years:
2020: 277 permits
2021: 427 permits
2022: 452 permits
2023: 768 permits
2024: 1,013 permits
2025: 1,232 permits
These county-wide numbers are reported by the Jefferson County Office of Impact Fees, which tracks all new housing construction, both in the municipalities and in the unincorporated areas of the county. The numbers above would be larger if we included the permits for a 309-unit apartment building in 2020 and a 237-unit apartment building in 2025.
FAQ: How to Pay Medical Bills Without Health Insurance
No health insurance after a wreck? Do not panic. West Virginia’s Medicaid program may pay recent medical bills, and your auto policy could include medical payments coverage. Review your declarations page and apply as soon as possible. Taking action quickly helps cover costs while you focus on recovery
The West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH) has confirmed it is planning to build a roundabout at the intersection of Leetown Road and Middleway Pike.
The DOH project was originally designed for a traffic signal at this intersection. In 2024,the DOH allocated funds to redesign the project as a roundabout (see the preliminary sketch above). Last week, the DOH released an update to the current “Statewide Transportation Improvements Plan” indicating the roundabout design has been finalized.
The construction budget for the original traffic signal project was $1.4 million, with a target completion date in 2026. The revised roundabout project has a construction budget of $1.8 million, with a target completion date in 2027.
Sheperdstown Honors Judy Shepherd For Community Spirit
For thirty years, Shepherdstown resident Judy Shepherd has presided over the town’s day-after-Thanksgiving tree lighting and welcomed Santa to kick off the holiday season. Shepherd started the “welcome to Christmas” event in the mid 1990s with her three children, Jenny, Jacque, and Chris. Former Shepherdstown resident Jimmy Crain has filled the role of Santa for the past decade.
To honor Shepherd’s decades of service, Shepherdstown Mayor James Gatz (above right) and the Town Council adopted a proclamation that was read during this year’s tree lighting ceremony to “recognize Judy Shepherd as the "Heart of Shepherdstown" in honor of her more than thirty years of dedication to Christmas in Shepherdstown and her enduring impact on the life and spirit of our community.”
Mrs. Claus & Santa during Shepherdstown Christmas Parade 2022
On December 6, Shepherd and Crain will travel down German Street together for a final parade before hanging up their red hats and passing the tradition on to new volunteers.
Celebrate the holidays in Brunswick, Maryland! The holiday market features local vendors, Santa’s workshop, train rides, and a parade! Tree lighting to follow! >>>Learn more...
Arts, Culture & Community Events
Cheer Booth at 2021 Charles Town-Ranson Christmas parade
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Book Signing at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy — Author David Pruiet will discuss and sign copies of his book Hiking The Appalachian Trail in Virginias: A Septuagenarian's Journey. ATC visitor center, 799 Washington St, Harpers Ferry. Friday, Dec 5, noon - 4 pm. Free. Info...
Lindsay Guild paintings & prints — Exhibition of paintings and prints with an opening reception. Skull City Studio, 105 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Dec 5–Wednesday, Dec 31. Opening reception Friday, Dec 5, 4 pm. $ Tickets & Info...
Festive First Friday in Shepherdstown — Community celebration with live music, caroling, bonfire, and extended shopping hours. Downtown Shepherdstown. Friday, Dec 5, 5 - 7 pm. Free. Info...
Charles Town Tree Lighting — Annual community tree-lighting ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Claus, food truck, and vendors, 101 East Washington St, Charles Town. Friday, Dec 5, 5 - 8 pm. Free. Info...
Olde Tyme Christmas Opening Ceremony — Opening ceremony to begin Harpers Ferry’s Olde Tyme Christmas weekend includes yule log fire, carolers and tree lighting. 171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry. Friday, Dec 5, 6 pm. Free. Info…
A Christmas Carol — Live production of Dickens’ classic. Old Opera House, 204 N George St, Charles Town. Friday, Dec 5 – Sunday, Dec 14, times vary. $ Tickets & Info…
Film: Wicked Little Letters — Screening presented by Shepherdstown Film Society at the Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Dec 5, 7:30 pm. Pay-What-You-Can Tickets & Info…
Holiday Open House at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy — ATC visitor center, 799 Washington St, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, Dec 6, 10 am - 5 pm. Free. Info...
Shepherdstown Christmas Parade — Annual holiday parade through downtown Shepherdstown followed by other festivities and attractions. Saturday, Dec 6, 10 am. Free. Info...
Christmas on Main — Holiday festivities in Martinsburg include tree lighting, live music, and Santa. Downtown, Martinsburg. Saturday, Dec 6, 11 am - 6:00 pm. Free. Info...
Holiday Light Show — 30-minute Holiday-themed light show takes place at the same time as Christmas on Main. Apollo Civic Theatre, 128 East Martin St, Martinsburg. Saturday, Dec 6, 11 am - 2:30 pm. Free. Info...
Charles Town/Ranson Christmas Parade — 81st annual Christmas parade through Charles Town and Ranson. 101 East Washington St. Saturday, Dec 6, 2 pm. Free. Info...
Sip & Screen at the Opera House — Holiday film series continues at the Shepherdstown Opera House with a PG-rated Christmas comedy. 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Dec 6, 3 pm. Free. Info...
Art Exhibit Opening at Bridge Gallery — New exhibit opening featuring the work of seven artists at the Bridge Gallery. 8566 Shepherdstown Pike, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Dec 6, 3 pm. Free. Info...
Angel Band Concert — Holiday concert at Saint Peter's Church, 110 Church St, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, Dec 6, 4:30 - 5:30 pm. Free. Info...
2025 Memorial Illumination — Annual event honoring those lost at the Battle of Antietam. Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, MD. Saturday, Dec 6, 6 pm - midnight. Free. Info...
Cinemagical Holiday Gala — Various Shepherd University music ensembles will play favorite holiday movie music favorites. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Dec 6, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info...
Contra Dance — Community contra dance open to all levels at the War Memorial Building, 102 East German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Dec 6, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info...
Free Christmas Dinner — Annual community holiday meal hosted by the Shepherdstown Fire Department that includes an appearance by Santa. 8052 Martinsburg Pike, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Dec 7, noon - 3 pm. Free with donations accepted. Info...
Holiday Open House at Halltown Memorial Chapel — Open House at the restored chapel features light refreshments, instrumental music by Wind Gap Music, and the sale of a local artist-designed holiday ornament inspired by stained-glass windows of the chapel. 390 Halltown Rd, Harpers Ferry. Sunday, Dec 7, 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Free with donations accepted. Info…
Christmas Open House at Happy Retreat — Holiday open house at historic Happy Retreat. 600 Mordington Ave, Charles Town. Sunday, Dec 7, 2 - 4 pm. Free. Info...
Sip & Screen at the Opera House — A favorite Christmas comedy (Rated PG) will be shown at the Shepherdstown Opera House. 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Dec 7, 3 pm. Free. Info...
Open House at Historic Harpers Ferry Home — Holiday open house fundraiser for First Zion Church takes place in historic St. John’s Episcopal Church building which is now a private home. 898 Washington St, Harpers Ferry. Sunday, Dec 7, 4 pm. Free with $25 donation suggested. Info...
Cookie Baking With Joe — Holiday cookie-making class hosted by the Community Garden Market, 207 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Dec 7, 6 - 8 pm. $ Registration required. Info...
Sinfonia & Community Orchestra Concert — Concert featuring Shepherd University and community musicians. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, Dec 10, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info...
Community Spotlight — Bicycle Path Public Workshop
Topic: Connecting the Route 9 bicycle path to Charles Town
When: Tuesday, December 16, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Where: 393 North Lawrence St., Charles Town (the new County Commission building)
Details: Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle MPO (HEPMPO) invites the public to preview concepts and ideas for a potential extension of the Route 9 Bicycle Path between its current terminus at Currie Road and the Charles Town Skate Park. HEPMPO is seeking public input on potential routes, areas of concern, and points of interest.
Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free.
