One of the best parts about the holiday season in Virginia is the opportunity to celebrate in countless ways. Perhaps one of the most festive is a tour of Christmas lights in Virginia. Like Christmas trees come to life, these twinkling decorations make for an incredible vision if you have a free night to spend time with friends or loved ones.
If you’re looking for a dose of holiday magic, these are some of the best Christmas lights in Virginia that are sure to put you in a merry mood.
- Dominion GardenFest of Lights (Richmond)
Dominion GardenFest of Lights/Facebook
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens/Facebook When it comes to incredible Christmas lights in Virginia, the Dominion GardenFest of Lights belongs at the top of the list. Set in the beautiful Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens of Richmond, this charming holiday tradition begins with the illumination of half a million lights. For more information about these wonderful Virginia Christmas lights, be sure to visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden website. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave, Henrico, VA 23228, USA
- Celebration in Lights (Newport News)
Newport News Parks Division/Facebook The annual Celebration in Lights festival is a one-of-a-kind drive-through event that takes place at Newport News Park. The gates typically open on Thanksgiving night, ushering in the holiday season with an amazing two-mile drive. Along the way, visitors will see over 800,000 lights along with 300 display pieces. Curious to learn more? Head on over to the Celebration in Lights website for additional details. Newport News Park Bikeway, Newport News, VA, USA
- Million Bulb Walk (Norfolk)
Norfolk Botanical Garden/Facebook As its name implies, the Million Bulb Walk is the chance to meander through the beautifully-lit grounds of the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Winter has never looked more dazzling than this dazzling stroll through over a million twinkling lights. The walk is wheelchair and stroller accessible. For more information on this delightful display of Christmas lights in Virginia, be sure to check out the Million Bulb Walk website. Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518, USA
- Holiday Lights at the Beach (Virginia Beach)
BeachStreet USA/Facebook
Beach Street USA A beach boardwalk may seem an unlikely place for Christmas festivities, but that is exactly the case when it comes to Holiday Lights at the Beach. This year, you’ll spot all kinds of themes, from holiday to nautical, draped along the scenic boardwalk. With some fixtures up to 30 feet high, it’s truly a delight for visitors of all ages. Learn more about how you can participate in the annual Holiday Lights at the Beach to see some of the best Christmas light displays in VA. Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
- Christmas Town at Busch Gardens (Williamsburg)
Scott Smith/flickr
Ricky Brigante/flickr Christmas Town at Busch Gardens is an annual event that transforms this beautiful theme park into a spectacular holiday world. Complete with rides, light displays, Santa’s workshop, and even peppermint fudge hot chocolate, this set-up is a must-see, no matter your age. Learn more about what makes Christmas Town at Busch Gardens such a beloved holiday tradition. Busch Gardens Christmas Town, 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA
- Walking In A Winter Wonderland (Clearbrook)
Walking In A Winter Wonderland/Facebook
Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau/Facebook This annual light show transforms Clearbrook Park near Winchester with festive displays and walks. And you can watch the lights double before your eyes as the sun sets and the reflection from the lake begins to shine. It’s here that you’ll also find cookies, live music, and plenty of hot chocolate to go around. Learn more about all the festivities in store by visiting Winchester’s official tourism site. Clearbrook Park, 3300 Martinsburg Pike Winchester, VA 22624
- Bull Run Festival of Lights (Centreville)
Bull Run Festival of Lights/Facebook
Bull Run Festival of Lights/Facebook The Bull Run Festival of Lights is an annual drive that lets visitors see 2.5 miles of holiday-themed splendor. At the end of the drive, you’ll be greeted at the holiday village where rides, a bonfire, refreshments, and even Santa Claus himself will all be waiting. The event typically takes place between Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Eve. For more information, head on over to the Bull Run Festival of Lights website. Bull Run Festival of Lights, 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121, USA
- Suffolk Holiday Parade
Visit Suffolk, Virginia/Facebook
Visit Suffolk, Virginia/Facebook The annual Suffolk Holiday Parade is an event that folks wait all year to celebrate. This parade of floats, lights, music, and more is a family-friendly way to welcome the holiday season. You may even get a chance to spot Santa and Mrs. Claus. For more information about this annual event, click here and get ready to enjoy some amazing holiday lights in Virginia. Suffolk Holiday Parade, Downtown Suffolk, VA
- Holiday Light Show (Danville)
Danville Community Light Festival/WDBJ7
Danville, VA - Government/Facebook This family-friendly community event welcomes thousands each year to tour the lights of Danville’s most decorated homes and businesses. And to spread the holiday cheer even further, the money raised by this event is donated to local charities and non-profits. For more information about Danville’s Holiday Light Show, you can click here. Ballou Recreation Center, 760 W Main St, Danville, VA 24541, USA
While this list highlights some of the brightest Christmas lights in Virginia, it certainly doesn’t include all of them. So please feel free to share some of your favorite holiday light shows in Virginia with a comment. We’d love to hear from you!
Dominion GardenFest of Lights/Facebook
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens/Facebook
When it comes to incredible Christmas lights in Virginia, the Dominion GardenFest of Lights belongs at the top of the list. Set in the beautiful Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens of Richmond, this charming holiday tradition begins with the illumination of half a million lights. For more information about these wonderful Virginia Christmas lights, be sure to visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden website.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave, Henrico, VA 23228, USA
Newport News Parks Division/Facebook
The annual Celebration in Lights festival is a one-of-a-kind drive-through event that takes place at Newport News Park. The gates typically open on Thanksgiving night, ushering in the holiday season with an amazing two-mile drive. Along the way, visitors will see over 800,000 lights along with 300 display pieces. Curious to learn more? Head on over to the Celebration in Lights website for additional details.
Newport News Park Bikeway, Newport News, VA, USA
Norfolk Botanical Garden/Facebook
As its name implies, the Million Bulb Walk is the chance to meander through the beautifully-lit grounds of the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Winter has never looked more dazzling than this dazzling stroll through over a million twinkling lights. The walk is wheelchair and stroller accessible. For more information on this delightful display of Christmas lights in Virginia, be sure to check out the Million Bulb Walk website.
Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518, USA
BeachStreet USA/Facebook
Beach Street USA
A beach boardwalk may seem an unlikely place for Christmas festivities, but that is exactly the case when it comes to Holiday Lights at the Beach. This year, you’ll spot all kinds of themes, from holiday to nautical, draped along the scenic boardwalk. With some fixtures up to 30 feet high, it’s truly a delight for visitors of all ages. Learn more about how you can participate in the annual Holiday Lights at the Beach to see some of the best Christmas light displays in VA.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
Scott Smith/flickr
Ricky Brigante/flickr
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens is an annual event that transforms this beautiful theme park into a spectacular holiday world. Complete with rides, light displays, Santa’s workshop, and even peppermint fudge hot chocolate, this set-up is a must-see, no matter your age. Learn more about what makes Christmas Town at Busch Gardens such a beloved holiday tradition.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town, 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA
Walking In A Winter Wonderland/Facebook
Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau/Facebook
This annual light show transforms Clearbrook Park near Winchester with festive displays and walks. And you can watch the lights double before your eyes as the sun sets and the reflection from the lake begins to shine. It’s here that you’ll also find cookies, live music, and plenty of hot chocolate to go around. Learn more about all the festivities in store by visiting Winchester’s official tourism site.
Clearbrook Park, 3300 Martinsburg Pike Winchester, VA 22624
Bull Run Festival of Lights/Facebook
The Bull Run Festival of Lights is an annual drive that lets visitors see 2.5 miles of holiday-themed splendor. At the end of the drive, you’ll be greeted at the holiday village where rides, a bonfire, refreshments, and even Santa Claus himself will all be waiting. The event typically takes place between Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Eve. For more information, head on over to the Bull Run Festival of Lights website.
Bull Run Festival of Lights, 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121, USA
Visit Suffolk, Virginia/Facebook
The annual Suffolk Holiday Parade is an event that folks wait all year to celebrate. This parade of floats, lights, music, and more is a family-friendly way to welcome the holiday season. You may even get a chance to spot Santa and Mrs. Claus. For more information about this annual event, click here and get ready to enjoy some amazing holiday lights in Virginia.
Suffolk Holiday Parade, Downtown Suffolk, VA
Danville Community Light Festival/WDBJ7
Danville, VA - Government/Facebook
This family-friendly community event welcomes thousands each year to tour the lights of Danville’s most decorated homes and businesses. And to spread the holiday cheer even further, the money raised by this event is donated to local charities and non-profits. For more information about Danville’s Holiday Light Show, you can click here.
Ballou Recreation Center, 760 W Main St, Danville, VA 24541, USA
When it comes to travel destinations, Virginia offers some incredibly beautiful areas to explore. What are some of your favorite holiday destinations in Virginia? Feel free to share them with us by filling out our attraction nomination form.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas lights in Virginia October 03, 2021 Beth C. What is winter in Virginia like? Winters in Virginia vary from year to year, as many residents have come to expect. On average, Virginia experiences a relatively mild winter when compared to other states. While snowfall isn’t uncommon, major snowstorms are relatively few and far between. For more snow, travelers should head to higher-altitude counties. Wondering which destinations are the best for winter in Virginia? Fortunately, we’ve scouted out a few for you to visit. Some of these places include Massanutten Resort in McGaheysville, Caledon State Park, Mabry Mill, Mount Vernon, Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna, Shields Tavern in Williamsburg, Wilderness Road State Park in Ewing, Lewis Ginter Gardenfest of Lights in Henrico, Old Town Alexandria, and Great Falls Park in McLean. Learn more about these winter-friendly destinations in Virginia. Where can I go skiing in Virginia? Virginia may not have consistent snowfall, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy classic winter recreational activities like skiing and snowboarding. To enjoy skiing in Virginia, head to any of the following winter resorts: Wintergreen, Massanutten Resort, Bryce Resort, and the Omni Homestead Resort. These ski resorts offer a variety of activities, ranging from snow tubing to ice-skating rinks. If you’re looking for a truly magical winter experience, we’d recommend a trip to the Omni Homestead Resort, where you can experience a soak in authentic hot springs. The Homestead is tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia, offering spectacular scenery any time of year. In fact, the hotel was built around the natural hot springs, believed to have healing effects. Visit the resort in the winter and you can look forward to taking a dip in the indoor swimming pool, naturally heated by the hot springs, or the beautiful outdoor heated pool. Learn more about how the Omni Homestead Resort makes for a wonderful winter getaway in Virginia.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas lights in Virginia
October 03, 2021
Beth C.
What is winter in Virginia like? Winters in Virginia vary from year to year, as many residents have come to expect. On average, Virginia experiences a relatively mild winter when compared to other states. While snowfall isn’t uncommon, major snowstorms are relatively few and far between. For more snow, travelers should head to higher-altitude counties. Wondering which destinations are the best for winter in Virginia? Fortunately, we’ve scouted out a few for you to visit. Some of these places include Massanutten Resort in McGaheysville, Caledon State Park, Mabry Mill, Mount Vernon, Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna, Shields Tavern in Williamsburg, Wilderness Road State Park in Ewing, Lewis Ginter Gardenfest of Lights in Henrico, Old Town Alexandria, and Great Falls Park in McLean. Learn more about these winter-friendly destinations in Virginia. Where can I go skiing in Virginia? Virginia may not have consistent snowfall, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy classic winter recreational activities like skiing and snowboarding. To enjoy skiing in Virginia, head to any of the following winter resorts: Wintergreen, Massanutten Resort, Bryce Resort, and the Omni Homestead Resort. These ski resorts offer a variety of activities, ranging from snow tubing to ice-skating rinks. If you’re looking for a truly magical winter experience, we’d recommend a trip to the Omni Homestead Resort, where you can experience a soak in authentic hot springs. The Homestead is tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia, offering spectacular scenery any time of year. In fact, the hotel was built around the natural hot springs, believed to have healing effects. Visit the resort in the winter and you can look forward to taking a dip in the indoor swimming pool, naturally heated by the hot springs, or the beautiful outdoor heated pool. Learn more about how the Omni Homestead Resort makes for a wonderful winter getaway in Virginia.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Winters in Virginia vary from year to year, as many residents have come to expect. On average, Virginia experiences a relatively mild winter when compared to other states. While snowfall isn’t uncommon, major snowstorms are relatively few and far between. For more snow, travelers should head to higher-altitude counties. Wondering which destinations are the best for winter in Virginia? Fortunately, we’ve scouted out a few for you to visit. Some of these places include Massanutten Resort in McGaheysville, Caledon State Park, Mabry Mill, Mount Vernon, Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna, Shields Tavern in Williamsburg, Wilderness Road State Park in Ewing, Lewis Ginter Gardenfest of Lights in Henrico, Old Town Alexandria, and Great Falls Park in McLean. Learn more about these winter-friendly destinations in Virginia.
Where can I go skiing in Virginia?
Virginia may not have consistent snowfall, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy classic winter recreational activities like skiing and snowboarding. To enjoy skiing in Virginia, head to any of the following winter resorts: Wintergreen, Massanutten Resort, Bryce Resort, and the Omni Homestead Resort. These ski resorts offer a variety of activities, ranging from snow tubing to ice-skating rinks. If you’re looking for a truly magical winter experience, we’d recommend a trip to the Omni Homestead Resort, where you can experience a soak in authentic hot springs. The Homestead is tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia, offering spectacular scenery any time of year. In fact, the hotel was built around the natural hot springs, believed to have healing effects. Visit the resort in the winter and you can look forward to taking a dip in the indoor swimming pool, naturally heated by the hot springs, or the beautiful outdoor heated pool. Learn more about how the Omni Homestead Resort makes for a wonderful winter getaway in Virginia.
