Let the holiday fun begin! The Richmond Region is bursting with festive experiences to make your winter season shine. From twinkling light displays to bustling holiday markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re planning a cozy family getaway or a spirited weekend escape, explore RVA’s unique activities, charming attractions, and welcoming hotels—and start creating unforgettable holiday memories.
Ongoing
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
November 17, 2026 - January 4, 2026
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden hosts the ultimate holiday extravaganza during the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights. This annual tradition features one million twinkling lights, hand-crafted botanical decorations, model trains, and more. See illuminated figures throughout the garden that go with this year’s theme, The Elements.
Light Up the Tracks Celebration
Downtown Ashland
November 22, 2025 - January 1, 2026
Stroll the mile-long holiday light display in the downtown Ashland historic district and see the iconic railroad tracks adorned with twinkling lights. Stop in the local shops in this vintage holiday village and enjoy dinner at one of the charming local restaurants. Plus, don't miss scheduled events including a gingerbread scavenger hunt, live musical performances, and more.
Legendary Santa
Children's Museum of Richmond
November 28 - December 24, 2025
Experience a cherished Richmond holiday tradition at the Children’s Museum of Richmond, where since 1936, families have gathered to meet Legendary Santa and his companion, the Snow Queen. Watch as Santa makes his grand entrance and share in the wonder as he greets every child, keeping the spirit of Christmas alive for generations.
November
Christmas at the Virginia Cliffe Inn
A Magical Cirque Christmas 2025
Altria Theater
November 18
Experience the wonder of the season with A Magical Cirque Christmas, a dazzling holiday spectacular that combines breathtaking acrobatics, world-class performers, and timeless Christmas music. This enchanting show delivers festive magic, laughter, and awe for audiences of all ages.
Sweater Weather Market
Agecroft Hall & Gardens
November 23
Get cozy and shop local at this outdoor bazaar at Agecroft Hall & Gardens featuring artisan crafts, delicious bites, and seasonal treats. Garden access is free for the event, and visitors can also tour the historic house museum (with paid admission).
48th Annual Model Railroad Show
Science Museum of Virginia
November 28-30
Featuring all the bells and whistles, guests will see unique and traditional model train displays from across the state. Learn how trains work, conduct experiments, check out special demonstrations and enjoy a holiday weekend filled with fun for the whole family. The Model Railroad Show is included with museum admission.
Christmas at the Inn Arts and Crafts Show
Virginia Cliffe Inn
November 28 - December 2
Experience the magic of the season at Christmas at the Inn, hosted by the Virginia Cliffe Inn. Enjoy festive holiday shopping from local artisans, enjoy some Brunswick stew, and take in the charming atmosphere of this historic venue.
Let It Snow! Richmond Symphony Concert
Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
November 30
Celebrate the holidays with a concert featuring the sounds of the season! Join the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus for this magical holiday tradition the whole family will love. Hear arrangements of famous carols, classics, and sparkling holiday favorites!
New Kent County Grand Illumination
Historic New Kent County Courthouse
November 30
Bask in the joy of the holidays at New Kent County's Grand Illumination event! Bring your friends and family and enjoy caroling and live entertainment, holiday snacks, and a local holiday vendor market. Children can take a photo with Santa and enjoy a variety of fun activities. All of this culminates in the illumination of the Historic New Kent County Courthouse.
Holiday Brass
Carpenter Theater at Dominion Energy Center
November 30
Ring in the season with brilliance and cheer at Holiday Brass, where the Richmond Symphony presents a sparkling concert of holiday hits for the whole family. Head to the Carpenter Theater for an evening of festive sounds and joyful celebration!
December
Tacky Lights Tours
Tacky Lights Tours
Various Locations
December 1-31
The Richmond Region's iconic tradition of over-the-top holiday decorating can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car, a shuttle, a limousine, or an open-air TukTuk. Don't just take our word for it, Travel + Leisure says Richmond has The Best Christmas Lights in Virginia. Book your tour and see the region's tackiest light displays.
Christmas with C.S. Lewis
Gottwald Playhouse at Dominion Energy Center
December 1-4
Step into the world of C.S. Lewis this holiday season with Christmas with C.S. Lewis! Join award-winning actor Gregory Williams Welsch as he brings to life an unforgettable Christmas Eve at Lewis’ home near Oxford, where a heartfelt conversation with J.R.R. Tolkien forever changed Lewis’ holiday celebrations. Expect laughter, tears, and Yuletide stories that will warm your heart.
Colonial Heights Christmas Parade
The Boulevard, Colonial Heights
December 2
Celebrate the spirit of Christmas during the region’s annual nighttime holiday parade, held in Colonial Heights. Enjoy “A Hollywood Christmas” themed floats and musical performers on The Boulevard during this fun holiday tradition.
A Christmas Carol: Afternoon Tea Experience
Queen's Library Tea Room
December 2-23
Sip on festive tea flights at A Christmas Carol Afternoon Tea, where classic Dickens, Old English tea traditions, and Virginia charm come together in a two-hour celebration of warmth and wonder. Enjoy an Old English Tea Flight, a Tea Tower of sweet & savory delights, and a stirring reading of A Christmas Carol.
The Bizarre Bazaar's 50th Christmas Collection
Richmond Raceway Complex
December 4-8
A Richmond tradition for 50 years, The Bizarre Bazaar Christmas Collection features hundreds of vendors offering unique seasonal gifts. Find decorative accessories for the home and garden, gourmet cookbooks, fine linens, designer clothing, toys, artwork, furniture and more.
Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
West Broad Street (Between the Science Museum & 7th Street)
December 6
The annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade returns to West Broad Street to herald in the holiday season! This beloved Richmond tradition attracts spectators from near and far, with an exciting parade line-up that includes colorful floats, giant helium balloons, and Santa himself.
Merry Market at Maymont
December 6-7
Celebrate the season at Maymont and revel in classic Victorian holiday splendor! Save the date for their annual Merry Market artisan festival, where more than 70 local artisans will offer hand-made gifts for all tastes and interests.
The Richmond Ballet's The Nutcracker
Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
December 6-23
Get ready for The Nutcracker's triumphant return this holiday season! Don't miss this iconic holiday performance to enjoy beautiful classical music arrangements by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky and the Richmond Symphony, bringing magic and wonder to the stage.
CarMax Tacky Light Run
Mid-lothian Mines Park
December 13
Enjoy a fun walk, jog, or run through the Walton Park neighborhood, decked out in wow-worthy holiday décor. Celebrate 10 years of this famed holiday tradition of over-the-top, dazzling holiday light displays. Spread some holiday cheer as a spectator or sign up to participate in this family-friendly event.
Christmas Through the Centuries
Henricus Historical Park
December 13
Head to Henricus to experience Christmas Through the Centuries in Virginia. See how Dutch ideas influenced English holiday traditions and celebrate with carols and hot cider while decorating a Victorian Christmas tree by the fireside!
The Fan District Association Holiday House Tour
The Fan Area Historic District
December 13 & 14
Tour some of the most dazzling homes in the Fan Neighborhood during the Fan District Association’s Annual Holiday House Tour! Explore beautifully decorated homes that showcase the Fan’s one-of-a-kind architectural splendor and festive spirit with this 60-year-old holiday tradition in the largest intact Victorian district in the country.
Yuletides at Agecroft: Christmas Open House
Agecroft Hall & Gardens
December 14
Witness the holidays throughout history at Agecroft Hall. Explore 17th-century England, 19th-century London, and 20th-century Richmond as you enjoy festive decorations, family-friendly crafts, live entertainment, and a visit from Father Christmas himself.
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival 2025
Greater Richmond Convention Center
December 27
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival is the largest event of its kind in Virginia presenting performances, workshops, children’s activities, The African Market, food, and more. Make plans to observe the year-end Kwanzaa holiday, a cultural affirmation of values, thanksgiving, and growth. Be sure to follow Elegba Folklore Society for more details.
PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY GETAWAY
Give the gift of an amazing trip this season and book your stay in the Richmond Region!
