The holiday season is a magical time in the Richmond Region with charming decor, dazzling light displays and endless holiday festivities to explore. Experience the merriment and magic of the season in RVA and check out these upcoming events, hotel deals and holiday markets to get you in the spirit!
Events & Attractions
Kings Dominion's WinterFest
Kings Dominion
November 17, 2023 - December 31, 2023 | (Select Nights)
See the Kings Dominion amusement park magically transform into a winter wonderland during the ultimate holiday celebration! Kings Dominion's WinterFest is packed with all the sights, sounds, food, and experiences of the holiday season. The park shines bright with over two million shimmering lights, a 300-foot tree and lavish displays while live shows and strolling performers delight guests throughout the park. Plus, a selection of your favorite rides will be open to complete your night of memory making!
Light Up the Tracks Celebration
Downtown Ashland
November 18, 2023 - January 1, 2024 | (Select Dates & Times)
Stroll the mile-long holiday light display in the downtown historic district and see the iconic railroad tracks adorned with twinkling lights! Stop in the local shops in this vintage Christmas village for holiday specials 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. For more details, click here.
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
November 20, 2023 - January 7, 2024 | (Closed Thanksgiving, Dec. 24 & 25)
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden hosts the ultimate holiday extravaganza during the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights. This annual holiday tradition features one million twinkling lights, hand-crafted botanical decorations, model trains and more. See illuminated figures throughout like unicorns, butterflies and their famous peacock, plus a live 20-foot Christmas tree inside their Conservatory. Click here for more information.
(Photo Credit: Sarah Hauser)
46th Annual Model Railroad Show
Science Museum of Virginia
November 24 - November 26, 2023 | (Select Times)
Featuring all the bells and whistles, guests will enjoy 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. Click here to learn more.
Let It Snow! Richmond Symphony Concert
Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
November 25 & 26, 2023 | Doors at 7:00 pm, Show at 8:00 pm
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! Click here for ticket information.
New Kent County Grand Illumination
Historic New Kent County Courthouse
November 26, 2023 | 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
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. Learn more.
Holiday Happenings at Maymont
Maymont
November 28, 2023 - January 2024 | (Closed Christmas Day)
Celebrate the season at Maymont and revel in classic Victorian holiday splendor! Save the date for their annual Merry Market artisan festival on December 1, 2, 8 and 9 and holiday wreath making workshops beginning November 28. Visit the Maymont website for more details.
Tacky Lights Tours
December 1 - 31, 2023 | (Select Dates)
The Richmond Region's iconic tradition of over-the-top holiday decorating can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car, a shuttle, or an open-air TukTuk. Plus, admire the vibrant displays while running through Chesterfield County's Walton Park neighborhood during this year's CarMax Tacky Light Run on December 9! This is one holiday tradition that oooohers and aaaahers of all ages won't want to miss! Don't just take our word for it, Travel + Leisure says Richmond has The Best Christmas Lights in Virginia. To see a full guide of Richmond's tacky light display locations this year, click here.
(Photo Credit: Michael Simon Photography)
Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
West Broad Street (Between the Science Museum & 7th Street)
December 2, 2023 | 10:00 am
The annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade returns to West Broad Street on December 2 to commence the holiday season! Now in its 40th year, this beloved Richmond tradition attracts spectators from near and far. Click here for more information about this year's Christmas celebration.
HOLIDAY ILLUMINATION: 25TH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen
December 2, 2023 | 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Mark your calendars for this beloved holiday event featuring magical holiday music performances, a toasty bonfire, and of course, a special visit from Santa to light the iconic cedar Christmas tree at The Cultural Art Center’s entrance! Click here for additional event details.
Colonial Heights Christmas Parade
December 5, 2023 | 7:00 pm
The Boulevard, Colonial Heights
Celebrate the spirit of Christmas during the 70th annual Christmas Parade through Colonial Heights, Virginia on December 5! Enjoy themed floats and musical performers on The Boulevard during this fun holiday tradition. Get the details.
The Nutcracker
Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
December 8 - December 24, 2023 | (Select Dates & Times)
Get ready for The Nutcracker's triumphant return this holiday season! Don't miss this iconic holiday performance and enjoy beautiful classical music arrangements by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky and the Richmond Symphony.
CarMax 6k Tacky Light Run
Midlothian Mines
December 9, 2023 | 6:00 pm
Enjoy a fun walk, jog or run through the Walton Park neighborhood in Chesterfield County 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. Learn more, here.
(Photo Credit: Sports Backers)
The FAN District Association Holiday House Tour
The Fan Area Historic District
December 9 & 10, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Tour some of the most dazzling homes in the Fan Neighborhood during the Fan District Association’s Annual Holiday House Tour! This year's tour reflects the great diversity and stylish character of the Fan Area Historic District. Get the details.
Winter Wander: Court End at The Valentine
The Valentine
December 10, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Join The Valentine for some winter cheer on the picturesque block of East Clay Street! Bring your family and enjoy hot beverages, crafts, games and live music. You can also take a self-guided tour of the historic Court End neighborhood and visit nearby cultural sites for open houses and other activities. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, click here.
Christmas Through the Centuries
Henricus Historical Park
December 19, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Head to Henricus to experience Virginia Christmas from the 17th century through the 19th century. See how Dutch ideas influenced English holiday traditions and celebrate with carols and hot cider while decorating a Victorian Christmas tree by the fireside! Your festive journey through time will end with a visit from Father Christmas – where you can share your Yuletide wishes! Learn more, here.
Holiday Stays
Holiday Getaway Package
The Jefferson Hotel
Marvel in the beautifully decorated Jefferson Hotel and experience the joy of the holidays during your 5-star stay. Book a luxurious holiday stay at this prized hotel in the heart of downtown Richmond and take advantage of their holiday package featuring a Grand Premier room and complimentary self-parking. For more details on Jefferson Hotel holiday offers, click here.
(Offer valid Sunday through Thursday evenings November 12, 2023 through January 4, 2024, excluding Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day)
Pet Lover's Rate
Linden Row Inn
Treat yourself and your pet this holiday season with a stay at the historic and charming Linden Row Inn. Experience the traditional splendor of the holiday season while staying in luxury and style. Take advantage of Linden Row's new pet friendly package which features a stay in one of Linden Row Inn's pet-friendly rooms, a nightly pet fee and a welcome amenity for your pet. For more information on special offers and exclusion details, visit the Linden Row Inn website.
Looking for even more discounts on holiday stays?
CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL HOTEL DEALS, HERE
Holiday Shopping
Stony Point Sip & Shop
Stony Point Fashion Mall
November 24 Through December 24, 2023 | (Select Dates)
Shop local this holiday season at the Stony Point Fashion Park Sip & Shop market! Browse local crafts and goods from unique RVA vendors and find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Plus, enjoy sips from local wineries, distilleries and breweries on site!
The Bizarre Bazaar's 48th Christmas Collection
Richmond Raceway Complex
November 30 - December 3, 2023 | (Select Times)
A Richmond tradition for 48 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. Click here to see this year's shopping time slots and to purchase your tickets.
Holiday Villages 2023: The Richmond Night Market
Main Street Station
December 2, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Richmond Night Market returns this holiday season to bring us Holiday Villages- a special holiday shopping experience featuring the best in local and handmade artisans and businesses! Find the perfect gift while supporting talented RVA creators during this fun, family-friendly event. Visit the Richmond Night Market website for more details.
Carytown Holiday Artisan Market
City Stadium
December 16 & 17, 2023 | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Check out over 100 local vendors showcasing their unique, handcrafted goods during the Carytown Holiday Artisan Market. Plus, enjoy live music and food trucks while you shop local. For more details on this year's two-day shopping event, click here.
There are so many wonderful ways to celebrate the holiday season in RVA! Click below to begin planning your next trip to the Richmond Region!