Holiday Lights Itinerary for the Richmond Region
Time for a light show group tour
Remember the song, “I wear my sunglasses at night”? Well, this region sure pumps up the wattage for the holidays, so your group might want to get prepared! From festive decorations on historic sites to over-the-top homes, this is the perfect place to get away for the holidays.
KINGS DOMINION WINTERFEST
With live shows, strolling performers, millions of lights and a 300-foot Christmas tree. Select nights day after Thanksgiving through January.
Time Allotment: 3 hours
Location: 24 miles north of Richmond
Bus Parking: Onsite
AGECROFT HALL
This 15th-century Tudor home, originally built in Lancashire, England, was rebuilt on the banks of the James River in 1926. Set amid gardens, this country manor house is lovingly decorated for the holiday season.
Time Allotment: 2 hours
Location: Richmond
Bus Parking: Onsite
VIRGINIA HOUSE
Next door to Agecroft Hall is the 16th-century Virginia House, also originally built in England. Here you can make a gingerbread house before enjoying an afternoon tea service and house tour.
Time Allotment: 1 hour
Location: Richmond
Bus Parking: Onsite
CARYTOWN SHOPPING DISTRICT
Known for its variety of one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques and food stores, Carytown is the perfect place to find those unique gifts you’ve been looking for.
Time Allotment: Two hours
Location: Carytown, Richmond
Bus Parking: Drop-off only
VIRGINIA STATE CAPITOL & EXECUTIVE MANSION
Designed by Thomas Jefferson in 1788, the Commonwealth’s Capitol gets into the holiday spirit when the Governor, First Lady, Santa and Virginia Military representatives join for the lighting of the official state tree. The tree lighting is followed by an open house at the Executive Mansion, where the public can tour the Governor’s home in all its holiday splendor.
Time Allotment: 1.5 hours
Location: Downtown Richmond
Bus Parking: Drop-off only
DOMINION ENERGY GARDENFEST OF LIGHTS AT LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDEN
On display from late November to early January, the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights features more than a half-million holiday lights arranged in botanical themes throughout the garden.
Time Allotment: 2 hours
Location: 9 miles north of Downtown Richmond
Bus Parking: Onsite
JAMES CENTER LIGHTS
Stop for a stroll through the James Center with its thousands of white lights and hundreds of lighted reindeer.
Time Allotment: 30 minutes
Location: Downtown Richmond
Bus Parking: Drop-off only
MAYMONT MANSION
Enjoy dazzling tours of the Maymont Mansion, lavishly decorated with Victorian Christmas décor, and experience old-fashioned Christmas festivities.
Time Allotment: 2 hours
Location: Richmond
Bus Parking: Onsite
THE JEFFERSON HOTEL
The Jefferson’s beautiful decorations, giant gingerbread house and magnificent tree will put anybody in the holiday spirit.
Time Allotment: 30 minutes
Location: Richmond
Bus Parking: Drop-off only
RICHMOND REGION TACKY LIGHTS TOUR
For your evening entertainment, take the renowned Richmond Tacky Lights Tour. Mapped routes are available each year that feature the most outlandishly decorated houses in the region.
Time Allotment: 2 hours
Locations: Various location in the region
Bus Parking: Riding Tour with drop-off and some walking to certain homes.
HISTORIC CHRISTMAS AT HANOVER TAVERN
One of only a few surviving colonial-era taverns in the United States, Hanover Tavern comes alive for the holidays with visits from colonial Santa and Mrs. Claus, a community bake sale and holiday crafts. Join in with carolers and enjoy refreshments on the porch before the official Hanover Tavern tree lighting.
Time Allotment: 1.5 hours
Location: 20 miles north of Richmond in Hanover County
Bus Parking: Onsite
JAMES RIVER PARADE OF LIGHTS
Decorated boats parade the waterway on the James River every year.
Time Allotment: 1 hour
Locations: Various viewing points throughout the region
Bus Parking: Varies depending on location
COURT END CHRISTMAS
A special free event that takes place annually on the first Sunday in December. This fun community tradition includes carriage rides, performances, refreshments, gift shops, music, tours and free admission to The Valentine, White House of the Confederacy, John Marshall House & Gardens and St. John’s Church.
Time Allotment: 3-4 hours
Locations: Richmond’s Court End Neighborhood
Bus Parking: Various locations in the area
CAPITAL CITY KWANZAA FESTIVAL
Held annually on the last Saturday in December. The festival features performances, children’s activities and an African market.
Time Allotment: 1-2 hours
Location: Richmond downtown
Bus Parking: Street parking
RVA ILLUMINATES (FORMERLY RICHMOND GRAND ILLUMINATION)
Held annually on the first Friday in December. Features performances, shopping and food vendors, free Riverfront Canal boat rides and carriage rides. The Mayor will flip the switch at 6 p.m., lighting up the downtown skyline and announcing the arrival of the holiday season.
Time Allotment: 2 hours
Locations: Richmond’s Kanawha Plaza
Bus Parking: Drop-off only
THE NUTCRACKER BALLET
The Richmond Ballet invites families to join Clara on her journey through a holiday dream at the Dominion Energy Center.
Time Allotment: 3 hours
Location: Downtown Richmond
Bus Parking: Drop-off only