Looking for the perfect holiday experience for your family? Try one of the many Christmas day trips in Central Virginia!
There’s something in driving distance for every family, from cookie decorating to ice skating and Christmas lights to historic holiday traditions. Happy adventurers of all ages can kick up the fun in Virginia with endless thrills, activities, and hands-on learning with these Christmas day trips.
With its abundance of picturesque rural locations and arts-focused capitol city, the Central Virginia region transforms into something remarkable during the Christmas season. These are a few of Virginia’s top choices for Christmas day trips and holiday traditions. See more about each fantastic event by browsing our calendar of family events.
Keep in mind that reservations or advance tickets may be needed for some of these attractions. Always check the attraction’s website for current policies, hours, and ticket information.
Maymont Garden Glow
Maymont
Richmond, VA
Experience the magic of Maymont during Garden Glow. This year, discover new light sculptures along the expanded Kinsale Glow Path and see the Japanese Garden, transformed into a stunning spectacle of color and illumination over 22 enchanting nights.
Kick off your adventure at The Robins Nature Center, where the Kinsale Glow Path leads you past imaginative light displays created by international artists, culminating at the Glow Village on the Carriage House Lawn. Here, you can cozy up around fire pits, relax on glow furniture, and indulge in food and drinks from the Glow Bar.
Then, take a stroll along the Woodland Trail into the captivating Japanese Garden, which will be awash in vibrant colors. Plan for at least an hour and a half to fully soak in the experience, and be ready to walk about a mile and a half, navigating some gentle slopes. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bundle up for winter weather!
Pro tip for parents: The historic pathways to and throughout the Japanese Garden, presented by Colesville Nursery, are not stroller-friendly! Stroller parking will be available near the Glow Village and for those who need assistance, transportation will be available.
The Glow Village is packed with activities for everyone:
- Snap a colorful photo at the Shadow Wall, presented by Juno Financial Group.
- Unleash your creativity at the Big Bright Mega Light board.
- Enjoy the new Glow Swings from Magic Special Events.
- Gather by a fire pit to reconnect and share stories with your loved ones.
This year’s Garden Glow promises to be a memorable blend of art, nature, and community—a perfect christmas day trip for all ages!
If you are already a Maymont member, you can enjoy complimentary access on October 16, 22, and 29.
The Nutcracker and Class with Clara
Charlottesville Ballet
Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Culpeper, VA
Step into the winter season with The Nutcracker, a holiday classic. This mesmerizing local production showcases the talented professional dancers of Charlottesville Ballet along with over 100 community performers from Central Virginia. Audiences can look forward to captivating performances and special events in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Culpeper. Select performances feature live music by the Charlottesville Symphony.
The 90-minute show follows young Clara on her magical journey through the Lands of Snowflakes and Sweets. Spectators will encounter playful mice, a sparkling Snow Queen, delightful dancing treats, and the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy. This is performance designed to capture hearts and ignite imaginations!
After the show, take advantage of a special opportunity. Young fans can take “Class with Clara” on stage after select performances! Children ages 3-8 have the chance to dance with Clara and other iconic characters from the ballet. Class with Clara passes can be added onto your ticket at the time of purchase.
Lewis Ginter Gardenfest of Lights
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Richmond, VA
Voted the Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the U.S. by USA Today 10 Best in 2023, this year’s theme is The Elements. Visitors will experience millions of lights in displays and designs inspired by earth, air, water, fire, and the special fifth element of love
Accessible paths make it easy to walk with a stroller or wheelchair. The Garden Cafe is the perfect stop to enjoy a meal with family and friends. Don’t forget to stop by the Jingle Bar and Grill, a favorite with the kids to grab a cup of hot chocolate! It also offers casual grab-and-go fare and a bar. The Kelleher Warming Fire in the Children’s Garden is a great spot to warm up, sip hot chocolate, and roast s’mores (available for purchase at the nearby Carriage House).
Model trains will be on display in Kelly Education Center. In the Lora M. Robins Library, children will be enchanted by fairy houses built with seeds, petals, and other natural materials. Other popular attractions will also return this year, including the trees decorated by Henrico County Public Schools students. The show-stopping Fraser Fir from Pennsylvania, which stands 20-feet-tall in the North Wing of the Conservatory also makes the perfect photo-op. Don’t miss this spectactular Christmas day trip!
Colonial Williamsburg Holiday Festivities
Colonial Williamsburg
Williamsburg, VA
There are several ways to celebrate the holidays in Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg. One of the most visited historical places in the nation, it should come as no surprise that family vacations are ideal during this enchanted time of year.
Yorktown’s festive atmosphere comes alive with a handmade craft market, a seasonal Mistletoe Market, and stunning illuminations over the capital building. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the celebrations, featuring a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town. Then enjoy the procession to Riverwalk Landing, where visitors can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
At the Yorktown Waterfront, enjoy a cozy beach bonfire with complimentary cider and the annual Lighted Boat Parade, showcasing beautifully lit boats on the river. The Williamsburg Christmas Market offers holiday gifts, photo ops with Santa, live entertainment, gluhwein, craft beers, and delicious local food. Don’t miss the Riverwalk Landing Polar Express train ride and the festive Toyland Parade!
This year, Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum present Christmas Tide, where costumed interpreters explore the evolution of English Christmas customs. Guests can experience the sights and smells of a Revolutionary-era farm kitchen, learn about life in the Continental Army, and enjoy flintlock musket demonstrations, open-hearth cooking, and period music.
ZooLights at the Smithsonian National Zoo
Smithsonian National Zoo
Washinton, DC
If your family loves twinkling lights and animal adventures, a trip to Washington, D.C.’s ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is absolutely worth the drive from Charlottesville. Each winter, this beloved D.C. tradition transforms the zoo into a glowing wonderland of animated light sculptures, animal lanterns, and festive music.
Don’t miss this perfect winter day trip from Charlottesville to spark joy for kids and parents alike!
Winter Wander Trail of Lights and Winged Dancers
Boar’s Head Resort
Charlottesville, VA
At the Boar’s Head Resort Winter Wander Trail of Lights, enjoy the beauty of the terrain while taking a stroll around the lakeside under the glow of a brilliant array of lights. It is an incredible, one-of-a-kind light display. Wanderers entering the event through the main entrance will be welcomed by a lit archway and a unique 12-foot-tall boar-faced nutcracker.
This year’s Winter Wander Trail of Lights promises to be the most spectacular yet. Experience fireworks and a live drone light show on select nights. Then enjoy live music with group of enchanting, fairytale-inspired interactive LED dancers. Wander In Motion is a mesmerizing spectacle and is sure to astound children and adults alike.
Explore new displays during your Christmas day trip including Heron’s Nest, celebrating the stunning heron that inhabits Heritage Lake. Make sure to visit enhanced illuminations added to existing features such as Serenity Way, Sunkissed Meadow, and Firefly Grove, and four new artificial snow machines located at Serenity Way and Starry Night Sky. The far east side of the Wander Grounds will host the Enchantment District, featuring live music and attractions on select nights. Enjoy entertainment in a heated tent along with outdoor games, two additional fire pits, and the Frost and Fire Bar.
Lantern Tours at Frontier Culture
Frontier Culture Museum
Staunton, VA
Ring in the holiday season with a Christmas day trip to the Frontier Culture Museum. Take a walking lantern tour around the Old World side of the museum. Decorated historic houses are backdrops to new skits both heartwarming and comedic, and warm apple cider and cookies will help spread the holiday cheer! Open 364 days a year, this popular destination in the stunning Shenandoah Valley is the ideal spot for a stroll any day, but truly comes alive during the holiday season.
The Frontier Culture Museum shares stories of early America in a fun interactive walk. Paved, it is easy for toddlers and strollers alike. (Don’t forget to let the kids scatter some cracked corn for the chickens and turkeys!) With wagons to borrow and a golf cart roaming looking for passengers, it is easy to cut your walk short should anyone in your group tire out. A charming souvenir shop with snacks, picnic tables, and nicely outfitted bathrooms makes this stop popular with families.
Be sure to check out their holiday workshops for an opportunity to create your own Yule Log centerpiece, a pomander (a historical aromatic decoration from oranges and cloves), or cookie ornament to take home!
A Christmas Carol at the American Shakespeare Center
Blackfriars Playhouse
Staunton, VA
Take a short Christmas day trip from Charlottesville to Staunton to experience the ultimate tale of transformation with A Christmas Carol. The miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is taken high above the streets of Victorian London, haunted by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. In just one fateful night, these spirits share the magic of Christmas and warm his cold heart. Running around 95 minutes including an intermission, the show welcomes anyone age 3 and up to enjoy the festive holiday production.
The American Shakespeare Center is the ultimate place to enjoy this cherished holiday tradition. Its Blackfriars Playhouse, the world’s first re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre, has been deemed “one of the most historically important theatres in the world.” It does not disappoint, with incredible performances and stunning design.
ASC offers Pay-What-You-Will Previews for A Christmas Carol on Thursday, December 4, and Friday, December 5. Be sure to arrive before curtain and check in at the box office to claim your PWYW seat on a first-come, first-served basis. This is their most popular PWYW event of the year, so plan to arrive early to secure your spot. Donations to support ASC will be welcomed after the performance.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Busch Gardens
Williamsburg, VA
Holiday Festival & Lights at Verdun Adventure Bound
Verdon Adventure Bound
Culpeper, VA
Kings Dominion WinterFest
Kings Dominion
Doswell, VA
Families can celebrate the joy of the holiday season and thrills of the park at Kings Dominion’s WinterFest. See the park transformed into a magical winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights and decorations. Children will be mesmerized as the iconic Eiffel Tower becomes a 300-foot Christmas tree. The famous fountain on International Street becomes one of the largest ice-skating rinks in the area. It’s the perfect picturesque backdrop for holiday memories and photos.
WinterFest is packed with exciting experiences designed for families to create unforgettable holiday moments together. Enjoy lively shows featuring beloved characters and festive entertainment that will have everyone singing along. Don’t miss the enchanting Christmas on Ice show. It combines dazzling choreography with stunning costumes. Families can also look forward to the spectacular tree-lighting ceremony that officially kicks off the festivities.
Middleburg Holiday Charm
Middleburg
Middleburg, VA
Enjoy the best of wintertime cheer and small-town charm as you visit the historic Middleburg over the holidays. Take in the yearly tree lighting and the spectacular Middleburg Christmas Parade. Watch as llamas, ponies, hounds, and horses trot down the street. With its festive stores, eateries, and seasonal housing options, Middleburg is also an ideal destination for holiday shopping trips.
Don’t miss the Foxcroft’s New Girls’ rendition of the traditional nativity story featuring live animals and music. You can even grab breakfast with Santa! Middleburg is a storybook village complete with many local shops along Washington Street and makes a quaint Christmas day trip. There is even a Christmas Sleigh stocked with Old World holiday décor and ornaments. Need to entertain the smallest members of your family? Stop by the new children’s play space to get out all the wiggles before the drive home.
Be sure to check out our other wonderful stories
to help make your holidays bright!
The Best Charlottesville Christmas Events
Central Virginia Christmas Tree Farms
Virginia’s Best Holiday Light Displays
10 Christmas Day trips in Virginia Perfect for Winter Break
Live Christmas Tree Care Guide
Sugar Cookies Recipe
Charlottesville’s Grand Illumination
Favorite Places for Snow Tubing
Top DC Holiday Attractions
CharlottesvilleFamily Editors are locals who care deeply about family and community. We are almost all parents who serve alongside our readers in the PTO and band boosters, coaching sports teams, helping with the school fun fair and more. Our insider perspective, combined with great research and expert input from our wonderful CharlottesvilleFamily Advisory Panel helps us to provide you with trustworthy advice as you raise the next generation of brilliant and compassionate kids.