Wherever you are in Virginia, you’re sure to find an inspiring twinkling light display worth a drive to go visit. From local light walks to elaborately decorated gardens, here are a few of our favorite holiday light displays in Virginia. Each one is sure to brighten your spirits and warm your heart this season.
At a Glance
- Virginia has many popular Christmas light displays that you can visit in 2025, including light walks and drive-through events.
- In Central Virginia, popular events include Winder Wander at the Boar’s Head Resort (Charlottesville), GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (Richmond), and The Lighted Boat Parade (Lake Anna).
- In Norther Virginia, Christmas light displays include ZooLights at the National Zoo (D.C.) and Bull Run Festival of Lights (Fairfax).
- In Tidewater Virginia, popular light displays include Busch Garden’s Christmas Town (Williamsburg) and Holiday Lights at the Beach (Virginia Beach).
- Always check whether tickets for light displays need to be purchased in advance.
Tips for Visiting Virginia’s Holiday Lights
If you’re planning a family visit to one of Virginia’s many holiday light displays, try to get your tickets early. Most holiday light venues are open mid-November to mid-January. Entry is often limited each evening, and events often have timed arrivals. Popular times sell out quickly, especially as you get closer to the end of December.
Always double-check time and admission details so you know what the policies for weather or special events are. And ask about the terrain as well. Most venues will let you know about accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs. If the ground will be rough, make sure everyone attending has sturdy shoes that will be comfortable for walking.
GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
You’ll find award-winning Virginia Christmas lights at Richmond’s Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. It was voted the Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the U.S. by USA Today 10 Best in 2023. Visitors will experience millions of lights as they wander through the gardens, themed this year around the elements.
Accessible paths make it easy to walk with a stroller or wheelchair. The Garden Cafe makes the perfect stop to enjoy a meal with family and friends. The Jingle Bar and Grill is 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 cozy up, sip hot chocolate, and roast s’mores (available for purchase at the nearby Carriage House).
The Herbs in the Home display in the Library Reading Room showcases how we use nature in our kitchens and crafts. Other popular attractions will also return this year, including the model trains, fairy houses, and trees decorated by Henrico County Public Schools students. The show-stopping Fraser Fir stands 20-feet-tall in the Conservatory and makes a perfect photo-op.
Dates: Nov. 17, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
More details: lewisginter.org
Lighting of the Lawn
The Lighting of the Lawn at the University of Virginia is a cherished Charlottesville holiday tradition. It brings together the community for an evening of celebration and unity. Held annually in early December, it transforms the historic UVA Lawn into a magical winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights. The evening includes musical performances, student performances, drone displays, and a spectacular light show synchronized to music. Attendees can even be part of the show this year, with the first 5,000 arrivals getting light-up LED wristbands that will sync to the music during parts of the show.
Experience the festive spirit while enjoying the beauty of UVA’s iconic Rotunda and Lawn. It’s a free event that is perfect for families. Be sure to arrive early so you have plenty of time for parking and to make it through security.
Date: Dec, 5, 2025
More details: lightingofthelawn.com
Winter Wander at Boar’s Head Resort
At Winter Wander Trail of Lights at the Boar’s Head Resort, just outside of Charlottesville, you’ll stroll around the lakeside under the glow of a brilliant array of lights. It’s a 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. See Dogwood Way for beautiful lanterns, an animated fountain of lights and walk through the illuminated tunnels.
Experience fireworks and a live drone light show on select nights. Then enjoy live music with a group of enchanting, fairytale-inspired interactive LED dancers. 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.
Date: Nov. 14, 2025 – Jan. 3, 2026
More details: boarsheadresort.com
Fun Fact: Charlottesville is one of Travel & Leisure’s Best 25 Christmas Towns in the U.S.
The Lighted Boat Parade
If you’re looking for a non-traditional light display, head to Lake Anna in Louisa, Virginia to experience the annual Lighted Boat Parade. Boat owners and businesses decorate boats in holiday and winter themes and parade them across the lake while spectators watch from the shore.
Certain locations, such as the Boardwalk Hotel On Lake Anna, allow you to reserve spots along the parade route ahead of time. But there are also public viewing locations including Tim’s at Lake Anna, Lake Anna State Park, HighPoint Marina, Anna Point Marina, and Lake Anna Taphouse. Bring your chairs, blankets, and hot drinks to keep the family cozy while you watch! The Lake Anna Taphouse will also vendor village, live music, and other festive attractions.
Date: Dec. 6, 2025
More details: visitlouisa.com
Veritas Illuminated
Veritas Vineyards & Winery in Afton hosts Veritas Illuminated, a stunning winter light walk. This charming holiday event showcases the picturesque countryside venue in a whole new light. Founded by Andrew and Patricia Hodson, Veritas is a 20-year-old family-run winery known for its exceptional wines and beautiful setting.
The Holiday Lights Wine Walk invites guests to stroll along a half-mile illuminated path, discovering charming displays among the trees before emerging at the vineyard. Thousands of shimmering lights create a magical scene, perfect for photos and memories. Afterward, guests can relax in a festive tasting area adorned with twinkling lights and warm up by cozy fire pits. The fireplace in the tasting room provides a perfect spot to sip wine while enjoying Chef Andy Shipman’s new farm-to-table winter menu. Indulge in delicious caramel corn by the fire or enjoy hot chocolate or mulled wine as you soak in the enchanting atmosphere. Come on December 5 or 19th to enjoy festive choral singers.
Dates: Nov. 24, 2025 – Jan. 3, 2026
More details: veritaswines.com
ZooLights at the Smithsonian
Each winter, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is transformed into an winter wonderland with ZooLights. Now celebrating its 16th year, this annual light spectacular is designed with families in mind. Visitors of all ages can stroll through festive pathways filled with twinkling lights and immersive displays. Marvel at the glowing lantern animals that bring the habitats to life. The magical atmosphere is further enhanced by live musical performances each night. Kids will especially love taking a spin on the Conservation Carousel, which features beautifully crafted animals.
ZooLights also offers a variety of seasonal treats. Families can sample a range of sweet and savory options, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening. And for those looking to finish their holiday shopping, the Asia Trail, Panda Plaza, and Great Cats stores are stocked with unique gifts that will delight everyone on your list. With its enchanting lights and family-friendly activities, ZooLights at the National Zoo is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season together!
Dates: Nov. 21, 2025 – Jan. 3, 2026
More details: nationalzoo.si.edu
Busch Gardens® Christmas Town™
Kings Dominion WinterFest
WinterFest is packed with exciting experiences designed for families to create unforgettable holiday moments together. Guests can enjoy lively shows featuring beloved characters and festive entertainment that will have everyone singing along. Don’t miss the enchanting Christmas on Ice show, which combines dazzling choreography with stunning costumes. Families can also look forward to the spectacular tree-lighting ceremony that officially kicks off the festivities for these spectaculer Virginia Christmas lights.
Lighting of the Vines at Bluemont Vineyard
The illumination of 10,000 grapevines magically brings the Bluemont Vineyard hillside to life under the night sky in a spectacular display. The vines at Bluemont Vineyard will be illuminated with thousands of shimmering lights creating a wintry wonderland. The Lighting of the Vines takes place on a single weekend, but events enjoying the atmosphere continue into December.
The most popular is the luxurious Lighting of the Vines Wine Dinner, which happens on Friday and Saturday evenings in December. Guests will experience iconic views in a new light as they enjoy a four-course dinner. Each course features local ingredients and during dinner, the chef and winemaker will share the history of the farm vineyard and stories of each wine vintage from grape to glass.
Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights in Roanoke
Brighten your nights and embrace the holiday spirit at Roanoke’s Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights, a dazzling experience featuring over 650,000 twinkling lights. As you stroll down the enchanting half-mile wooded path, you’ll be captivated by the vibrant sights and festive sounds of the season. While you’re exploring, take the opportunity to shop for unique artisan crafts, or gather around the campfire to roast marshmallows. On select nights, additional activities will be available for families and kids. On select days, Santa will even be present!
Illuminights is also a dog-friendly event, welcoming furry friends on the Walk of Lights Trail and throughout Explore Park, as long as they are on a leash. Bring your whole family—two-legged and four-legged alike—to enjoy this magical winter wonderland! Tickets can be purchased in advance.
Looking for more holiday happenings and local winter traditions? Our Event Calendar has a full list of family-friendly events in the Charlottesville area.
Bull Run Festival of Lights in Fairfax
Every year from November until just after New Year’s Day, you can experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights. This illuminated holiday display stretched for 2.5 miles. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn off your headlights and just follow the magical glow. Afterward, don’t forget to stop at the Holiday Village to enjoy bonfires, s’mores, and holiday merchandise.
Want to avoid the crowds? Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and the week before and after the Christmas holiday are the busiest times. For a less crowded experience guests are encouraged to enjoy the show during the weekdays. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.
Holiday Lights at the Beach
Experience the enchantment of a spectacular display of lights set against the moonlit backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Virginia Beach’s 2025 Holiday Lights at the Beach promises to create unforgettable memories for families. You’ll see a Surfing Santa, mesmerizing color-changing archways, and luminous displays honoring the Armed Forces community. Don’t miss the magnificent 40-foot dancing-light Christmas tree and the largest and longest curved LED Light Tunnel in the U.S., among many other dazzling attractions.
Before you see the lights, grab a meal at one of the many fantastic restaurants. Or, visit one of the many attractions along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. With so many activities to enjoy, it’s the perfect opportunity to create a memorable night filled with holiday cheer and family bonding. Tickets can be purchased online.
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
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