Here Are The 11 Best Christmas Light Displays In Virginia. They’re Incredible.
From beautifully decorated Main Streets to elaborate window displays, the holidays are going strong in Virginia. And while Virginians do a lot of things well, there’s one thing we do especially well this time of year…LIGHTS. So, in the interest of keeping the holiday spirit going strong, we’ve looked around to find some of the best public light displays in the state.
If you’ve asked yourself lately, “where are there Christmas lights near me,” we’ve got the answer – 11 of the best Christmas light displays in Virginia.
From traditional to non-traditional, LED to laser, these holiday lights are truly works of art (and I’m guessing a lot of patience). You’re going to want to make at least a few of these part of your holiday traditions from now on – assuming you haven’t already.
Celebration in Lights was Virginia’s first drive-through lights display and after more than two decades, it is still going strong. Join in on the fun at Newport News Park with more than one-million shimmering lights, 350 animated displays, and more than 50 arches. You definitely don't want to miss this beloved Christmas event in Virginia. Learn more on the official website of Newport News.
2. McDonald’s Holiday Lights on the Beach, Virginia Beach
Every year, the beach comes alive with hundreds of thousands of lights as the Virginia Beach boardwalk is transformed into a nautical winter wonderland. Featuring dozens of light displays, a 40’ Christmas tree and, of course, Santa and his elves, the “Fanta-Sea” of lights draws more than 25,000 visitors every year and has been named one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s “Top 20 November Events.” It's one of the best Christmas light displays in Virginia, and it belongs on your holiday bucket list. Stop by Visit Virginia Beach to learn more.
The Bull Run Festival of Lights is an annual event featuring thousands and thousands of lights, animated displays and Christmas decorations stretching over 2.5 miles at Bull Run Regional Park. The popular Christmas event in Virginia is a full-on holiday spectacular with a Holiday Village offering bonfires, s’mores, activities for the kids and holiday shopping, plus a Christmas Carnival. For a complete list of activities, dates and times, visit Bull Run Festival of Lights.
4. Illuminate Light Show and Santa’s Village at The Meadow Event Park, Doswell
After you see hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights perfectly synchronized to music from your car radio, an 80’ tunnel and 50’ Christmas trees, you’re going to want to make Illuminate part of your holiday traditions for sure. With dancing snowmen, singing trees, Santas galore and much more, Illuminate is worth the trip. After the lights, visit Santa’s village for pictures with St. Nick himself. Visit Illuminate Light Show to plan your visit.
5. Natural Tunnel Holiday Lighting of the Tunnel, Duffield
Natural Tunnels is one of Virginia’s natural wonders any time of the year. But with holiday lights? It just doesn’t get much better. Ride the chairlift past thousands of sparkling lights, animated displays, and holiday decorations. Then enjoy music, hot chocolate and Santa visits, as well as historic re-enactments of a 1775 Frontier Christmas at the nearby Carter Cabin. This is one Christmas event in Virginia you don't want to miss. Learn more at Natural Tunnel State Park.
6. Dominion Festival of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Richmond
Lewis Ginter lights up the nights with millions of twinkling lights, botanical decorations, model trains, holiday dinners, a fire pit, s’mores, family activities, and so much more. Add even more magic to your visit with a behind-the-scenes tour on select days. Visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens to learn more.
Everything you love about Busch Gardens becomes that much more thrilling when wrapped in lights. This is one of those Christmas lights in Virginia everyone has to experience at least once. Featuring MORE THAN 10 MILLION lights, Christmas Town is Busch Garden’s annual holiday extravaganza. The event includes rides, holiday shows, Christmas traditions from around the world and, of course, Santa's workshop. You can even do a bit of Christmas shopping during your visit. Visit Busch Gardens Christmas Town to learn more.
8. Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is a breathtaking display of twinkling lights alongside countless family-friendly events and activities. Bundle up for this walk through Christmas lights display in Virginia that boasts a ton of photo opportunities, hot chocolate and holiday goodies, and souvenirs galore. To see a complete list of upcoming events and to buy tickets online, visit Winter Walk of Lights.
Featuring displays created exclusively by members of the Danville community, from private residents to local businesses, the Danville Community Lights Show offers an exciting display of holiday lights and decorations. In 2014, the show’s inaugural year, more than 3,500 visitors came through, raising $4,200 for local non-profits and organizations. Located at Ballou Park, the popular Christmas event in Virginia raised $19,500 in 2020. Click here to for dates, times, and more information.
10. Dominion Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden, Norfolk
Join the Norfolk Botanical Garden for their annual Million Bulb Walk this Christmas season. This spectacular walk-through display covers more than two miles and features millions of sparkling lights. The 2014 display was voted #8 in the nation by USA Today and "10 Best.” Visit Norfolk Botanical Garden for times and pricing.
11. Holiday Magic Laser Light Show at the Virginia Living Museum’s Abbit Planetarium, Newport News
The Abitt Planetarium at The Virginia Living Museum is featuring a Christmas lights’ spectacular with a dazzling display of laser lights accompanied by 15 of your favorite holiday songs - Joy To The World, Jingle Bell Rock, and Linus and Lucy, for example. Visit The Virginia Living Museum for more information, including dates, times, and admission costs.
If you’ve asked yourself, “where can I find magical Christmas lights near me,” you can now plan a visit to some or all of the best Christmas light displays in Virginia. Where will you start? If you’ve been to one – or more – of these amazing holiday lights extravaganzas, we would love to hear about your experience. Or maybe there’s a good one we’ve left off the list? Let us know about the best Christmas light displays in Virginia in the comments below! If you’re up for a bit of exploring this holiday season, plan a visit to these enchanting Christmas towns in Virginia.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Christmas Light Displays In Virginia
November 18, 2021
Beth Price-Williams
What are some of the best Christmas lights in Virginia?
The holidays are magical in Virginia, and we never have a shortage of things to do. If you’re on the lookout for some of the best Christmas light displays in Virginia, you don’t have to look far. Enjoy the fresh winter air as you stroll through the Million Bulb Walk at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, or drive through the shimmering Christmas light display at Holiday Lights at the Beach in Virginia Beach. You can also drive through the Celebration of Lights in Newport News and walk through the Dominion GardenFest of Lights in Richmond.
Where can I see Christmas lights in Virginia?
We have so many Christmas lights in Virginia that we could spend all season just visiting them. If you’re up for a holiday road trip, hit the road on the Christmas lights road trip through Virginia. Your epic adventure starts at Virginia Beach for a drive through the McDonald’s Holiday Lights. Santa and the light displays are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Newport News is the home of the Celebration in Lights, a two-mile drive-thru display that boasts nearly a million lights and 300 displays. The magical journey will also take you to Old Town Portsmouth and Downtown Farmville. If you love driving around the neighborhood, checking out the Christmas lights in Virginia, you’ll absolutely want to stop by the Elliott Family Holiday Light Extravaganza. The synchronized light display is perhaps the most unique stop on the Christmas lights road trip.
Are there Christmas events in Virginia?
With all of the Christmas light displays that dot the state, we will never want for Christmas events in Virginia. If you’re up for a bit of exploration, too, visit one or more of the most enchanting Christmas towns in Virginia. Williamsburg, for example, is perfect if you want to experience an old-fashioned Colonial Christmas season. Stroll along the streets of Old Town Alexandria, awash in Christmas lights. Do a little Christmas shopping, and eat at one of its charming restaurants. Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, and Front Royal also offer picture-perfect backdrops for a Christmas adventure. If you’re a fan of Christmas in the city, plan a visit to Richmond, where you can take in a performance of “The Nutcracker,” stroll through the city to check out the Christmas lights, and get a little Christmas shopping done. Bedford, on the other hand, earns props as Virginia’s Christmas tree capital, and it’s a perfect holiday destination. Make sure you check out the city’s full list of holiday events.
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Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land.
