Few things signify the arrival of the holidays like twinkling, colorful lights in the night sky. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the annual Dominion Energy Garden of Lights. Here, over one million dazzling lights illuminate the grounds at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, transporting you to a world of merriment and joy from the comfort of your own vehicle. Come along, and we’ll show you why it’s a beloved Virginia holiday tradition and among the best drive-thru holiday lights in Virginia!

What could be more enchanting than driving through an entire wonderland of lights, displays, and holiday merriment?
Norfolk Botanical Garden / Facebook
Come experience it for yourself when you partake in the annual Garden of Lights hosted by Norfolk Botanical Garden and sponsored by Dominion Energy. This year's event is taking place nightly from November 10 through December 31, 2023.
For over 25 years, this festive event has drawn visitors near and far to experience the magical holiday drive-thru event.
Norfolk Botanical Garden / Facebook
And the best part about being in your car? You can stay warm and listen to all of your favorite holiday music.
What really elevates the experience is the detail put into the displays.
Norfolk Botanical Garden / Facebook
From the synchronized lights to the shapes and colors, everything about the Norfolk Botanical Garden drive is mesmerizing.

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Norfolk Botanical Garden / Facebook
In the past few years, the Garden of Lights has been named among the 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights.
As you can imagine, the event is wildly popular so you might consider visiting on a weeknight if possible.
Norfolk Botanical Garden / Facebook
But no matter your visit in the week or on the weekend, a trip through these awesome drive-thru holiday lights is a must!
Norfolk Botanical Garden typically hosts a Million Bulb Walk to correspond with the drive-thru event, so check the website for more information.
Norfolk Botanical Garden / Facebook
Can't you just imagine what you'll experience in this Virginia winter wonderland?
Norfolk Botanical Garden / Facebook
So round up your friends and family and prepare to embark on what will surely become your new favorite holiday tradition.

For more information on the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights event, be sure to check out the Norfolk Botanical Garden website as well as the Norfolk Botanical Garden Facebook page.

Have you ever been to the Garden of Lights? If so, what was your favorite part? Would you agree that these are among the best drive-thru holiday lights in Virginia? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

Looking for some wonderful holiday treasures for family and friends? Then be sure to check out our guide to More Than 75 Of The Best Gift Ideas For The Traveler In Your Life.

For those who love winter hiking, you can find some great trails in and around the area by going to the AllTrails website.

Still in the mood for more Virginia adventures? Then perhaps you’d love to explore Shenandoah National Park!

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More Adventures In Virginia

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | November 10, 2023

Where can we find state parks in Virginia?

  • Chippokes Plantation State Park in Surry is located along the banks of the beautiful James River.
  • Caledon State Park in King George is known for its American bald eagle population.
  • Douthat State Park in Millboro is a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and camping.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful state parks in Virginia.

Where can we find scenic drives in Virginia?

  • The Blue Ridge Parkway has been rated as one of the best road trips you can take in America.
  • The 129-Mile of U.S. Route 13 (which actually stretches over 500 miles from North Carolina through Pennsylvania) that stretches from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to North Carolina border is among the prettiest in the state,
  • The Colonial Parkway is a 23-mile route that connects historic Yorktown and Jamestown.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other dramatic scenic drives in Virginia.

Where can we find museums in Virginia?

  • The Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail in Warrenton delves into the history of jails in America from pre-colonial times through the 20th century.
  • The Car and Carriage Caravan Museum in Luray features over 140 antique transportation-related items.
  • The Virginia Living Museum in Newport News features world-class animal and plant exhibits, a planetarium, and other features.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other wonderful museums in Virginia.

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Botanical Gardens Ac Road, Botanical Gardens Ac Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518, USA