10 Holiday Traditions You'll Only Find in Virginia

Everyone has traditions they look forward to each holiday season, whether it's picking out the perfect tree, attending an annual event, or visiting with Santa. Make new memories with your friends and family this holiday season by trying out a new tradition in Virginia.

Here are ten of our favorite annual holiday events in Virginia.   

Christmas Illuminations—Mount Vernon

When: December 20–21, 2025

Where: George Washington's Mount Vernon

How to Attend: Get tickets

Every year, Mount Vernon holds special holiday celebrations to get you in the holiday spirit. Christmas Illuminations include a firework show over the Potomac River as well as a dazzling winter lights display. Visitors can also tour the mansion to learn about historic holiday celebrations, shop the 18th century Winter Market for one-of-a-kind gifts, and enjoy fresh-made gingerbread. 

Christmas in Middleburg—Middleburg

When: December 6, 2025

Where: Washington Street

How to Attend: Free and open to the public

This Christmas weekend in Middleburg is packed with fun, but the standout is Saturday's Hunt & Hounds Review, followed by the Christmas Parade. Mounted foxhunt riders and hounds make their way down Washington Street, followed by a variety of bands, floats, and community groups. 

Christmas Parade—Richmond

When: December 6, 2025

Where: Downtown Broad Street

How to Attend: Free and open to the public

For over 40 years in Richmond, the first Saturday in December has meant it's time for the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade. A crowd of over 100,000 lines up to watch floats, community groups, marching bands, and giant balloons make their way down Broad Street. Legendary Santa brings up the rear and officially starts the holiday season in the capital city. 

Scottish Christmas Walk Parade—Alexandria

When: December 6, 2025

Where: Old Town Alexandria

How to Attend: Free and open to the public

The annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade pays homage to Alexandria's history, as it was founded by Scottish merchants in 1749. Find a spot along the parade route to see dozens of Scottish clans in their best tartans march through Old Town. There's also pipe and drum bands, terriers and hounds, and community groups. The parade has been a tradition for over 50 years. 

Dickens of a Christmas—Roanoke

When: December 5, 12, and 19, 2025

Where: Roanoke Market

How to Attend: Free and open to the public

The Roanoke Valley is the place to be for the first three Fridays of December. That's when the Roanoke Market area transforms into Dickens of a Christmas, an event that's been going on for over 40 years. Activities vary each night but include a Christmas Tree Lighting, a parade, a pet costume contest, and live performances. 

Grand Illumination—Williamsburg

When: December 6, 13, and 20, 2025

Where: Colonial Williamsburg

How to Attend: Free, option to get tickets for Colonial Williamsburg admission

Gun fire and fireworks were the celebratory actions one would experience during an 18th century Christmas — so that's what's on deck at Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination. Expand your colonial capital Christmas with a day exploring the decorated village before spreading out on the Palace Green to watch the fireworks.

Holiday Lights At The Beach—Virginia Beach

When: November 14 – December 31, 2025

Where: Colonial Williamsburg

How to Attend: Get tickets

You'll find spectacular holiday light shows around Virginia, but maybe none as memorable as Bayport Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach. The drive-thru show will shepherd you through a winter wonderland of aquatic light displays, color-changing archways, Surfing Santa, and a 40-foot dancing light Christmas tree. 

Busch Gardens Christmas Town—Williamsburg

When: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Where: Busch Gardens

How to Attend: Get tickets

One of the largest Christmas events in Virginia, Christmas Town adds a European twist (and roller coaster thrills) to your holiday. Enjoy seasonal shopping, a ride on the Christmas Town Express, and holiday shows, plus get your photo taken with Santa and indulge in festive treats. 

Christmastide in Virginia—Jamestown

When: December 20–31, 2025

Where: Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

How to Attend: Get tickets

Get a hands-on look at 17th and 18th century holiday traditions in the heart of Virginia's Historic Triangle when you visit during Christmastide. At Jamestown Settlement, learn about the colonists' Christmas at sea in 1606 and see historic seasonal decorations. Move along to the American Revolution Museum to hear accounts from Christmas during the Revolutionary War and witness demonstrations of cooking 18th century holiday recipes.   

GardenFest Of Lights—Richmond

When: November 17, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Where: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

How to Attend: Get tickets

This annual walking light show began in 1995 and has been a Richmond favorite ever since. Explore the gardens of Lewis Ginter, which are filled with millions of twinkling lights and glowing displays. Don't forget the hot chocolate and s'mores. 

Check out more of our favorite holiday light shows and find even more seasonal events to make this holiday season one to remember.