Spending quality time with friends and family is one of the best parts of the holiday season. But things can often get expensive, between buying gifts for everyone on your list, going out for holiday meals, and enjoying all the annual holiday activities like breakfast with Santa and pop-up holiday cocktail bars.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Virginia during the holidays, here are a few ideas that will save you money while filling your days with holiday cheer! 

JUMP TO: Tacky Lights | Festive Towns | Open Houses | Parades & Tree Lightings | Holiday Markets 

Take a Winter Hike

Old Rag Mountain with snow

Old Rag Mountain

There are countless hiking trails located throughout Virginia, and while some are located in parks that have an admission or parking fee, many are absolutely free. Virginia’s hiking trails are frequently visited from spring to fall, but winter is a highly underrated time to check them out! Trails with waterfalls dazzle in cold temps as the cascading waterways freeze over, and the hikes that end in breathtaking vistas allow you to see even further in the crystal clear air of winter. 

The most popular hiking trails in Virginia see bigger crowds during the warmer months, so the off-season is an opportunity to enjoy the solitude of nature and the stunning scenery without having to step aside for other hikers. Visit a few of Virginia’s best winter hiking trails to find the irresistible beauty that Virginia has to offer year-round. 

Upper Little Stony Falls

Upper Little Stony Falls

One such hike is Southwest Virginia’s Little Stony Falls Trail, a three-mile moderately difficult trail with large waterfalls. In the winter months, the waterfalls become sheets of ice as the temperatures drop below freezing, and the resulting immobile cascades are awe-inspiring. Be sure to wear shoes with proper grip, as there are a few areas that require hikers to scramble over boulders and cross tough terrain. 

More Free Stunning Winter Hikes: 

Hit the Road for a Tacky Lights Tour

Tacky Lights Richmond

Richmond Tacky Lights Tour

Brilliant light displays are a big part of the holidays in Virginia, and many are set up inside the grounds of places like botanical gardens or parks, requiring an admission fee. However, some regions have drive-by tacky light displays that are organized by homeowners. In Northern Virginia cities like Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax, there are dozens of homes absolutely blazing with holiday lights and decorations. 

Another option is the Richmond Tacky Lights Tour. It’s totally free to drive around in your own vehicle and see these lights. If you'd like to level up your evening, several local companies offer charter bus and limousine rentals, allowing you and your friends to relax and take in the lights without worrying about directions or traffic. But if free is what you’re looking for, map out your route and hop in the car with your friends and family! Don't forget the hot chocolate. 

More Free Lights Tours: 

Stroll Down Decorated Streets in Virginia’s Most Festive Towns

Daniel O'Connell's Irish Restaurant & Bar

O'Connell's, Old Town Alexandria

Photo Credit: Hannah Armstrong @hannahelizarmstrong

Take in the holiday decor of storefronts and city squares as you walk through a decorated Virginia town. You’ll see lights, unique displays, and garland strung through most towns and cities throughout the Commonwealth, but several Virginia towns go above and beyond with festive touches, putting up towering Christmas trees, dazzling lights, and picturesque seasonal decor on practically every square inch of the streets! Plan a holiday road trip to one of these festive towns to get into the spirit of the season. 

An over-the-top holiday destination worth a visit is Old Town Alexandria, particularly King Street. This cobblestone street feels as if you’ve stepped into a Dickens village, and the classic architecture is adorned with twinkling lights and picture-perfect wreaths. Many of the restaurants and bakeries offer holiday treats, and if you’re in the mood to shop for friends and family, there are dozens of local boutique shops to peruse while you explore the neighborhood. 
 

SEE MORE: Our Favorite Festive Towns in Virginia
 

Check out Historic Holiday Open Houses

Patrick Henry's Red Hill

Patrick Henry's Red Hill

Photo Credit: Creative Dog Media @creativedogmedia

While not every event is free, some of Virginia’s historic houses and gorgeous estates allow visitors to come see their seasonal decor without an entry fee during holiday open houses. 

The annual Christmas Open House at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill, held this year on December 7, 2025, is free and open to the public (although donations are always appreciated). Guides will take you on a tour of the historic buildings on the property while you enjoy complimentary mulled cider and holiday cookies. Before attending the open house, reserve one of their homemade boxwood wreaths to bring home and add a touch of holiday spirit to your front door.

More Free Open Houses: 

Attend a Holiday Parade or Tree Lighting Ceremony

Middleburg Hunt on Parade

Middleburg Hunt on Parade

Beginning in mid-November and continuing through early December, holiday parades and tree lighting ceremonies occur throughout Virginia, kicking off the start of the season with festive events that will delight the entire family. 

In Virginia’s picturesque Horse Country, Christmas in Middleburg is an annual event happening on December 6, 2025. The festivities actually start the night before with a tree lighting ceremony and carols. That's followed by a breakfast with Santa on Saturday morning, a craft fair where you can shop for holiday gifts, and Santa’s Workshop, which hosts kid-friendly activities throughout the morning and afternoon. 

The highlights of Christmas in Middleburg are the Middleburg Hunt & Hounds Review, a showcase of mounted foxhunt riders and hounds put on by the Middleburg Hunt, and the Christmas Parade, where over-the-top floats and local groups make their way down Middleburg’s Washington Street. 

More Free Christmas Parades & Tree Lighting Events:

Browse Holiday Markets

Roanoke Market

Dickens of a Christmas

Holiday markets are a great place to browse for holiday gifts — and while you may be tempted to spend money, these decorated markets are free to stroll through. Enjoy the company of your friends and family as you look at handmade gifts crafted by local artisans. You may even be inspired to create something of your own. 

If you do decide to splurge on a little holiday shopping, you’ll be supporting local Virginia makers while also getting high-quality goods made right here in the Commonwealth! 

Now in its 43rd year, Downtown Roanoke’s Dickens of a Christmas happens December 5, 12, and 19 in 2025. The first night includes a Christmas Tree Lighting event, the second features a holiday parade, and the third begins with a pet costume contest.

More Free Holiday Markets:

Visit a Decorated LOVEwork

Holiday LOVEwork in Hampton

Holiday LOVEwork in Hampton

There are currently over 300 LOVEworks peppered throughout Virginia, and many of these are decked out with garland, lights, and other seasonal trimmings to celebrate the holidays. These unique Virginia installations allow you to share the LOVE with your favorite people, and if you haven’t already taken family photos, they are the perfect backdrop to create beautiful memories with your loved ones. 

Every LOVEwork is independently decorated by local community members, so check our LOVEworks map to find one near you and see what lovely holiday decor has been added to these fun Virginia landmarks! 

 

We hope these ideas will inspire you to enjoy all that Virginia has to offer during the holiday season. Keep exploring more options for your winter trip with our guide to easy and affordable holiday getaways in Virginia.