Virginia’s Most Over-The-Top Holiday Decorations

With the holiday season upon us, it’s time to check off all the annual traditions. If you’re looking to really immerse yourself in the spirit of the season, these festive destinations take decorating to the next level with millions of lights, unique seasonal themes, and enough holiday cheer to get you through the New Year.

Head to one of these over-the-top sites for a concentrated dose of holiday spirit in Virginia.

Old Lucketts Store — Leesburg

A 100-year-old Leesburg historical landmark, Old Lucketts Store is home to over 30 dealers that showcase antique, vintage, and new finds from all over the East Coast. During the holidays, they deck out the 6,000+ square-foot store with creative displays that the staff spends all year long dreaming up. After filling the shop to the brim with imaginative decorations and decor, they have expanded to the property farmhouse, adorning the home’s eleven rooms with beautiful decorations, all of which are for sale.

Spend the day getting some holiday shopping done at Old Lucketts Store, then take your holiday photos at one of their many Instagram-worthy seasonal scenes, including three hand-painted murals, decorated vintage vehicles, and an authentic London cab packed with holiday cheer.

GardenFest Of Lights — Richmond

From November 17 to January 4, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is blanketed by twinkling lights in all colors and designs for their annual Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights. Gaze at over one million holiday lights as you stroll through the 50+ acres of public gardens, consistently recognized as one of the best displays in North America by USA Today readers.

The gardens offer family activities every evening during GardenFest, as well as model trains, holiday dinners, and snacks like s’mores and hot chocolate to warm you up on even the coldest nights. Ticket prices vary depending on which nights you visit; the garden offers value nights, peak nights, and discounts for members.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town — Williamsburg

During select nights through January 4, Busch Gardens transforms into Christmas Town, a family-friendly holiday celebration with over 10 million lights (more than any other holiday event in North America), six festive shows, photos with Santa, and a 50-foot Christmas tree illuminating the Germany region of the park.

Ride in the Aeronaut Skyride to get views of the grandly-lit park from above, and get a grand tour of the decorations from the Christmas Town Express, a train decked out in lights that plays all the classic holiday songs for those on board to sing along. Head to the Highland Stables to see the Clydesdale horses, then take the kids to meet Rudolph and the rest of his reindeer friends in Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland.

Richmond Tacky Lights Tour — Richmond

Every year, a collection of Richmond homes participate in the Richmond Tacky Lights Tour. Take a self-guided driving tour of these homes to catch wacky, over-the-top decorations around the city, or hire a private transportation such as a bus or limo to catch the lights with a group of your close friends or family. Don't forget the hot chocolate! 

DAK Lights In Randolph Park — Dublin  

A free event in Dublin, Virginia, DAK Lights is an annual holiday light and music show held every night from October to February in Randolph Park. Hundreds of people travel to the New River Valley each year for this spectacular holiday show, which lasts roughly 20 minutes and choreographs over 20,000 brightly-colored lights to seasonal songs broadcasted on a local radio channel. The show begins each night at 5:30, repeating in 20 minute intervals until closing, and visitors can enjoy the holiday tunes and flickering light displays from the comfort and warmth of their cars.

Garden Of Lights — Norfolk

See the annual Dominion Energy Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden, where visitors can walk through the wondrous displays featuring millions of holiday lights from November 8 to January 4. Frequently recognized by USAToday readers as a top garden light show in the country, the Garden of Lights makes for a magical date night or family outing. Purchase tickets in advance — prices vary for value and premium nights. 

Illuminate Light Show — Doswell

The Illuminate Light Show held in Doswell's Meadow Event Park runs nightly from November 21 to January 3. This drive-thru holiday lights spectacle is synchronized to music, creating an encompassing vibe that will put you in the holiday spirit.

Celebration In Lights — Newport News

Virginia’s first drive-through holiday light show is now in its 33rd year! Celebration in Lights transforms Newport News Park into a magical winter wonderland. Enjoy two miles of dazzling holiday light displays, set along the beautiful woods and waterways of Newport News Park. The event has grown steadily each year and has more than one million lights. Admission is per car and varies on weeknights and weekends. 

These are a few of the most incredible lights displays in Virginia, but you’ll find many more in virtually every corner of the state.