Light Shows
There is something about the twinkling of colorful lights that marks the arrival of the holidays in Virginia. From drive-through light shows on the Virginia Beach boardwalk to dazzling displays at gardens and parks across the state, Virginia’s Christmas light displays are sure to leave you feeling merry and bright for the 2023 holiday season!
Holiday Lights at the Beach - Virginia Beach
Plan a coastal weekend getaway to enjoy this beach-themed display complete with a traditional holiday soundtrack. Drive your car on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk through nautical and adventure-themed light displays alongside the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t miss this year’s new Surfing Santa and 40-foot dancing Christmas tree.
Check the website for hours, what to know before you go, and to buy tickets.
Illuminate Light Show at The Meadow Event Park - Doswell
Central Virginia’s largest drive-thru light show, this holiday extravaganza offers a million LED lights synchronized to Christmas music via your car radio.
Check the website for hours and to buy tickets.
GardenFest of Lights at Lewis GInter Botanical Garden - Richmond
Part of the magic of winter nights is how a twinkle of light can transform the darkness. In the natural world, seeds hold a similar mystical power. So tiny, yet so mighty, seeds are the “spark of life” containing the secrets of a never-ending creation. This year, Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights celebrates their wonder with the theme: “Seeds of Light.” Through the sparkle of more than a half-million lights, imaginative displays, and memorable experiences, GardenFest takes inspiration from seeds and fruits to reveal an interconnected world of incredible diversity, amazing strategies, and enduring beauty.
Check the website for what to know before you go and to buy tickets
Celebration in Lights - Newport News
As it has since 1993, Newport News Park will become a magical winter wonderland – transformed by more than 800,000 individual lights, creating animated holiday and fanciful scenes. Along the two-mile drive into Newport News Park, guests will be treated to more than 300 individual display pieces – 70 of which are animated – along with 43 arches and three miles of rope lighting.
Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights - Roanoke
Brighten your nights and explore your holiday spirit through a dazzling world of over 650,000 lights at Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights. Travel down our half-mile wooded path while taking in the sights and sounds of the season. Visitors will experience 50,000 new lights, new displays, trail enhancements and family activities.
Check the website for hours, what to know before you go, and to buy tickets.
Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens - Vienna
Named the #1 Botanical Garden with wow-factor winter transformations by Fodors, the garden is transformed into a half-mile animated light show. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition.
Check the website for hours, what to know before you go, and to buy tickets.
Dominion Energy Garden of Lights - Norfolk
Enjoy a million twinkling lights for a magical holiday experience as Virginia’s largest botanical garden transforms into a dazzling wonderland that celebrates four seasons.
Check the website for what to know before you go and to buy tickets.
Bull Run Festival of Lights - Manassas
Experience 2.5 miles of holiday light displays from the comfort of your car, followed by a camel ride and walk through the holiday village and carnival.
Check the website for hours, what to know before you go, and to buy tickets.
The Winter Wander at Boar’s Head Resort - Charlottesville
The beauty of light and the whimsy of nature intertwine harmoniously at the Boar's Head Resort Winter Wander. Enjoy an easy walking trail that spans nearly one-half mile around Heritage Lake behind the main hotel at Boar’s Head Resort and experience thousands of festive lights as they illuminate the rolling landscape.
Check the website for hours, what to know before you go, and to buy tickets.
Nauticus' Winterfest on the Wisconsin - Norfolk
Celebrate the holidays at Nauticus! Explore nine dazzling light trails throughout the Battleship Wisconsin, and experience Mistletoe Marina – an immersive all-new waterfront wonderland. Explore all-new interior spaces aboard the battleship, enjoy two new shows nightly by the mischievous Grinch, come aboard a polar train journey, and enjoy sweets and treats surrounded by over one million lights!
Check the website for hours, frequently asked questions, and to buy tickets.
