Virginia shines bright during the most wonderful time of the year
By Justine Leavitt
As the first frost settles, Virginia transforms into a Christmas wonderland able to rival any Hallmark movie. The cities soften beneath strands of twinkling lights, and the air carries the familiar scent of cinnamon and pine. So, prepare to be awed by grand light displays, bustling markets, and lively performances.
Looking for expert insights and fresh travel ideas? Download the latest issue of Leisure Group Travel for free and start planning your next unforgettable group adventure.
Whether you’re planning a festive getaway or adding holiday cheer to a larger itinerary, these outstanding destinations and seasonal experiences showcase Virginia at its most magical.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town: Williamsburg
Few holiday attractions in the Southeast rival the scale and wonder of Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Each year, the acclaimed theme park transforms into a glowing winter village, illuminated by millions of twinkling lights that wind through European-inspired hamlets, across wooded pathways, and over iconic coasters.
Christmas Town is the perfect winter escape for your group, offering heartwarming shows you’ll be desperate to sing along to and a lighted holiday train to turn back time. So book your trip soon and don’t forget to stop by Santa’s workshop or snap a festive photo, and enjoy the many seasonal experiences scattered throughout the park.
Bull Run Festival of Lights: Centreville
A cherished Northern Virginia tradition, the Bull Run Festival of Lights offers a cozy, nostalgic way to welcome the season. The main event is a 2.5-mile drive-through route featuring animated holiday scenes, glowing tunnels, and illuminated figures that will unfold before your eyes.
After completing the drive, visitors can step into the holiday village for warm drinks, bonfires, carousel rides, and the perfect photo. It’s an especially appealing experience for families and groups looking for a relaxed, low-stress activity that delivers that sought-after seasonal charm.
Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights: Roanoke
Set within Explore Park, Illuminights transforms forest trails into a sparkling woodland journey. Be dazzled by 650,000 LED lights outlining trees, bridges, and pathways, then warm yourself by the provided fire pits.
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond
Consistently ranked among the nation’s top botanical garden light shows, Garden Fest of Lights features millions of lights tracing garden paths, reflecting off water, and illuminating tropical plants. Model train displays, whimsical holiday scenes, and hot chocolate stations make this the perfect attraction to make lasting memories.
WinterWalk of Lights: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna
Traveling to D.C.? Make sure to take a quick detour to see illuminated trails winding through Meadowlark’s peaceful gardens. Animated light scenes, cozy resting areas, and glowing fire pits will make the pitstop well worth it.
Winterfest on the Wisconsin: Norfolk Harbor
If you’re searching for a light display so incredible that it could win a prize, then don’t miss Norfolk Harbor. The illuminated Battleship Wisconsin is famous for its award-winning light display. Often paired with seasonal attractions such as ice skating, hot chocolate stands, and live entertainment, Winterfest is an experience you’ll never forget.
Historic Homes in Holiday Dress
Virginia’s historic estates and preserved homes truly come alive during the holiday season, offering once-in-a-lifetime glimpses into Christmas traditions of centuries past.
At George Washington’s Mount Vernon, visitors encounter enchanting room decor, festive markets, and informative programs exploring 18th-century holiday customs. One beloved tradition includes appearances by Aladdin, a camel once recorded as part of the Christmas celebrations of Washington himself.
Across the state, many other properties host candlelight tours and seasonal programming throughout the year’s final months. Homes such as the Glen Burnie House, Woodrow Wilson Manse, Stonewall Jackson House, and Patsy Cline Historic House showcase period décor, traditional music, and demonstrations that invite visitors to turn back the clock.
So, step into history and experience the Christmases of the past.
Holiday Shopping
Throughout Virginia, downtown squares and historic districts transform with holiday charm. In Old Town Alexandria, the Christmas Market fills John Carlyle Square with artisan gifts, ornaments, and seasonal treats, while Williamsburg hosts its festive market along Court Street and Bicentennial Park. Northern Virginia favorites like Herndon’s Winter Markt showcase handmade décor and local crafts inspired by European holiday traditions.
Visitors can browse for one-of-a-kind gifts, sip hot cider or cocoa beneath twinkling lights, and enjoy live music or caroling. Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. Visit a market and turn it into the highlight of the season.
Seasonal Storytelling
When evening settles in, and the glow of lights softens across Virginia’s towns and cities, stages around the Commonwealth come alive with beloved holiday classics.
The Nutcracker, of course, anchors the season with its performances. To catch a show, visit venues such as the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach, the Jefferson Center in Roanoke, and touring productions at theaters, including The Paramount Theater in Charlottesville and Capital One Hall in Tysons.
For Dickens lovers, Virginia Repertory Theatre presents its annual A Christmas Carol at Richmond’s November Theatre.
A Virginia Christmas
What makes Virginia especially compelling during the holidays is the way its experiences unfold across the entire day. Mornings might begin with wandering through a classic mansion or browsing a Christmas market. Evenings, on the other hand, are filled with glowing gardens, twinkling trails, and stirring performances.
Looking for expert insights and fresh travel ideas? Download the latest issue of Leisure Group Travel for free and start planning your next unforgettable group adventure.
