Updated for 2024
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Although those of you wishing for a white Christmas may be disappointed that Richmond rarely gets snow in December. However, Christmas in Richmond VA is still something truly magical!
There are plenty of events in and around the city, so whether you’re looking for a family-friendly activity or a night on the town, RVA has everything you need to ring in the holiday season.
Check out some of these top events for Christmas in Richmond VA to start your holidays on the right foot!
Richmond Times-Dispatch Tacky Lights Tour
- Dates: December 1st, 2024 thru December 31st, 2024
One of the most popular events during Christmas in Richmond VA that is looked forward to by many is the Tacky Lights Tour. Every holiday season, homeowners elaborately decorate their houses with holiday decor that is truly a sight to see!
Some of the most popular houses feature hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights, motion light displays that dance to the tune of their radio station, and some homes feature Santa Claus himself! All of the locations for participating houses can be found online and there are numerous ways to enjoy the tour!
While you’re welcome to drive around and explore the houses on your own, renting a limo or trolley is a favorite option, especially for group outings. These rentals offer a festive atmosphere where everyone can equally enjoy the dazzling displays without worrying about driving. Yes, drinks are welcome, and the ride itself adds to the fun! Trolleys, in particular, bring an extra dose of yuletide cheer, complete with the option to stand on the open-air platform for an up-close and personal view of the sparkling lights.
The Tacky Lights Tour features a blend of drive-through and “park and look” displays, allowing you the flexibility to either soak in the lights from the comfort of your car or step out for a more immersive experience.
Illuminate Light Show at Meadow Event Park
- Address: Meadow Event Park, 13111 Dawn Blvd, Doswell, VA 23047
- Dates: November 22 – December 31, 2024
You’ll have to head about 20 minutes north of the city of Richmond to catch this spectacular motion-activated light display at Meadow Event Park, but it’s worth the drive.
The attraction features hundreds of thousands of lights in their animated display which is synchronized with the music on their personal radio station. Prepare to be amazed as lights dance around you in tune with some of the most popular Christmas classics, as well as some new favorites!
Tickets for the event are $30 per family vehicle and can be purchased online in advance or at the gate before entry. The entire display takes about 30 minutes to explore, but entry lines can be lengthy, especially on weekends, so make sure you plan accordingly. The event is family and pet-friendly and takes place every night from mid-November through January 2nd.
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
- Address: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave, Richmond VA 23228
- Dates:
- Member Preview: November 15-17
- Open to Public: November 18-early January
Each holiday season, a popular botanical garden transforms into a dazzling wonderland with its themed light show, GardenFest of Lights. Featuring over one million twinkling lights, artists create illuminated botanical sculptures that beautifully reflect the year’s theme, making it a must-see event for anyone seeking holiday cheer.
This outdoor event requires a bit of walking, so bundle up before you go! Warm up along the way with a cup of their delicious hot chocolate, perfect for sipping as you admire the glowing displays. Don’t forget to step into their indoor greenhouse to see the LIVE 25-foot Christmas tree, a charming Christmas cottage, and intricate model trains.
Running from Thanksgiving week through the second weekend in January (excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day), GardenFest is a cherished tradition for locals and visitors alike. Timed-entry tickets must be purchased in advance for this magical experience on their website.
Ice Skating in Richmond
When I think of Christmas, I am instantly reminded of the quintessential holiday Hallmark movies featuring a couple reunited in love and enjoying a snowy ice skating session together. Although it doesn’t normally get cold enough in Virginia for real outdoor ice skating, there are a number of manmade ice skating rinks setup throughout the city during the winter months.
Whether you’re a professional or a first-timer, ice skating is sure to bring some fun and joy into your holiday season! Some of the most popular ice skating rinks in Richmond and the surrounding towns are Richmond Ice Zone, SkateNation Plus, Stony Point Fashion Park, Hopewell Ice Skating Rink, and Kings Dominion’s WinterFest.
Tickets are usually affordable plus an additional fee for skate rental, so you won’t worry about breaking the bank for this family-friendly holiday activity!
The Bizarre Bazaar – Christmas Collection
- Address: Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 E Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA 23222
- Dates: December 5-8, 2024
If you’re looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind Christmas gift that you can’t find anywhere else, check out the Bizarre Bazaar! This annual, weekend-long craft show has been a holiday favorite for over 45 years and it’s easy to see why!
The Bizarre Bazaar features hundreds of exclusive vendors and exhibitors selling the best jewelry, clothing, food, home decor items, and more. You can find everything from homemade cherry salsa to handmade Christmas ornaments and everything in between from exhibitors from all over the country.
The event takes place inside the Richmond Raceway Complex and consists of three warehouses full of exhibit tents. Entry to the event requires a ticket, which can be purchased online for only $10 for adults.
This event only lasts December the first Thursday in December through the weekend, so make sure you plan accordingly!
Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
- Dates: December 7, 2024
There’s no holiday tradition better than a Christmas parade in my opinion! Start the holiday season in style with the 41st annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, 2024! This festive event features a vibrant lineup of colorful floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, princesses, superheroes, and an appearance by the Legendary Santa.
Beginning at 10:15 AM at the Science Museum of Virginia, the parade travels along Broad Street and wraps up at 7th Street near the Richmond Coliseum.
All of the roads along the parade route will be blocked off, so viewers can line up on sidewalks without any worry of passing cars.
This event is free and open to the public, but you will likely have to park and walk to designated viewing locations, so make sure you get there early! This an outdoor, family-friendly event so make sure you dress accordingly.
Can’t make it in person? Catch the excitement live on WTVR CBS6 and spread the holiday cheer!
The Nutcracker Live Performance at the Richmond Ballet
- Address: Dominion Energy Center, 600 E. Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219
- Dates: December 7 – 23
Christmas is a time when some of everyone’s favorite holiday songs like The Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy seem almost inescapable. Although I’m sure we’ve all heard this song a time or two, it’s a truly unique experience to see it come to life like never before in a dazzling live ballet performance of the Nutcracker!
Each December, the Richmond Ballet performs a live showing of The Nutcracker featuring some of the top ballet dancers from around the world along with live music from the Richmond Symphony. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary for date night or even just an evening with friends, you don’t want to miss this live performance of one of the most popular Christmas favorites!
Tickets start at just $25, so an evening at the ballet won’t break the bank, but guests are encouraged to dress formally for shows. Performances start in mid-December and run through December 23rd and tickets are available online or at the Richmond Ballet box office.
Lakeside’s Holly Jolly
- Address: Lakeside Farmers’ Market, 6106 Lakeside Avenue Henrico, VA 23228
- Dates: November 8-10
Holly Jolly Lakeside is a one-night-only annual event that takes place in the Northside neighborhood each holiday season. This event features locally owned shops full of antiques and handmade items, so grab your friends and hit the shops to get a jumpstart on your Christmas shopping!
The Lakeside Farmers Market will be open late and has special deals on homemade goodies as well as booths selling hot chocolate and warm apple cider.
For a bit of added holiday flair, grab a ride on one of the trolleys decked out with Christmas lights to take you from shop to shop. This event requires walking and being outdoors, so make sure you check the weather and plan accordingly. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot Santa Claus himself at this event!
Kings Dominion’s Winterfest
- Address: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
- Dates: November 29-January 4
Kings Dominion is an amusement park located about 30 minutes north of the city of Richmond and every holiday season they host their annual Winterfest celebration! The park is open on select nights November 29-January 4 for patrons to enjoy all the magic of the holidays.
Some of the featured Winterfest attractions include an ice skating rink, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa’s workshop, a variety of Christmas shows, and thousands of twinkling light displays!
Tickets to Winterfest start at just $25 for adults and you’re guaranteed to have fun for the whole family! There are so many Christmas activities happening that you might not have time to squeeze in any roller coasters, but thrill rides are open during Winterfest depending on the weather.
Make sure you check their calendar for opening hours and bundle up for cold nights!
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
- Address: 1 Busch Gardens Boulevard, Williamsburg, VA 23185
- Dates: November 15-January 5
Each holiday season this theme park transforms into a magical winter wonderland! Busch Gardens is about an hour east of Richmond, but it’s worth the drive to experience all of the holiday grandeur at Christmas Town.
Some of the most magical Christmas Town favorites include climbing aboard the Christmas Town Express, riding Nacht Tower for a “Santa-eye view” of the park, and taking in one of the many performances like Up on the Haustop, Scrooge No More!, and many more.
Christmas Town is the perfect place to do some shopping at some of the many Christmas shops within the park. The shops have a fantastic selection of high-quality gifts like hand-painted ornaments and other one-of-a-kind items, so you’re sure to find something for everyone here.
Tickets to Christmas Town start at $70 for adults, so check out their calendar and get started planning your trip today!
Fan District Association’s Holiday House Tour
- Dates: December 14-15
Experience the festive charm of the Fan District Holiday House Tour in Richmond, VA! Stroll through beautifully decorated historic homes, showcasing stunning architecture and holiday spirit. This cherished tradition supports neighborhood preservation while spreading holiday cheer.
Church Hill Holiday House Tour
- Dates: December 8
Step into the past with the Church Hill Holiday House Tour in Richmond, VA! Explore beautifully decorated historic homes in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, all while enjoying the holiday cheer and supporting local preservation efforts.
