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Nothing puts you in a festive mood like experiencing a new city all dressed up for the winter! The Mid-Atlantic Region is home to so many fun and festive towns that offer unique experiences, events, and views. The Richmond Region of Virginia is at the top of our list of places to visit during the holiday season.
A quick trek down 95, a trip to Richmond Va will leave you feeling festive (just make sure to leave before or after rush hour). This charming city lights up the winter with amazing and electrifying winter events! Here are some that are a must this winter:
Sponsored by Visit Richmond
Light Up The Holidays at the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
November 20, 2023 – January 7, 2024 | Open Nightly 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Closed 11/23, 12/24, 12/25)
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden hosts the ultimate holiday extravaganza during the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights. This annual holiday tradition features one million twinkling lights, hand-crafted botanical decorations, model trains, and more.
Have Some Fun at Kings Dominion’s Winterfest
November 17 – December 31, 2023 | (Select Nights)
Kings Dominion shines bright with over two million shimmering lights, a 300-foot tree and lavish displays while live shows and strolling performers delight guests throughout the park. Plus, a selection of your favorite rides will be open to complete your night of festive memory-making!
Enjoy an Evening of Tacky Lights
December 1 – 30, 2023 | (Select Dates)
The festive fun continues throughout Richmond when the region adorns itself with tacky lights for all to see! This tradition of over-the-top holiday decorating can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car, a shuttle, or an open-air TukTuk. Plus, admire the vibrant displays while running through Chesterfield County’s Walton Park neighborhood during this year’s CarMax Tacky Light Run on December 9! This is one holiday tradition that oooohers and aaaahers of all ages won’t want to miss! Don’t just take our word for it, Travel + Leisure says Richmond has The Best Christmas Lights in Virginia.
Experience Winter Wander: Court End At The Valentine
December 10, 2023 | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Join The Valentine for some winter cheer on the picturesque block of East Clay Street! Bring your family and enjoy hot beverages, crafts, games and live music. You can also take a self-guided tour of the historic Court End neighborhood and visit nearby cultural sites for open houses and other activities. This event is free and open to the public.
Feel The Holiday Magic of The Jefferson Hotel
Marvel in the beautifully decorated Jefferson Hotel and experience the joy of the holidays during a 5-star stay. Book a luxurious holiday stay at this prized hotel in the heart of downtown Richmond and take advantage of their holiday package featuring a Grand Premier room. Holiday brunches and teas at the hotel are extremely popular and typically sell out months in advance, so plan for a repeat visit in 2024!
See The 70th Annual Colonial Heights Christmas Parade
December 5, 2023
For some traditional small-town entertainment, celebrate the season during this nighttime parade featuring floats, marching bands, other performers, Santa Claus, and lots of holiday cheer!
The Richmond Region celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion through community-driven initiatives at the heart of everything that they do. Enjoy the “Only In Richmond” experience this beautiful area has to offer during the Holiday season. Find your Christmas Spirit and spend time with loved ones in Richmond Va this year!
Check Out The Light Up The Tracks Celebration
November 18, 2023 – January 1, 2024 | (Select Dates & Times)
Stroll the mile-long holiday light display in the downtown historic district and see the iconic railroad tracks adorned with twinkling white lights! Stop in the local shops in this vintage Christmas village for holiday specials, and enjoy dinner at one of the charming local restaurants. Plus, don’t miss scheduled events including a gingerbread scavenger hunt, live musical performances and more!
Seven destinations, each with their own personality and flavor, make up the eclectic Richmond Region. From urban bustle to small town charm, from river life to nightlife, a visit to RVA is as diverse as the people you’ll meet along the way. The Town of Ashland, Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, Hanover County, Henrico County, New Kent County and the City of Richmond warmly welcome you for an “Only in Richmond VA” experience. The Richmond Region celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion through community-driven initiatives at the heart of everything that we do.
For more information, visit VisitRichmondVA.com.
Katy is an entrepreneur, a social media know it all, and a lover of all the vintage things. She started Katy's Flower Wagon in 2020, having recently sold that business to pursue other creative endeavors. She has been working with Sass Magazine as well as local businesses as a social media manager. You can catch her around town snapping pictures, collaborating with local businesses, and working on all things Sass!
Follow her on Instragram @adventuresinkatyland
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