Explore the Magic of 2024: A Guide to Christmas Light Shows and Tours

Embrace the festive season with these stunning light shows and tours, perfect for family outings, romantic evenings, or solo adventures. Here’s a roundup of must-visit experiences across Virginia and the surrounding areas this holiday season.

1. Winter Walk of Lights

Stroll through a half-mile of illuminated garden trails showcasing nature-inspired and holiday-themed displays. Savor a cozy beverage, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the enchanting ambiance along the paved and accessible paths.

Dates: Nov. 8 - Dec. 5 (5:30 - 10 pm) and Dec. 6 - Jan. 5 (5 - 10 pm, daily)
Location: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
Details: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens | NOVA Parks 

2. Bull Run Festival of Lights

Drive 2.5 miles through dazzling light displays in Bull Run Regional Park. After the show, explore the holiday village featuring bonfires, camel rides, games, and festive treats.

Dates: Nov. 15 - Jan. 5 (Weekdays: 5:30 - 9:30 pm) (Weekends & Special Dates: 5:30 - 10 pm)

Location: Centreville, VA

Details: Bull Run Regional Park 

3. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland with over 10 million lights, holiday shows, thrilling rides, and classic favorites like Santa’s Workshop. Don't miss “Twas That Night” and “Gloria!” performances.

Dates: Nov. 15 - Jan. 5
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Details: Christmas Town: Virginia's Largest Christmas Celebration | Busch Gardens Williamsburg

4. Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights

A beloved tradition with millions of twinkling lights, botanical displays, and model trains. Advanced tickets are required for this immersive experience.

Dates: Nov. 18 - Jan. 5 (9 am - 5 pm, daily)
Location: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, VA

Details: Dominion GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

5. Illuminate Light Show

Virginia’s largest synchronized light and music show features over three million lights across two miles. Tune your car radio to enjoy the perfectly choreographed musical experience.

Dates: Nov. 22 - Dec. 31 (5:30 - 10 pm)
Location: Meadow Evet Park, Doswell, VA
Details: illuminatelightshow.com

6. ZooLights at the National Zoo

Wander through glowing animal lanterns, ride the Conservation Carousel, and enjoy festive pathways at Washington D.C.’s National Zoo.

7. Holiday Lights Ride

Hop into a vintage 1920s Ford Model-A for a cozy ride through Fredericksburg’s festive streets. Snuggle up with blankets, listen to holiday tunes, and capture memories along the way.

Dates: Nov. 23 - Jan. 2 (Friday - Sunday, 5 - 8 pm)
Location: Historic Downtown Fredericksburg, VA
Details: fredericksburgmodelacartours.com

8. Jingle Bell Holiday Rides

Feel the magic of the season with a scenic carriage ride through sparkling streets adorned with holiday lights. Spots fill quickly, so book early.
Dates: Dec. 8 - 31 (times vary)

Location: Historic Downtown Fredericksburg, VA

Details: oldetownecarriages.com

9. Downtown Fredericksburg Holiday Light Trolley Tours

Experience a festive trolley ride complete with Christmas music and panoramic views of dazzling holiday light displays in the heart of downtown Fredericksburg.

Dates: Dec. 13 - 28 (6:30 - 8 pm)
Location: Fredericksburg Visitor Center
Details: fredericksburgtrolley.com

10. Light Up the Tracks Celebration

Kick off the holiday season in Downtown Ashland with a festive tree lighting, an Illuminated Costume Contest, prizes, and holiday entertainment! Stroll along the light displays by the railroad tracks and enjoy outdoor dining, sidewalk sales, vendors, carolers, and food trucks. With Dominion Energy as the presenting sponsor, Downtown Ashland hosts "Light Up the Tracks," a mile-long holiday light display with six weeks of special events. 

Date: November 23, 2024 (5pm-8pm)

Location: Ashland Town Hall- 7121 Thompson Street Ashland,VA, 23005

Details:  lightupthetracks.com. 

This season, make your holidays brighter with one (or more) of these delightful light displays and tours. Plan your visit, gather your loved ones, and create magical memories to cherish!