Bull Run Festival of Lights
Visitors drive through two and a half miles of illuminated holiday light displays from the comfort of their own vehicles. At the end of the route, guests can park and explore the Holiday Village and Carnival, which features walk-through light displays and photo opportunities. The village area also includes bonfires, s’mores, holiday shopping, carnival rides, and a petting zoo.
What to Expect
Drive through 2.5 miles of festive holiday light displays.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 15–20 minutes to drive from the entrance to the exit; duration can vary with the night and traffic.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
NOVA Parks
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families looking for a festive holiday outing
Vibe
Festive and family-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Bus tickets purchased online are $75 for 15+ passenger buses. Bus tickets are available Nov. 14-Dec. 14 and Dec. 29-Jan. 3. Prices do not include tax and transaction fees. Entry to the Holiday Village, Stable and Carnival is included with admission to the Festival of Lights; additional fees apply for carnival rides and camel rides.
- Hours: Monday-Thursday: 5:30-9:30 pm; Friday-Sunday & Holidays: 5:30-10:00 pm. On Thanksgiving, November 26, 2026, the Festival of Lights, Holiday Village, Holiday Stable & Camel Rides remain open 5:30-10:00 pm.
- Parking: There is no on-site carpool parking; visitors are asked to coordinate carpooling at commuter lots outside the park.
- Pets: Dogs are allowed, but must stay inside vehicles during the light show and be leashed and under control in the Village/Carnival. Pets are not allowed in the Petting stable; owners must clean up after their dogs.
Tips & Advice
- Visit Monday through Thursday to avoid crowds, because weekends and the weeks before and after Christmas are the busiest times.
- Buy tickets online with a promo code, because discounts are only available that way.
- Learn your car's light controls before entering if you plan to drive with headlights off, since you can't stop during the show.
- Bring money for the carnival rides and camel rides, which cost extra even though Village and Carnival entry is included.
- In bad weather, watch your email, because ticket holders are notified if flooding or snow closes the show.
Special Events & Promotions
- On Thanksgiving, November 26, the Carnival is closed. The Festival of Lights, Holiday Village, Holiday Stable and Camel Rides stay open.
- Discounts are available only through promo codes on online ticket sales.
- Bus tickets for 15+ passenger buses are sold online from Nov. 14 to Dec. 14 and Dec. 29 to Jan. 3.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we get out of the car during the light show?
Not during the drive. Stay in your vehicle and don't stop along the route. At the end of the show, you can park and walk through the Holiday Village lights and photo spots.
Are the carnival and village included?
Yes. Entry to the Holiday Village, Stable and Carnival comes with festival admission. Carnival rides and camel rides cost extra.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Dogs stay inside the vehicle during the light show and must be leashed and under control in the Village and Carnival. Pets aren't allowed in the petting stable, and owners must clean up after them.
How long does the drive take?
About 15 to 20 minutes from entrance to exit, depending on the night and the traffic.
Can I turn off my headlights?
Yes, if you choose to. Lights line both sides of the road and give enough visibility. Know how to work your lights before you enter, because you can't stop during the show.
More Christmas Events Near Centreville
More Christmas Events near Centreville
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.