Last updated: November 11, 2024
Enjoy the magic of the holidays in Chester with our comprehensive event guide. Whether you're rediscovering Chester or seeing it for the first time, this guide maximizes your holiday enjoyment.
Popular Events: Experience the festive lights and joyous ambiance at Kings Dominion's WinterFest, where thrilling rides and holiday displays create a delightful atmosphere. Another highlight is the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, showcasing extraordinary light displays amidst the serenity of nature. And the Light Up the Tracks Celebration is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a stunning parade of lights winding through Chester. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Have suggestions or corrections? Contact us!
Chester Holiday Light Displays
Kings Dominion's WinterFest
- What to Expect
- 300-foot-tall Christmas tree and large ice-skating rink.
- Description
- Kings Dominion's WinterFest transforms the park into a vibrant holiday celebration with millions of shimmering lights, a 300-foot-tall Christmas tree, and one of the largest ice-skating rinks around. Enjoy live shows, festive food, and fun activities for the whole family.
- Where
- Doswell | More Info : Kings Dominion's WinterFest
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
- What to Expect
- Interactive light displays and themed environments.
- Description
- Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights features millions of lights, botanical decorations, model trains, and festive dinners, celebrating interconnected environments through various ecosystems.
- Where
- Richmond | More Info : Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
Light Up the Tracks Celebration
- What to Expect
- Mile-long holiday light display with community-driven events.
- Description
- Downtown Ashland transforms its historic district with a mile-long holiday light display, featuring over 10,000 twinkling lights. The event includes various special events such as an Illuminated Costume Contest, caroling performances, and shopping opportunities at local businesses.
- Where
- Richmond | More Info : Light Up the Tracks Celebration
Tacky Lights Tours
- What to Expect
- Climate-controlled bus tour of Richmond's most spectacular holiday lights.
- Description
- Explore Richmond's best holiday lights displays on a comfortable, climate-controlled bus. See the wildest, brightest, and zaniest light displays all over town. Customizable tours allow you to visit specific homes and make pit stops. Bring your beverages and snacks, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Richmond | More Info : Tacky Lights Tours
Richmond Holiday Lights Show
- What to Expect
- Interactive light displays and themed ecosystems.
- Description
- The Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden features millions of lights, botanical decorations, model trains, festive dinners, and interactive exhibits celebrating interconnected environments.
- Where
- Richmond | More Info : Richmond Holiday Lights Show
Hopewell Tour of Lights
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday light display featuring residents' decorated homes.
- Description
- Hopewell Tour of Lights is a self-guided tour showcasing beautifully decorated houses in the neighborhood, highlighting the creativity and spirit of the community.
- Where
- Hopewell | More Info : Hopewell Tour of Lights
Chester Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Happenings at Maymont
- What to Expect
- Holiday market with local artisans and seasonal activities.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Maymont with a festive market on the Carriage House Lawn, featuring twinkling lights, evergreen garlands, and historic charm.
- Where
- Richmond | More Info : Holiday Happenings at Maymont
Chester Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- The Nutcracker, choreographed by Stoner Winslett and featuring Tchaikovsky's iconic score, is a holiday classic with stunning choreography, lavish sets, and costumes.
- Where
- Richmond | More Info : The Nutcracker
Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Colorful floats and giant helium balloons.
- Description
- The Dominion Energy Christmas Parade is a vibrant holiday event featuring colorful floats, giant helium balloons, high school and college marching bands, princesses, superheroes, and Legendary Santa. The parade begins at the Science Museum of Virginia and travels eastbound on Broad Street to conclude near the Richmond Coliseum.
- Where
- Richmond | More Info : Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
Chester Other Holiday Activities
Colonial Heights Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday celebration with festive floats and performances.
- Description
- The 71st Annual Colonial Heights Christmas Parade features a nighttime procession along the Boulevard, celebrating the theme "Candy Canes and Christmas Carols" with festive floats, bands, and holiday performances.
- Where
- Colonial Heights | More Info : Colonial Heights Christmas Parade