The holiday season in Richmond, VA, is brimming with festive events that captivate both locals and visitors alike. From the enchanting GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to the quirky and colorful Tacky Lights Tour, Richmond transforms into a winter wonderland.
Don't miss the historic Dominion Energy Christmas Parade, a beloved tradition featuring elaborate floats and marching bands. Enjoy Richmond's unique blend of holiday cheer, community spirit, and vibrant cultural heritage with these unforgettable experiences.
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The Top Christmas Events in Richmond
- Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
- Tacky Lights Tour
- Maymont Holiday Mansion Tours
- RVA Illuminates
- Richmond Symphony Holiday Pops
- Holiday Glitter: Monument Avenue After Dark Walking Tour
- James River Parade of Lights
- Holiday Market at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Richmond Holiday Light Displays
Tacky Lights Tour
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of over-the-top residential holiday light displays
Description:
Richmond's Tacky Lights Tour celebrates the exuberant spirit of holiday decorating. This self-guided adventure takes participants through neighborhoods boasting some of the most extravagant and unconventional residential light displays in the region. Houses adorned with thousands of lights, inflatable characters, and synchronized music create a sensory spectacle. The tour originated in the 1980s and has since become a quirky Richmond tradition. Visitors can vote for their favorite displays, adding a competitive edge to the festive fun.
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RVA Illuminates
What to Expect:
City-wide light-up event with simultaneous illumination
Description:
RVA Illuminates unites the city in a simultaneous lighting ceremony, marking the official start of Richmond's holiday season. As the sun sets, buildings and landmarks across the city burst into light at the same moment, creating a breathtaking citywide display. This event, which began in the 1930s as the illumination of a single tree, has evolved into a grand celebration of community spirit. Participants can gather at various locations throughout Richmond to witness the collective illumination, symbolizing unity and hope.
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James River Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Boat parade with illuminated vessels on the James River
Description:
The James River Parade of Lights brings holiday cheer to Richmond's waterways. Decorated boats, adorned with dazzling lights and festive displays, cruise along the James River, creating a floating light show. Spectators line the riverbanks to watch the illuminated vessels pass by, reflecting off the water's surface. This unique event combines Richmond's maritime heritage with holiday spirit, showcasing the city's connection to the James River. Viewers can vote for their favorite boat designs, adding an interactive element to the aquatic spectacle.
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Richmond Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
What to Expect:
Craft market featuring local artisans at a popular brewery
Description:
The Holiday Market at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery blends local craftsmanship with Richmond's thriving craft beer scene. This event brings together artisans and makers from around the region to showcase their handmade goods in the festive atmosphere of one of Richmond's most popular breweries. Visitors can browse unique gifts while sampling Hardywood's seasonal brews, including their famous Gingerbread Stout. The market highlights Richmond's creative community and supports local small businesses. Guests can chat with artisans about their craft and find one-of-a-kind presents for their loved ones.
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Holiday Market at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Richmond Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Virginia's largest holiday parade with over 100 units
Description:
Richmond's streets come alive with the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade, Virginia's largest holiday spectacle. Over 100 units, including elaborate floats, marching bands, and giant balloons, wind through the city's historic downtown. This beloved tradition dates back to 1929, making it a cherished part of Richmond's cultural heritage. Spectators can catch a glimpse of Santa Claus as he makes his grand appearance at the parade's finale. The air fills with the sound of cheering crowds and festive music as the procession passes by.
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Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
Richmond Symphony Holiday Pops
What to Expect:
Professional symphony orchestra performing holiday classics
Description:
The Richmond Symphony Holiday Pops concert elevates traditional holiday music to new heights. This annual performance features the full Richmond Symphony Orchestra playing beloved seasonal classics and contemporary favorites. The concert showcases the talents of local musicians and guest vocalists, bringing a professional polish to familiar tunes. Attendees can experience the rich, full sound of a live orchestra in the historic Carpenter Theatre, a restored 1920s movie palace. The program often includes a sing-along portion, inviting the audience to join in the musical celebration.
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Richmond Symphony Holiday Pops
Richmond Other Holiday Activities
Maymont Holiday Mansion Tours
What to Expect:
Victorian-era mansion decorated for a 19th-century Christmas
Description:
Step back in time at Maymont's Holiday Mansion Tours, where the opulent 19th-century estate is adorned in period-appropriate Christmas decor. The Gilded Age mansion showcases how the wealthy Dooley family might have celebrated the holidays in the late 1800s. Visitors can explore lavishly decorated rooms, each telling a story of Victorian Christmas traditions. The tour highlights the contrast between upstairs and downstairs life, offering a glimpse into both the family's and the servants' holiday experiences. Authentic Victorian ornaments and greenery transport guests to a bygone era of elegance and refinement.
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Holiday Glitter: Monument Avenue After Dark Walking Tour
What to Expect:
Guided nighttime tour of historic Monument Avenue's holiday decorations
Description:
The Holiday Glitter Monument Avenue After Dark Walking Tour offers a unique perspective on one of Richmond's most famous streets. This guided nighttime excursion takes participants along Monument Avenue, known for its grand architecture and holiday decorations. Tour guides share stories of the avenue's history and the significance of its monuments while pointing out the elegant holiday displays adorning the historic homes. The tour provides insight into Richmond's architectural heritage and how it intersects with modern holiday traditions. Participants can admire the twinkling lights and festive wreaths that transform the avenue into a winter promenade.
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Holiday Glitter: Monument Avenue After Dark Walking Tour
Nearby Events
GardenFest of Lights (Henrico)
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed with over one million lights
Description:
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden transforms into a dazzling display of over one million lights during the Garden Fest of Lights. This annual event showcases the garden's natural beauty enhanced by intricate light installations. Visitors can stroll through illuminated pathways, marveling at the creative designs that bring the flora to life in a new way. The event pays homage to Richmond's horticultural heritage, blending nature and artistry. You'll discover a model train display winding through miniature landscapes, adding a whimsical touch to the experience.
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Illuminated Light Show (Doswell)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show synchronized to holiday music
Description:
The Illuminated Light Show immerses visitors in a symphony of lights and music. This drive-through experience features thousands of LED lights choreographed to popular holiday tunes, creating a dynamic visual spectacle. The show incorporates cutting-edge technology to bring holiday scenes to life, with animated displays that dance and move in time with the music. Guests tune their car radios to a dedicated station to enjoy the full audiovisual experience. The event takes place at the Meadow Event Park, site of the Virginia State Fair and birthplace of Secretariat, adding a touch of local history to the modern light show.
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Ashland Train Day Christmas Edition (Ashland)
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed train celebration in the "Center of the Universe"
Description:
Ashland Train Day Christmas Edition celebrates the town's rich railroad heritage with a holiday twist. The event takes place in Ashland, known as the "Center of the Universe," where trains still run through the heart of town. Visitors can watch holiday-decorated trains pass by, explore model train displays, and learn about the history of railroads in Virginia. Children can meet Santa, who arrives by train, and enjoy train-themed activities. The event showcases Ashland's unique identity as a train town, blending historical significance with holiday cheer.
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Ashland Train Day Christmas Edition