Richmond Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Richmond and surrounding areas
Richmond lights up for Christmas 2025 with Christmas lights glowing across Monument Avenue and the Canal Walk, offering plenty of festive events and things to do. The Dominion Energy Christmas Parade, Richmond Tacky Lights Tours, and Legendary Santa at The Children's Museum of Richmond bring parades, light displays, and seasonal activities to the Riverfront and Carytown. Wander through Shockoe Bottom for holiday attractions, festive markets, and cozy performances that highlight local traditions and artisans.
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Christmas Markets
12 eventsExperience 18th-century holiday traditions.
Christmas Lights
11 eventsVirginia's largest Christmas event with over 10 million lights.
Other Christmas Activities
11 eventsAnnual Christmas parade with floats, balloons, and marching bands.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Busch Gardens Christmas Town
(Williamsburg)
Virginia's largest Christmas event with over 10 million lights.
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Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
Annual Christmas parade with floats, balloons, and marching bands.
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Celebration in Lights
(Newport News)
Two miles of holiday scenes with over one million lights
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CarMax Tacky Light Run
(Midlothian)
Run through a neighborhood famous for its over-the-top tacky holiday lights.
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Irving Berlin's White Christmas
(Fredericksburg)
Classic Irving Berlin musical with optional dinner service
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Illuminate Light Show at Meadow Event Park
(Doswell)
Virginia's largest drive-thru synchronized light show
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Shows Near Richmond
Christmas shows, theater performances, and holiday entertainment in Richmond.
A Shockoe Sessions Live! Christmas at the Hippodrome
Diverse musical genres supporting LGBTQ+ arts
A Magical Cirque Christmas 2025
Dazzling holiday cirque show with elite performers and Christmas classics.
Tis the Season: A Holiday Sing-Along
Community holiday sing-along with the symphony
Christmas Parties Near Richmond
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Richmond.
Holiday Teas at The Jefferson
Elegant holiday afternoon tea in a historic hotel.
GardenFest Santa Brunches
Santa visits with a festive brunch buffet
Jingle Mingle: The Ultimate Christmas Party
The ultimate holiday office party with live music.
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Richmond Christmas FAQ
The biggest annual Christmas events include the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and the Tacky Lights Tour, both drawing large crowds to celebrate the season with festive displays and activities.
Richmond’s holiday traditions include the Tacky Lights Tour, where residents decorate homes with creative and colorful lights, and the GardenFest of Lights, which combines botanical beauty with festive illumination, creating a distinctive local celebration.
Neighborhoods known for their Christmas lights include those featured on the Tacky Lights Tour, where blocks of homes showcase elaborate and synchronized light displays, making them popular spots for festive strolls or drives.
Christmas markets and local makers can be found at community centers, artisan fairs, and seasonal markets throughout Richmond and nearby areas, offering handmade crafts, food, and holiday gifts.
Free or budget-friendly activities include exploring neighborhood light displays, visiting public parks decorated for the holidays, and attending free community markets and events that celebrate the season without admission fees.
Family-friendly picks include the GardenFest of Lights with its walkable trails and festive activities, the Tacky Lights Tour for a fun and colorful drive or walk, and local markets offering crafts and seasonal entertainment suitable for children.