This festive season, skip the gifts and treat your loved ones to the best holiday experiences RVA has to offer. From twinkling light shows to bustling holiday markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Whether you're planning a cozy family getaway or a festive escape, make this winter season extra special by exploring Richmond’s unique activities, charming attractions, and hotel options. Let the holiday fun begin—mark your calendars for these joyful upcoming events and start creating unforgettable memories!
Events & Attractions
A Drag Queen Christmas
Carpenter Theater at Dominion Energy Center
November 15, 2024 | 8:00 p.m.
Join the celebration of the 10th Anniversary Tour of America’s longest running drag tour at the Dominion Energy Center. Hosted by Nina West, this night features live performances by your favorite queens – snag VIP Meet and Greet tickets for a chance to meet the queens in person!
(Photo Credit: Sarah Hauser)
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
November 18, 2024 - January 5, 2025 | Select Nights
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden hosts the ultimate holiday extravaganza during the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights. This annual holiday tradition features one million twinkling lights, hand-crafted botanical decorations, model trains and more. See illuminated figures throughout like unicorns, butterflies and their famous peacock, plus a live 20-foot Christmas tree inside their Conservatory.
Christmas with C.S. Lewis
Gottwald Playhouse
November 21 - 24, 2024 | Select Times
Step into the world of C.S. Lewis this holiday season with Christmas with C.S. Lewis! Join award-winning actor Gregory Williams Welsch as he brings to life an unforgettable Christmas Eve at Lewis’ home near Oxford, where a heartfelt conversation with J.R.R. Tolkien forever changed Lewis’ holiday celebrations. Expect laughter, tears, and Yuletide stories that will warm your heart.
Light Up the Tracks Celebration
Downtown Ashland
November 23, 2024 - January 1, 2025 | Select Dates & Times
Stroll the mile-long holiday light display in the downtown historic district and see the iconic railroad tracks adorned with twinkling lights! Stop in the local shops in this vintage Christmas village for holiday specials and enjoy dinner at one of the charming local restaurants. Plus, don't miss scheduled events including a gingerbread scavenger hunt, live musical performances and more.
46th Annual Model Railroad Show
Science Museum of Virginia
November 29 - December 1, 2024 | 9:30 a.m - 5:00 p.m.
Featuring all the bells and whistles, guests will enjoy unique and traditional model train displays from across the state. Learn how trains work, conduct experiments, check out special demonstrations and enjoy a holiday weekend filled with fun for the whole family. The Model Railroad Show is included with Museum admission.
Kings Dominion's WinterFest
Kings Dominion
November 29, 2024 - January 4, 2025 | Select Nights
See the Kings Dominion amusement park magically transform into a winter wonderland during the ultimate holiday celebration! Kings Dominion's WinterFest is packed with all the sights, sounds, food, and experiences of the holiday season. The park shines bright with over two million shimmering lights, a 300-foot tree and lavish displays while live shows and strolling performers delight guests throughout the park. Plus, a selection of your favorite rides will be open to complete your night of memory making!
(Photo Credit: Pexels)
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Altria Theater
November 29 - 30, 2024 | Select Times
Get ready for Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Altria Theater! This dazzling holiday spectacular features gravity-defying acrobatics, jaw-dropping stunts, and vibrant costumes, all set to your favorite seasonal music.
Let It Snow! Richmond Symphony Concert
Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
November 30, 2024 | 3:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
Celebrate the holidays with a concert featuring the sounds of the season! Join the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus for this magical holiday tradition the whole family will love. Hear arrangements of famous carols, classics, and sparkling holiday favorites!
New Kent County Grand Illumination
Historic New Kent County Courthouse
December 1, 2024 | 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Bask in the joy of the holidays at New Kent County's Grand Illumination event! Bring your friends and family and enjoy caroling and live entertainment, holiday snacks and a local holiday vendor market. Children can take a photo with Santa and enjoy a variety of fun activities. All of this culminates in the illumination of the Historic New Kent County Courthouse.
(Photo Credit: Michael Simon Photography)
Tacky Lights Tours
December 1 - 31, 2024 | Select Dates
The Richmond Region's iconic tradition of over-the-top holiday decorating can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car, a shuttle (or limo!), or an open-air TukTuk. Don't just take our word for it, Travel + Leisure says Richmond has The Best Christmas Lights in Virginia. Book your tour and see the region's tackiest light displays.
Colonial Heights Christmas Parade
The Boulevard, Colonial Heights
December 3, 2024 | 7:00 p.m.
Celebrate the spirit of Christmas during the 71st annual Christmas Parade through Colonial Heights! Enjoy candy cane and Christmas carol themed floats and musical performers on The Boulevard during this fun holiday tradition.
(Photo Credit: Caroline Martin Photography)
Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
West Broad Street (Between the Science Museum & 7th Street)
December 7, 2024 | 10:00 a.m.
The annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade returns to West Broad Street to commence the holiday season! This beloved Richmond tradition attracts spectators from near and far, with an exciting parade line-up that includes colorful floats, giant helium balloons, and Santa himself.
Christmas Through the Centuries
Henricus Historical Park
December 7, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Head to Henricus to experience Christmas Through the Centuries in Virginia. See how Dutch ideas influenced English holiday traditions and celebrate with carols and hot cider while decorating a Victorian Christmas tree by the fireside! Learn more here.
26th Annual Tree Lighting
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen
December 7, 2024 | 4:30 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season at the Cultural Arts Center's 26th Annual Tree Lighting! Witness this festive tradition and enjoy an evening of holiday musical performances, a toasty bonfire, and of course, a special visit from Santa to light the iconic cedar tree. Learn more and check out other special events at the Cultural Arts Center this season.
Winter Wander
The Valentine
December 8, 2024 | 12:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m.
Join The Valentine museum for some holiday cheer during the annual Winter Wander event! Head to the picturesque block of East Clay Street and enjoy a day of carriage rides, crafts, games and live music, plus, take a self-guided tour of the historic Court End neighborhood. This event is free and open to the public!
The Nutcracker
Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
December 8 - 24, 2024 | Select Dates & Times
Get ready for The Nutcracker's triumphant return this holiday season! Don't miss this iconic holiday performance and enjoy beautiful classical music arrangements by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky and the Richmond Symphony, bringing magic and wonder to the stage.
Yuletides at Agecroft: Christmas Open House
Agecroft Hall
December 8, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Step back in time this holiday season and explore 17th-century England, 19th-century London, and 20th-century Richmond as you enjoy festive decorations, family-friendly crafts, live entertainment, and a visit from Father Christmas himself.
(Photo Credit: Sports Backers)
CarMax Tacky Light Run
Mid-lothian Mines Park
December 14, 2024 | 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy a fun walk, jog or run through the Walton Park neighborhood in Chesterfield County decked out in wow-worthy holiday décor. Celebrate 10 years of this famed holiday tradition of over-the-top, dazzling holiday light displays. Spread some holiday cheer as a spectator or sign up to participate in this family friendly event.
The FAN District Association Holiday House Tour
The Fan Area Historic District
December 14 & 15, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tour some of the most dazzling homes in the Fan Neighborhood during the Fan District Association’s Annual Holiday House Tour! This year's tour reflects the great diversity and stylish character of the Fan Area Historic District.
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival 2024
Greater Richmond Convention Center
Date & Time TBA
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival is the largest event of its kind in Virginia presenting performances, workshops, children’s activities, The African Market, food and more. Make plans to observe the year’s-end Kwanzaa holiday, a cultural affirmation of values, thanksgiving and growth. Be sure to check back and follow Elegba Folklore Society for more details.
18th Annual Kwanzaa Afrikan Heritage Celebration
Location and Time TBD
December 27, 2024
Celebrate culture, community, and heritage at the Richmond Kwanzaa Kollective! This one-day event features uplifting performances, educational workshops, and engaging activities for all ages, fostering pride in African and African-American traditions.
Hotel Stays
Quirk Hotel
Celebrate Thanksgiving in style with a two-night stay in one of Quirk Hotel's creatively designed boutique rooms. Enjoy a special dinner for two and complimentary valet parking to make your holiday getaway even more convenient. For more information on even more special offers and exclusions, visit their website.
The Jefferson Hotel
Marvel in the beautifully decorated Jefferson Hotel and experience the joy of the holidays during your 5-star stay. Book a luxurious holiday stay at this prized hotel in the heart of downtown Richmond and take advantage of their mid-week holiday package featuring a Grand Premier room and complimentary self-parking. For more details on Jefferson Hotel holiday offers, click here.
Linden Row Inn
Treat yourself and your pet this holiday season with a stay at the historic and charming Linden Row Inn. Experience the traditional splendor of the holiday season while staying in luxury and style. Take advantage of Linden Row's new pet friendly package which features a stay in one of Linden Row Inn's pet-friendly rooms, a nightly pet fee and a welcome amenity for your pet. For more information on special offers and exclusion details, visit the Linden Row Inn website.
Looking for even more holiday stays?
CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL HOTEL DEALS HERE
Holiday Shopping
Stony Point Sip & Shop
Stony Point Fashion Mall
November 25 - December 18, 2024 | Saturdays & Sundays
Shop local this holiday season at the Stony Point Fashion Park Sip & Shop market! Browse local crafts and goods from unique RVA vendors and find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Plus, enjoy sips from local wineries, distilleries and breweries on site!
(Photo Credit: Virginia Cliffe Inn)
Christmas at the Inn Arts and Crafts Show
Virginia Cliffe Inn
November 29 - December 3, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Experience the magic of the season at the Christmas at the Inn, hosted by the Virginia Cliffe Inn. Enjoy festive holiday shopping from local artisans, enjoy some Brunswick stew, and take in the charming atmosphere of this historic venue.
The Bizarre Bazaar's 49th Christmas Collection
Richmond Raceway Complex
December 5 - 8, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
A Richmond tradition for almost 50 years, The Bizarre Bazaar' Christmas Collection features hundreds of vendors offering unique seasonal gifts. Find decorative accessories for the home and garden, gourmet cookbooks, fine linens, designer clothing, toys, artwork, furniture and more.
Merry Market at Maymont
December 7 & 8, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Celebrate the season at Maymont and revel in classic Victorian holiday splendor! Save the date for their annual Merry Market artisan festival, where more than 70 local artisans will offer hand-made gifts for all tastes and interests.
Carytown Holiday Artisan Market
City Stadium
December 14 & 15, 2024 | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Check out over 100 local vendors showcasing their unique, handcrafted goods during the Carytown Holiday Artisan Market. Plus, enjoy live music and food trucks while you shop local.
PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY GETAWAY
Give the gift of an amazing trip this season and book your stay in the Richmond Region!
