Virginia’s Top Christmas Markets and Festive Holiday Events

Virginia embraces the holiday season with Southern charm and festive cheer, from historic towns to bustling cities filled with holiday lights, traditional markets, and unique seasonal events. Whether you’re exploring colonial Williamsburg or enjoying the festivities in Richmond, Virginia offers a variety of holiday experiences for all. Here’s a list of the top Christmas events and markets across the state for 2024 to make your holiday season unforgettable!

1. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Williamsburg transforms into Christmas Town, a winter wonderland with over 10 million lights, holiday shows, festive rides, and a Christmas train. It’s one of the largest holiday light displays in North America and a must-visit for families.

• Dates: November 16, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• Location: Busch Gardens, Williamsburg
• Website: buschgardens.com

2. Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is a unique holiday event where festively decorated boats cruise along the Potomac River. Enjoy the beautiful sights, festive music, and holiday festivities on Alexandria’s waterfront.

• Date: December 7, 2024
• Location: Alexandria Waterfront
• Website: visitalexandria.com

3. Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights at Explore Park

Roanoke’s Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights at Explore Park features hundreds of thousands of lights along a scenic wooded path. Walk through tunnels of lights, festive displays, and enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores by the fire pits.

• Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 1, 2025
• Location: Explore Park, Roanoke
• Website: explorepark.org

4. Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illumination

Step back in time for the Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illumination, featuring 18th-century holiday traditions, fireworks, candlelit windows, and historical reenactments. The festivities include live music, holiday decorations, and family-friendly activities.

• Dates: December 8, 2024 (Additional dates for special events)
• Location: Colonial Williamsburg
• Website: colonialwilliamsburg.org

5. Christmas Markets at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market

The Virginia Beach Farmers Market hosts holiday markets featuring local vendors, handmade crafts, holiday foods, and festive decorations. It’s a perfect place to shop for unique holiday gifts and support local artisans.

• Dates: Weekends, November 23 – December 22, 2024
• Location: Virginia Beach Farmers Market, Virginia Beach
• Website: vbgov.com

6. Richmond Tacky Light Tour

A beloved holiday tradition in Richmond, the Tacky Light Tour features homes extravagantly decorated with holiday lights. Take a self-guided or group tour through neighborhoods with spectacular displays and join in the festive fun.

• Dates: December 1 – December 31, 2024
• Location: Richmond area neighborhoods
• Website: tackylighttour.com

7. Holiday Village and Light Maze at Meadow Event Park

Enjoy an enchanting holiday light maze, Christmas market, and ice skating at the Meadow Event Park’s Holiday Village. This family-friendly event includes a holiday market with gifts, festive foods, and a Santa’s workshop.

• Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• Location: Meadow Event Park, Doswell
• Website: meadoweventpark.com

8. Old Town Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend

Celebrate the holiday season with Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, featuring a parade with Scottish clans, bagpipers, and festive activities throughout Old Town. The event honors Alexandria’s Scottish heritage with holiday cheer.

• Dates: December 6 – December 7, 2024
• Location: Old Town Alexandria
• Website: campagnacenter.org

9. Norfolk Botanical Garden Dominion Energy Garden of Lights

The Norfolk Botanical Garden lights up with the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights, a drive-through holiday light show featuring millions of lights, themed displays, and festive music. It’s a favorite holiday event on the Hampton Roads.

• Dates: November 15, 2024 – December 31, 2024
• Location: Norfolk Botanical Garden, Norfolk
• Website: norfolkbotanicalgarden.org

10. Reston Town Center Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

Reston Town Center hosts a day of holiday festivities with the annual Holiday Parade, tree lighting ceremony, ice skating, and a festive atmosphere. Santa arrives to greet children, making it a magical holiday celebration for families.

• Date: November 29, 2024
• Location: Reston Town Center, Reston
• Website: restontowncenter.com