BirthdaysIlluminations and Christmas Lights
http://www.lewisginter.org
Dominion GardenFest of Lights. November 24th – January 8th (Closed Dec. 24 & 25). Nightly 5pm-10pm. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. A holiday tradition featuring more than half-a-million twinkling lights, hand-crafted botanical decorations, model trains, holiday dinners, firepit with s’mores and hot chocolate (for purchase). There are special nightly family activities as well: Mondays- Aesop’s Fables storytime & Santa sightings, Tuesdays – holiday caroling, Wednesdays- GardenFest themed crafts, Thursdays- acoustic musicians perform, Fridays- Dogs can enjoy the holiday lights (but they must be leashed). Fee. Check back for our 4 pass giveaway later in the month!
Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village. November 17th – December 31st. Nightly 5:30pm – 10:00pm. The Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia. The light show consists of hundreds of thousands of LED lights synchronized to music from your car radio. At the conclusion of the drive, guests can visit Santa’s Village, which will include opportunities for photos with Santa and more! Fee.
Holiday Tree Light Shows. Stony Point Fashion Park. Light shows take place daily at the top and bottom of each hour, beginning at 10 am and continuing to 11:00 pm.
Santa’s Arrival Parade and Magical Tree Lighting. Friday, November 10th. 7:30pm. Short Pump Mall Main Plaza. Santa will arrive in style along with his favorite Holiday Characters: The Gingerbread Boy, Raggedy Ann and Andy, Frosty the Snowman, Toy Soldier, Dancing Tree and two of Santa’s very own elves along with many other friends and fan favorites during the annual parade. Then kids will raise their wands to help Santa light the magical 60-foot, walk-thru tree and 22-foot reindeer! Magic Wands will be distributed at 5:30PM in the Nordstrom Court. *While Supplies Last. Free.
Holiday Tree Lighting. Saturday, November 11th. 5pm-7pm. Stony Point Fashion Park. Enjoy the sounds of the Kings of Swing, Santa, giveaways for kids 10 & under, holiday ice skating and more! Most events are free.
Santa’s Arrival. Saturday, November 18th. 9am. Regency Square Mall. Santa arrives with musicians and costumed characters. Free.
The Jefferson Hotel Tree Lighting. Monday, November 27th. Starting at 5pm with live musical performances. The lighting ceremony will start at 5:45pm. 101 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23220. The ceremony concludes with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus for the lighting of the tree. Guests are invited to the Empire Ballroom following the ceremony to enjoy complimentary refreshments. The hotel will remain decorated through Jan. 7, 2018. This event is free and open to the public.
James Center Illumination. Friday, December 1st. 5:45 pm – 7 pm. The James Center, between 9th-12th & Cary Streets. Reindeer and Buildings Illuminate at 6 pm. Free.
Annual Tree Lighting. Saturday, December 2nd. 4:30pm-7pm. Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. In partnership with the County of Henrico Division of Recreation and Parks, The Center welcomes you to this beloved holiday event featuring magical holiday music performances, hot chocolate and cookies, a toasty bonfire and, of course, a special visit from Santa to light the 60-foot cedar Christmas tree at The Center’s entrance. Following The Center’s Annual Tree Lighting enjoy the Cultural Arts Center hosts its 7th annual Illumination, a themed Christmas tree exhibit! Each tree is designed with its own special theme – from traditional and beyond – sure to thrill the youngest to oldest visitors. Don’t forget the scavenger hunt or you’ll miss out on a special treat at the end. Santa and his elves will be on-site for a visit with children as families enjoy Illumination and the annual scavenger hunt. Free and fun for the whole family.
Colonial Williamsburg Fireworks. Sunday, December 3rd. 4pm-7:30pm. In the 18th century, illuminations, which included the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks, were held to celebrate major events, such as great military victories, the anniversary of the reigning sovereign’s birth, or the arrival of a new colonial governor. Join Colonial Williamsburg for this special day by strolling the Revolutionary City and viewing all the unique decorations. Enjoy musical performances from multiple stages and delight in the fireworks displays from three different locations. Some events require paid tickets.
James River Parade of Lights. Saturday, December 9th. 4pm-8pm. Osborne Park and Boat Landing. Enjoy holiday music, a bonfire, and activities to celebrate the magic of the season while watching the parade of decorated boats sail by. Free.
