There are so many great ways to kick off the holiday season or see some Christmas lights in RVA! Enjoy this list of options.

Dominion GardenFest of Lights.  November 22nd – January 6th  (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, and a firepit with s’mores and hot chocolate (for purchase).  There are special nightly family activities as well. Fee.

Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village.  November 15th – 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.

Santa’s Arrival Parade and Magical Tree Lighting.  Friday, November 8th.  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 for children 10 and under staring at 5:30 in the Nordstrom Court. *While Supplies Last.  Free.

Holiday Tree Lighting.  Saturday. November 9th.  Stony Point Fashion Park.  5-7pm.  Enjoy the sounds of the KOS Band, Santa,  a snow show, giveaways for kids 10 & under, holiday ice skating and more!

Holiday Street Festival.  November 23rd. 4pm-7:30pm.  Westchester Commons.  food, holiday snacks, an infamous Hot Chocolate Bar (presented by Hope Point Church), kids activities, and a live concert by Richmond Favorite, the KOS BAND.

The Jefferson Hotel Tree Lighting.  Monday, December 2nd. 5pm. This time-honored tradition at The Jefferson is in its 32nd year. The evening’s festivities begin at 5:00pm with holiday musical performances. The Tree Lighting ceremony begins at 5:35pm and includes a host of holiday characters. The ceremony concludes with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus for the lighting of the tree. This event is free and open to the public. Guests are invited to the Empire Ballroom following the ceremony to enjoy complimentary refreshments. Guests of the event will also be the first to enjoy the annual Gingerbread Display prepared by Executive Pastry Chef Sara Ayyash and her talented team. Thousands of pounds of gingerbread, royal icing and candy are used to create classic holiday scene. The display will be in the Palm Court Lobby through Sunday, January 5, 2019.

Annual Tree Lighting. Saturday, December 7th.  4:30pm.  Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.  Enjoy 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! Free and fun for the whole family.

Colonial Williamsburg Fireworks.  December 8th.  In the 18th century, illuminations–the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks–celebrated major events such as the birthday of a reigning sovereign, military victories, or the arrival of a new colonial governor. Join Colonial Williamsburg for this special day by strolling the Historic Area and viewing all the unique decorations. Enjoy musical performances on multiple stages throughout the Historic Area and fireworks displays from the Capitol, the Magazine, and the Palace.

Winterfest at Kings Dominion.  Nov 23rd – Jan 1st.  A glittering winter landscape with ice skating, festive characters, rides, live shows and more.  Free.