Dominion GardenFest of Lights.  November 23rd – January 7th  (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: Mondays- Storytime & Santa sightings, Tuesdays – holiday caroling, Wednesdays- Art Projects, Thursdays- Musicians perform.  Fee.

Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village.  November 16th – 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 9th.  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 *While Supplies Last.  Free.

Holiday Tree Lighting.  Saturday. November 10th.  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 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.

Annual Tree Lighting Event.  November 16th at 6pm.  Chesterfield Towne Center Food Court.  Kat Simons from Mix 98.1 will emcee the event with music, giveaways and fun.

Tree Lighting.  November 16th at 7pm.  Westchester Commons.  Free gift for the first 250 kids 12 and under.

The Jefferson Hotel Tree Lighting.  Monday, November 26th. 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 5:45pm 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 a child-sized depiction of a classic holiday scene. The display will be in the Palm Court Lobby through Sunday, January 6, 2019.

James Center Illumination.  Friday, November 30th.  5:50 pm – 7 pm.  The James Center, between 9th-12th & Cary Streets.  Reindeer and Buildings Illuminate at 6 pm.  Free.

Annual Tree Lighting. Saturday, December 1st.  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. Free and fun for the whole family.

Colonial Williamsburg Fireworks.  Sunday, December 2nd.  4pm-7:30pm.  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 – Dec 31st.  A glittering winter landscape with ice skating, festive characters, rides, live shows and more.  Free.