It’s a wonderful time of year – full of the magic of illuminations! Enjoy this list of where to see them.

Dominion GardenFest of Lights.  November 20th – January 7th  (Closed Dec. 24 & 25).  Nightly 4pm-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).  Advance tickets are REQUIRED and are available online only (no walk-ups). Tickets are limited and have timed arrivals. Popular times sell out quickly.  Fee.

FREE NIGHTS FOR MEMBERS: Nov. 17-19 and Jan. 1-7

GARDENFEST FOR FIDOS:
Monday, Nov. 20
Monday, Nov. 27
Monday, Dec. 4

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 (through Dec 23rd), which will include opportunities for photos with Santa and more!  Fee.

Tredegar Tree Lighting Ceremony. Thursday, November 30th 5:30-6:30 pm. American Civil War Museum, 490 Tredegar Street. A new holiday tradition starts at the American Civil War Museum with the first tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy a performance by Handbell Choir, The James River Ringers Richmond’s Premier Handbell Ensemble. Free event.

RVA Illuminates. Friday, December 1st, 4-7 pm. Kanawha Plaza, 701 E. Canal Street. Countdown with ABC8 for the tree lighting and illumination of the Downtown Richmond skyline at 5:59 PM when all the lights come ON! Enjoy live performances, food trucks and a little extra sparkle from holiday lights in Richmond, VA. Free event.

Annual Tree Lighting. Saturday, December 2nd from 4:30-7pm. The Cultural Arts Center. Free and fun for the whole family! In partnership with the County of Henrico Division of Recreation and Parks, The Cultural Arts Center welcomes you to this beloved holiday event featuring magical holiday music performances, a holiday scavenger hunt for the kids, a toasty bonfire, and of course, a special visit from Santa to light our iconic cedar Christmas tree at The Center’s entrance! After the tree lighting, the festivities move inside The Cultural Arts Center where parents can explore our holiday gift shop and festive exhibits! Plus, take the kids to visit with Santa and take photos.

Winterfest at Kings Dominion.  Nov 17th – Dec 31st.  A glittering winter landscape with ice skating, festive characters, rides, live shows and more.  Free.