Virginia’s Most Spectacular 2025 Christmas Light Displays That Will Blow Your Mind This Holiday Season!

When the holidays roll around, people in Virginia really get into the spirit. Homes, city streets, and event spaces light up all over the state, and you can feel the excitement just driving around.

Every year, towns and cities across Virginia put together displays that turn regular spots into something magical. It’s a big deal for families, tourists, and pretty much anyone who loves a good light show.

Here’s a roundup of some of the best Christmas light displays in Virginia for 2025. If you’re planning your holiday adventures, these are the events you’ll want on your list. You can check out more holiday attractions too.

1) Christmas on Wendhurst

Christmas on Wendhurst sits in Glen Allen, just outside Richmond. The Thompsons go all out—over 170,000 Christmas lights and hundreds of homemade decorations. This house is a staple of the area’s “Tacky Light Tour,” and people travel from all over the world just to see it.

The Thompsons spend about seven months setting everything up. Honestly, it’s a labor of love—over 500 hours arranging lights, building figures, and adding interactive stuff. Hand-painted figures line the yard, and you’ll find themed zones that kids and families gravitate toward.

They want you to walk around and really experience it. There are photo spots, a mailbox for Santa letters, and little riddle stations for kids. They even hand out free candy canes and dog treats. You’ll need to park on the street, but the whole thing is free.

This house has won awards, even on TV contests like the ones on ABC. The Thompsons are usually out there every night, chatting with visitors and sharing stories.

Rating: 4.8 (176 reviews)
Location: 9716 Wendhurst Dr, Glen Allen, VA 23060
Website: Visit Website

Dates (2025)	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Early Dec–Dec 31*	Nightly: 6pm–10pm*	9716 Wendhurst Dr, Glen Allen, VA	Free	See options on Booking.com	christmasonwendhurst.com

*Check website for confirmed dates and times.

2) Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens puts on a light show every year that’s honestly pretty stunning. You’ll walk winding paths lined with glowing displays, and the lights shimmer on the lakes in a way that’s hard to describe unless you see it yourself.

The gardens have both native plants and fancy ornamental gardens, and the lights make everything look completely different at night.

It’s not just about looking at lights—you can stroll along paved trails, so strollers and wheelchairs are no problem. Families come here to wander, snap photos, and let the kids burn off some energy on the grass.

If you’re hoping for a chill evening, bring a blanket and hang out on the lawn. The visitor center sits near the entrance, and staff hand out maps or answer questions if you need them.

Crowds can get pretty big, so buying tickets online before you go is smart.

Rating: 4.8 (4007 reviews)
Location: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
Contact: (703) 255-3631
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Mid-November to early January	Evenings (check site for hours)	9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 22182	Typical ticket price ranges; check website for updates	Nearby hotels on Booking.com	Visit Website

3) High Country Lights

High Country Lights in Galax, Virginia, runs from late November through early January. They use around 250,000 lights, all synced to music, so you get a real show every night starting at 6:00 p.m.

Felts Park hosts the event, and the city’s tourism and parks folks manage it. You don’t need a ticket—just show up with your crew and enjoy.

There’s more than just lights, too. Sometimes you’ll find carriage rides, food trucks, and spots for photos. Santa even drops by for the kids now and then.

If the weather turns bad, they’ll turn off the lights for safety, so it’s worth checking their Facebook or calling ahead.

Rating: 4.8 (507 reviews)
Location: 601 S Main St, Galax, VA 24333
Contact: (336) 756-7529
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to stay nearby	Website
Nov 27, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026	6:00 p.m.	601 S Main St, Galax, VA 24333	Free	Hotels in Galax, VA	highcountrylights.com

4) Celebration In Lights

Celebration In Lights takes over Newport News Park every holiday season with a massive drive-through display. This park is easy to get to if you’re in southeastern Virginia, and the whole place lights up with thousands of displays along the route.

You stay in your car and drive through several miles of lit-up scenes. It’s honestly great for all ages, but heads up—weekends and holidays get busy, so you might hit some traffic.

The event usually starts in late November and runs into early January. You pay per vehicle at the entrance, and there’s no fuss with the pricing.

They’ve got restrooms and signs to help you get around inside the park. If you want to stay overnight, there are hotels close by in Newport News, and Booking.com has plenty of options.

For the latest info and tickets, check their official website.

Rating: 4.9 (61 reviews)
Location: 13560 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23603

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to stay nearby	Website Address
Late Nov–Early Jan	Evenings, usually 5:30-10 PM	Newport News, VA	Per vehicle	Hotels near Celebration In Lights, Newport News	Newport News Parks: Celebration In Lights

5) Shawn’s Christmas Lights

Shawn’s Christmas Lights in Chesapeake, Virginia, is a neighborhood favorite. Every year, Shawn puts together unique light arrangements that cover the house and yard.

You’ll see classic Christmas colors, big figures, and lights that move across the display. Honestly, it just feels festive—families stop by to look, snap some photos, and soak it in.

You don’t pay anything to visit. Just park along the street (it’s a residential area, so be respectful), and enjoy a quick walk or drive-by. There aren’t any vendors or extra attractions on site, so it’s a simple but cheerful stop.

Rating: 4.9 (22 reviews)
Location: 1109 Shore Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23323

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to stay nearby	Website
December 2025	Evenings	1109 Shore Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23323	Free	Booking.com Hotels Nearby	Visit Website

6) Stern Family Holiday Light Show

You’ll find the Stern Family Holiday Light Show in Newport News, Virginia, right in a residential neighborhood. The Sterns put up thousands of lights every year, and they sync everything to music for a synchronized experience.

You watch the show from your car, and while traffic moves slowly, people are usually in good spirits. Lots of local families make this part of their holiday routine.

It’s free to attend, but they do accept donations if you want to help out. The show gets a lot of love online, and the ratings show people really appreciate it.

Rating: 4.9 (239 reviews)
Location: 108 Sheffield Way, Newport News, VA 23602
Contact: (757) 349-6768
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Early Dec–Jan	Evenings (varied)	108 Sheffield Way, Newport News, VA	Free/Donation	Holiday Inn Newport News, Courtyard Newport News	https://www.facebook.com/SternFamilyHolidayLightShow/

7) The Virginia Christmas Lighting and Decor Company

If you want your home decorated for the holidays but dread doing the work, this company’s got you covered with full holiday lighting and decor services. They’ll take care of everything—design, setup, maintenance, removal, and even storage once the season wraps up.

You won’t have to mess with tangled wires or risk climbing ladders. Their team installs both indoor and outdoor lights, wreaths, and all sorts of festive touches.

Their all-inclusive service gives you a decorated home without the headache. When the holidays end, they’ll swing by to pack up and store everything for next year.

It’s a practical pick if you want a festive look but zero hassle.

Rating: 4.8 (48 reviews)
Location: 13007 Bristow Rd, Nokesville, VA 20181
Contact: (703) 705-9627
Website: Visit Website

8) Dominion Energy Garden of Lights

Check out the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights if you want to wander through thousands of twinkling lights in a botanical garden. The displays line walking paths, showing off different colors and patterns.

You’ll find this event in Norfolk, so it’s easy to get to from most places in southeastern Virginia. The event runs on select nights during the holidays.

Since you’ll be outside the whole time, dress warm and wear comfy shoes for the paved paths. Parking’s available on site.

You’ll want to buy tickets online ahead of time to skip the long lines at the entrance. Near the garden entrance, you can usually grab a snack or join in on a few activities.

Rating: 4.3 (19 reviews)
Location: 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518
Contact: (757) 441-5830

9) Norfolk Botanical Garden

Norfolk Botanical Garden lights up every year with a big holiday event. The garden puts together a huge outdoor light display, and you can walk or drive through different themed areas.

This event is family-friendly and works for all ages. Besides the lights, the garden’s plant collections—like roses and azaleas—draw a crowd earlier in the year.

During the holidays, they decorate parts of the garden to show off winter plants and scenery. Many folks come just to snap photos or unwind outside for the evening.

The event usually runs from late November through December. You may need to buy tickets in advance.

Parking can get crowded, especially if you arrive in the evening, so plan ahead. The botanical garden operates as a non-profit and uses ticket sales to fund community and educational programs.

Rating: 4.8 (8260 reviews)
Location: 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518
Contact: (757) 441-5830
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Nearby Stays	Website
Late Nov – Dec, 2025	Evenings, varies	6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA	Varies, check online	Booking.com Hotels Nearby	norfolkbotanicalgarden.org

10) Tidewater Lights

If you’re searching for Christmas light installation in Virginia, Tidewater Lights handles both homes and businesses. Their crew installs holiday lights and can even set up permanent lighting you can use all year.

You can go classic or pick modern LED options that let you change colors for special occasions. Clients often mention the team’s neatness and focus on safety.

Installers show up on time and work efficiently. They’ll answer any questions about the process or equipment.

If there’s an issue, their follow-up is quick and they fix things fast. Tidewater Lights works on projects big and small.

Customers appreciate their smooth communication and flexibility with last-minute changes. Offices and apartment communities use them for holiday decorating, too.

Rating: 4.9 (64 reviews)
Location: 602 Aberdeen Rd, Hampton, VA 23661
Contact: (757) 349-1778
Website: Visit Website

11) The Meadow Event Park

The Meadow Event Park, set in Caroline County, Virginia, is a huge venue best known for hosting the State Fair and seasonal events. In winter, families and groups come from all over to see its Christmas light displays.

You can wander or drive through the grounds, passing both historic buildings and newer structures. The property is massive—over 300 acres—so there’s plenty of room for big light setups.

If you’re into history, the park’s horse racing roots and being the birthplace of Secretariat add a cool twist. Parking is flat and easy, with handicapped spots close to the main entrances.

Self-guided tours let you move at your own pace. The location is pretty convenient from both Richmond and Northern Virginia.

Rating: 4.5 (1,759 reviews)
Location: 13191 Dawn Blvd, Doswell, VA 23047
Contact: (804) 994-2800
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
To be announced	To be announced	13191 Dawn Blvd, Doswell, VA 23047	To be announced	Hotels near Doswell, VA	http://www.meadoweventpark.com/

12) Newport News Park

Newport News Park ranks as one of the biggest city parks in the country. Every holiday season, the park draws thousands for its drive-through Christmas lights event.

You’ll see displays with seasonal characters, glowing trees, and themed scenes along several miles of road. The park offers more than lights, too.

During the day, you might try disc golf or rent a bike. Many visitors explore the trails and gardens before the lights switch on.

The park gets busy, especially on December weekends. If you want to avoid long car lines, try arriving early.

You’ll find several local hotels nearby if you’re planning an overnight trip.

Rating: 4.7 (3395 reviews)
Location: Newport News Park
Contact: (757) 886-7912
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Late Nov – Dec 31	5:30pm–10:00pm	13560 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA	$12–$15 per car	Marriott at City Center (Booking.com)	https://nnparksandrec.org/

13) Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Every winter, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden puts on a big holiday light show. The gardens fill up with thousands of lights and themed displays.

You’ll follow paths through colorful, festive designs. Food and drink stands pop up along the walkways.

You’ll usually need tickets for the lighting event. Parking’s available, but weekends can get crowded—arriving early helps.

Nearby hotels are easy to book online. The garden’s main buildings and grounds offer plenty of space for families or couples looking to stroll.

Rating: 4.7 (1697 reviews)
Location: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, VA
Contact: (804) 262-9887
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
November–January (exact dates vary each year)	5:00 PM–10:00 PM	1800 Lakeside Ave, Henrico, VA 23228	Adults: $17; Youth: $8 (prices may vary)	Search hotels on Booking.com	lewisginter.org

14) Wonderly Lights of Northeast VA

For professional outdoor Christmas light installation, Wonderly Lights of Northeast VA handles both homes and businesses. Their team takes care of everything, so you never have to mess with lights or equipment.

They focus on making your outdoor space bright, organized, and safe. All lighting is custom to your preferences.

The company handles design, setup, and maintenance. If something’s off, their local team fixes it fast since they’re based nearby.

Supervisors check the work for quality and the right brightness. Wonderly Lights covers most of Northeast Virginia, including Fredericksburg, Alexandria, Fairfax, Stafford, and Woodbridge.

If you’re not sure if they serve your neighborhood, just call to check before booking. It’s a turnkey solution for anyone wanting a hassle-free holiday.

Rating: 5 (21 reviews)
Location: 20 Rawlings Pl #107, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Contact: (703) 434-3171
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Not listed	Not listed	20 Rawlings Pl #107, Fredericksburg, VA 22405	Not listed	Hotels in Fredericksburg, VA	https://wonderlylights.com/northeastva/

15) Elf Pros

Elf Pros sets up Christmas light displays for homes and businesses in Fredericksburg, Virginia. You can team up with their designers to create a custom lighting display.

The crew uses LED lights and handles installation, maintenance, and removal. Their staff brings years of experience as licensed contractors.

They work hard to finish on time, keep things safe, and fit your preferences. If a bulb burns out, a technician will come back within 24 hours.

For homes, Elf Pros can transform your property into a Christmas wonderland with lights and decorations. They’ll even store everything after the season ends.

Businesses can benefit from extra holiday foot traffic with professional lighting.

Rating: 5 (131 reviews)
Location: 1317 Alum Spring Rd Suite B, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Contact: (540) 895-3531
Website: Visit Website

16) Bull Run Festival of Lights

Every year, the Bull Run Festival of Lights lights up the season from November through just after New Year’s Day.

The highlight? A 2.5-mile drive-through packed with bright holiday displays. You’ll stay in your car, headlights off, just following the path as thousands of lights guide the way.

The whole drive takes about twenty minutes. Sometimes, they throw in a 3D viewing option for an extra bit of fun.

When you finish, you might find a carnival waiting, with rides and activities for all ages.

They’ve got wide, two-lane roads that keep things moving, even on the busiest nights. Families keep coming back, year after year, which probably says something.

You’ll spot new displays every season, so it never feels exactly the same.

Rating: 4 (196 reviews)
Location: 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Nov–early Jan (annual)	Evenings (varies)	7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA	Varies by car	Hotels in Centreville	https://www.novaparks.com/events/bull-run-festival-of-lights

17) Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Every year, Busch Gardens Williamsburg throws a massive holiday lights event called Christmas Town. If you swing by in December, you’ll spot the park glowing with millions of lights.

They really go all out—displays cover European-themed spots like Germany, Italy, and France. It’s a lot to take in, honestly.

Inside the park, you can catch holiday shows and grab some themed food. Make sure you bundle up, because the event happens outside and it gets chilly.

Most of the big rides stay open, which is a nice bonus. The park also sets up special markets where you can shop or try some treats.

They don’t let you bring in food, except for bottled water. The whole place runs cashless, so you’ll need a card or mobile pay.

Smoking? Only in certain areas, so keep an eye out for those signs. You can use free Wi-Fi throughout the park, which is always handy.

Rating: 4.4 (39,840 reviews)
Location: Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA
Contact: (757) 229-4386
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov – early Jan	Varies (check park calendar)	1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, VA 23185	Admission fee	Williamsburg hotels on Booking.com	https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/