🎄 Downtown Holiday Market – Nov 20–Dec 24, 2025 • 12 PM–8 PM daily • 8th & F St NW, Washington, DC – Wander rows of local makers, global gifts, and hot drinks in this open-air holiday village in the heart of Penn Quarter. 🎁✨ Live music and lights make it a perfect after-work or weekend stop.

🐼 ZooLights at Smithsonian’s National Zoo – Nov 21–Dec 11, 2025 • Evenings • National Zoo, DC – The Zoo glows after dark with festive lights, seasonal snacks, and roaming animal lanterns (the animals themselves mostly snooze). 🌟🐾 A cozy, family-friendly night walk.

🌌 DC Holiday Lights – Nov 22, 2025–Jan 1, 2026 • Evenings • Neighborhoods across DC – Stroll or drive through participating corridors as small businesses decorate blocks with themed light displays and window art. 🚶‍♀️✨ A great way to explore new neighborhoods while supporting local spots.

💡 Georgetown GLOW – Dec 6, 2025–Jan 5, 2026 • Evenings • Georgetown, DC – Outdoor light-art installations transform Georgetown’s historic streets and waterfront into a glowing gallery. 🎨🌙 Perfect for an evening photo walk and hot-chocolate date.

🏮 Winter Lantern Festival – Tysons – Nov 21, 2025–Jan 11, 2026 • Evenings • Lerner Town Square, Tysons, VA – Walk among towering illuminated sculptures, interactive displays, and glowing tunnels inspired by Asian lantern traditions. 🏮✨ A vivid after-dark adventure for all ages.

🎆 Winter City Lights – Nov 22–Dec 31, 2025 • Evenings • Olney, MD – Wander through millions of synchronized lights, bonfires, and a glittering forest trail just outside the Beltway. 🌲❄️ Think “holiday theme park” but made of lights.

⛸️ Riverfront Park Ice Skating Rink – Fredericksburg – Nov 28–Dec 28, 2025 • 701 Sophia St, Fredericksburg, VA – Lace up riverside for open-air skating under the lights, with hot cocoa and downtown restaurants just steps away. ⛸️❄️ A new winter tradition for locals and visitors.

🎄 Fredericksburg Christmas Parade – Sat, Dec 6, 2025 • Evening • Downtown Fredericksburg, VA – Floats, marching bands, and twinkling lights roll down Caroline Street in one of the region’s biggest small-town parades. 🎅🎺 Arrive early for parking and hot drinks.

✨ RVA Illuminates – Fri, Dec 5, 2025 • Downtown Richmond – The city flips the switch on its skyline and tree lights with live performances, food trucks, and family activities. 🌟🏙️ A sparkling kickoff to Richmond’s December.

🎄 Dominion Energy Christmas Parade – Sat, Dec 6, 2025 • 10 AM • Broad Street, Richmond, VA – Giant balloons, floats, marching bands, and local groups parade through downtown in this beloved televised event. 🎈🥁 Bundle up and stake out your spot along the route.

🌲 GardenFest of Lights – Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden – Nov 28, 2025–Jan 5, 2026 • 4–10 PM nightly • Richmond, VA – Millions of lights, themed displays, and cozy fire pits turn the garden into a glowing wonderland. 🔥🌟 Advance tickets recommended — it sells out fast.

🚗 Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village – Nov 21, 2025–Jan 1, 2026 • Evenings • Meadow Event Park, Doswell, VA – Drive through synchronized light tunnels and animated displays, then hop out for Santa’s Village treats and rides. 🚙🎶 A favorite for families cruising up and down I-95. Facebook+1

🩰 Richmond Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” – Dec 13–28, 2025 • Dominion Energy Center, Richmond, VA – Sugarplums, snowflakes, and a live orchestra bring the classic ballet to life in downtown Richmond. 🩰🎄 A must-see December tradition for many RVA families.

🚙 Holiday Lights at the Beach – Nov 14, 2025–Jan 1, 2026 • Evenings • Virginia Beach Boardwalk – Drive your car right on the boardwalk through nautical-themed light tunnels, leaping dolphins, and glowing holiday scenes. 🌊✨ Tune the radio to the holiday soundtrack and cruise.

🎄 Garden of Lights – Norfolk Botanical Garden – Late Nov 2025–Dec 31, 2025 • Norfolk, VA – Virginia’s largest botanical garden turns into a mile-plus route of twinkling lights and illuminated landscapes. 🌿💡 You can walk or drive on select nights for different vibes.

🚢 WinterFest on the Wisconsin at Nauticus – Nov 21, 2025–Jan 1, 2026 • Battleship Wisconsin, Norfolk – Explore nine themed light trails aboard a historic battleship plus waterfront “Mistletoe Marina” installations. ⚓🎆 A uniquely coastal way to do holiday lights.

🎶 Holiday POPS! – Virginia Symphony – Dec 13, 2025 • Chrysler Hall, Norfolk – The Virginia Symphony and Chorus deliver big-band carols and holiday classics in a lively annual concert. 🎺✨ Perfect for a dress-up December night.

🐭 World Ballet Company “The Nutcracker” – Dec 22, 2025 • Chrysler Hall, Norfolk – International dancers, over 150 costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s score bring Clara’s dreamland to the Tidewater stage. 🩰🎁 A festive finale to the pre-Christmas week.

🎄 30th Annual Christmas Tree Display & Light Show – Southwest Virginia Museum – Nov 10–Dec 31, 2025 • Southwest Virginia Museum, Big Stone Gap, VA – Wander historic halls filled with dozens of uniquely decorated trees and outdoor lights. 🎄🏛️ A charming small-town centerpiece for the entire holiday season.

🚂 Vintage Christmas Wonderland at Creative Works Farm – Select nights late Nov–Dec 2025 • Waynesboro, VA – Light shows, wagon rides, the Grinch’s Funhouse and a giant gingerbread house turn this working farm into a holiday playground. 🚜🎁 Proceeds support camps for kids with special needs.

🎄 Staunton Christmas Parade – Early Dec 2025 • Downtown Staunton, VA – Historic streets fill with floats, marching bands and twinkling lights in this charming valley parade. 🎺🏘️ Check the city’s calendar for exact 2025 step-off time.

🎁 Staunton Holiday Makers Market & Augusta Expo Holiday Craft Fair – Late Nov–early Dec 2025 • Staunton & Fishersville, VA – Browse handmade décor, jewelry, baked goods and gifts from regional artisans at two beloved Valley markets. 🛍️✨ Ideal for one-of-a-kind presents and small-town holiday vibes.