Christmas Town at Busch Gardens

The Best Christmas Daytrips in Virginia

The best holiday attractions and family-friendly Christmas daytrips in Virginia

From cookie decorating to ice skating and Christmas lights to historic holiday traditions, happy adventurers of all ages can kick up the fun in Virginia with endless thrills, activities, and hands-on learning with these Christmas daytrips. Whether families prefer the energy of the city or the peace of the country, Central Virginia – from the Shenandoah Valley to Charlottesville, Richmond, Middleburg and Williamsburg too – is the place to unite the young — and young at heart — in the pursuit of happiness this holiday season.

With its abundance of picturesque rural locations and arts focused capitol city, the Central Virginia region transforms into something quite remarkable during the Christmas season. These are a few of Virginia’s top choices for Christmas day trips and holiday festivities. See more about each fantastic event by browsing our calendar of family events. From fun places to take kids to fun places to go with the family, we cover it all with these Virginia daytrips.

Keep in mind that reservations or advance tickets may be needed for some of these attractions. Always check the attraction’s website for current policies, hours, and ticket information.

Maymont Garden Glow

It's lit! Garden Glow returns to illuminate Maymont this fall in Richmond

Maymont
Richmond, VA

Experience the magic of Maymont during Garden Glow. This year, discover new light sculptures along the expanded Kinsale Glow Path and see the Japanese Garden, transformed into a stunning spectacle of color and illumination over 22 enchanting nights.

Kick off your adventure at The Robins Nature Center, where the Kinsale Glow Path leads you past imaginative light displays created by international artists, culminating at the Glow Village on the Carriage House Lawn. Here, you can cozy up around fire pits, relax on glow furniture, and indulge in food and drinks from the Glow Bar.

Then, take a stroll along the Woodland Trail into the captivating Japanese Garden, which will be awash in vibrant colors. Plan for at least an hour and a half to fully soak in the experience, and be ready to walk about a mile and a half, navigating some gentle slopes. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bundle up for winter weather! Note the historic pathways to and throughout the Japanese Garden presented by Colesville Nursery are not stroller-friendly. Stroller parking will be available near the Glow Village and for those who need assistance, transportation will be available.

The Glow Village is packed with activities for everyone. Snap a colorful photo at the Shadow Wall presented by Juno Financial Group, unleash your creativity at the Big Bright Mega Light board, or enjoy the new Glow Swings from Magic Special Events. Gather by a fire pit to reconnect and share stories with your loved ones.

This year’s Garden Glow promises to be a memorable blend of art, nature, and community—a perfect christmas daytrip for all ages!

If you are already a Maymont menber, you can enjoy complimentary access on October 16, 22, and 29.

The Nutcracker and Class with Clara

C-VILLE Weekly | Return of the Sugar Plum Fairy: Charlottesville Ballet steps up in holiday tradition

Charlottesville Ballet
Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Culpepper, VA

Step into the winter season with The Nutcracker, a holiday classic and mesmerizing production that showcases the talented professional dancers of Charlottesville Ballet along with over 100 community performers from Central Virginia. Audiences can look forward to captivating performances and special events in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Culpeper.

This enchanting 90-minute show follows young Clara on her magical journey through the Lands of Snowflakes and Sweets. Spectators will encounter playful mice, a sparkling Snow Queen, delightful dancing treats, and the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy, all in a performance designed to capture hearts and ignite imaginations.

After the show, take advantage of a special opportunity for young fans to take “Class with Clara”! This magical event for children ages 3-8 takes place on stage after select performances and gives kids the chance to dance with Clara and other iconic characters from the ballet. Don’t miss this chance to experience a holiday classic like never before!

Lewis Ginter Gardenfest of Lights

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Garden Festival of Lights : r/Virginia

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Richmond, VA

Voted the Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the U.S. by USA Today 10 Best in 2023, this year’s theme is Homes & Habitats: A Celebration of Connection. Visitors will experience millions of lights while exploring the beauty and significance of interconnected environments. Venture from vibrant wetlands and lush forests to enchanting fantasy realms. The gardens have been transformed to represent various ecosystems, complete with new interactive features in the Waterway splash pad and Cochrane Rose Garden.

Accessable paths make it easy to walk with a stroller or wheelchair. The Garden Cafe makes the perfect stop to enjoy a meal with family and friends. The Jingle Bar and Grill is a favoite with the kids to grab a cup of hot chocolate! It also offers casual grab-and-go fare and a bar. The Kelleher Warming Fire in the Children’s Garden is a great spot to warm up, sip hot chocolate, and roast s’mores (available for purchase at the nearby Carriage House).

Families can embark on a light-filled adventure to find Pokémon light forms, such as Ponyta and Ivysaur, hidden throughout the habitats. The Herbs in the Home display in the Library Reading Room showcases how we use nature in our kitchens and crafts, reflecting home traditions. Dried botanicals and a timeline exhibit highlighting the garden’s history can be found at the Robins Visitors Center. Other popular attractions will also return this year, including the model trains, fairy houses, and trees decorated by Henrico County Public Schools students. The show-stopping Fraser Fir from Pennsylvania, which stands 20-feet-tall in the North Wing of the Conservatory also makes the perfect photo-op. Don’t miss this spectactular Christmas daytrip!

Colonial Williamsburg Holiday Festivities

Colonial Christmas Celebrations in williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg
Williamsburg, VA

​There are several ways to celebrate the holidays in Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg. One of the most visited historical places in the nation, it should come as no surprise that family vacations are ideal during this enchanted time of year.

Yorktown’s festive atmosphere comes alive with a handmade craft market, a seasonal Mistletoe Market, and stunning illuminations over the capital building. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the celebrations, featuring a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town. Then enjoy the procession to Riverwalk Landing, where visitors can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.

At the Yorktown Waterfront, enjoy a cozy beach bonfire with complimentary cider and the annual Lighted Boat Parade, showcasing beautifully lit boats on the river. The Williamsburg Christmas Market offers holiday gifts, photo ops with Santa, live entertainment, gluhwein, craft beers, and delicious local food, along with the Riverwalk Landing Polar Express train ride and the festive Toyland Parade. This Christmas daytrip really has it all!

This year, Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum present Christmas Tide, where costumed interpreters explore the evolution of English Christmas customs. Guests can experience the sights and smells of a Revolutionary-era farm kitchen, learn about life in the Continental Army, and enjoy flintlock musket demonstrations, open-hearth cooking, and period music.

Winter Wander Trail of Lights and Winged Dancers

dancers spread heir illuminated wings

Boar’s Head Resort
Charlottesville, VA

At the Boar’s Head Resort Winter Wander Trail of Lights, enjoy the beauty of the terrain while taking a stroll around the lakeside under the glow of a brilliant array of lights. It is an incredible, one-of-a-kind light display. Wanderers entering the event through the main entrance will be welcomed by a lit archway and a unique 12-foot-tall boar-faced nutcracker. See Dogwood Way for beautiful lanterns, an animated fountain of lights and walk through the illuminated tunnels.

This year’s Winter Wander Trail of Lights promises to be the most spectacular yet. Experience fireworks and a live drone light show on select nights. Then enjoy live music with group of enchanting, fairytale-inspired interactive LED dancers. Wander In Motion is a mesmerizing spectacle and is sure to astound children and adults alike. Explore new displays during your Christmas daytrip including Heron’s Nest, celebrating the stunning heron that inhabits Heritage Lake. Make sure to visit enhanced illuminations added to existing features such as Serenity Way, Sunkissed Meadow, and Firefly Grove, and four new artificial snow machines located at Serenity Way and Starry Night Sky. The far east side of the Wander Grounds will host the Enchantment District, featuring live music and attractions on select nights. Enjoy entertainment in a heated tent along with outdoor games, two additional fire pits, and the Frost and Fire Bar.

Lantern Tours at Frontier Culture

Caregiver Underground Railroad

Frontier Culture Museum
Staunton, VA

Come ring in the holiday season with a Christmas daytrip to Fontier culture Museum. Take a walking lantern tour around the Old World side of the museum. Decorated historic houses are backdrops to new skits both heartwarming and comedic, and warm apple cider and cookies will help spread the holiday cheer!  Open 364 days a year, this popular destination in the stunning Shenandoah Valley is the ideal spot for a stroll any day, but truly comes alive during the holiday season. Complete with acts performed by costumed interpreters in the English, Irish, and German farmhouses, among other museum exhibits, these joyous tours also feature many other exhibits.

Kids will likely enjoy getting to scatter some cracked corn for the chickens and turkeys. Frontier Culture Museum shares stories of early America in a fun interactive walk. Paved, it is easy for toddlers and strollers alike. With wagons to borrow and a golf cart roaming looking for passengers, it is easy to cut your walk short should anyone in your group tire out. A charming souvenir shop with snacks available, picnic tables and nicely outfitted bathrooms makes this very popular with families.

Be sure to check out their holdiay workshops for an opportunity to create your own Yule Log centerpiece, a pomander- a historical aromatic decoration from oranges and cloves, or cookie ornament to take home!

A Christmas Carol at the American Shakespeare Center

A Christmas Carol 2017 | American Shakespeare Center

Blackfriars Playhouse
Staunton, VA

Experience the ultimate tale of transformation with A Christmas Carol. The miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is taken high above the streets of Victorian London, haunted by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. In just one fateful night, these spirits achieve what a lifetime of greed could not: they warm his cold, cold heart. American Shakespeare Center is the ultimate place to enjoy this cherished holiday tradition. The annual production of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic is perfect for families and friends of all ages.

Situated in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse has delighted hundreds of thousands of audience members from all over the world. The world’s first re-creation of shakespeare’s indoor theatre has been deemed “one of the most historically important theatres in the world”. It does not disapoint with incredible performances and stunning design. This is an absolute must for your Chritmas daytrip. Running around 95 minutes including an intermission, the show welcomes anyone three and up to enjoy the festive holiday production.

ASC offers Pay-What-You-Will Previews for A Christmas Carol on Thursday, December 5, and Friday, December 6. Be sure to arrive before curtain and check in at the Box Office to claim your PWYW seat on a first-come, first-served basis. This is their most popular PWYW event of the year, so plan to arrive early to secure your spot. Donations to support ASC will be welcomed after the performance.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town

See the Lights at Christmas Town busch gardens

Busch Gardens
Williamsburg, VA

During the holiday season, the theme park transforms into a charming Christmas Town. lit with over ten million twinkling lights, it is one of the largest light displays in North America. Guests can fully immerse themselves in this enchanting experience, featuring two all-new light displays: Polar Pathway: Spectacle of Lights and Celebration of Lights at O’Tannenbaum. Each display offers a unique visual feast; inviting families to stroll through pathways filled with shimmering decorations and festive scenes.
Families can enjoy a lineup of heartwarming shows, including the exciting new production Wisemen. Don’t miss beloved favorites like ‘Twas that Night*, Elmo’s Christmas Wish, and the much-anticipated return of Gloria! after a three-year hiatus. These performances are sure to evoke the holiday spirit, providing entertainment for guests of all ages. In addition to the shows, families can explore classic experiences such as Santa’s Workshop, where children can meet Santa and share their holiday wishes, and the Christmas Town Express, a charming train ride that weaves through the winter landscape.
For those seeking thrills, the park offers over 25 attractions. This includes the all-new DarKoaster™, North America’s first all-indoor straddle coaster. This is sure to provide an exhilarating ride experience amidst festive decorations. After your Christmas daytrip is filled to the brim with adventure, you can savor a hearty meal and listen to a special Christmas story from Santa during Santa’s Fireside Feast. With an array of festive treats, holiday shopping options, and special photo opportunities scattered throughout the park, this holiday tradition is perfect for families looking to create lasting memories together during this magical time of year.

Holiday Festival & Lights at Verdun Adventure Bound

Vandusen Festival of Lights 2022: Everything You Need To Know

Verdon Adventure Bound
Culpepper, VA

The Holiday Festival & Lights at Verdun Adventure Bound is a cherished annual event that brings holiday magic to life in the heart of nature. This festive celebration features a spectacular display of thousands of twinkling lights, transforming the venue into a winter wonderland. Visitors can stroll through the beautifully illuminated trails, enjoy live entertainment, and partake in seasonal activities that capture the spirit of the holidays. With hot cocoa, s’mores, and holiday treats, it’s an experience designed to delight people of all ages.
In addition to the dazzling light displays, the event includes a variety of family-friendly attractions such as visits with Santa, crafts, and festive games. It’s an opportunity to gather with loved ones, create lasting memories, and embrace the warmth and joy of the season while surrounded by the beauty of nature. The Holiday Festival & Lights is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays in a festive, outdoor setting.

Kings Dominion WinterFest

Holiday show is Kings Dominion WinterFest

Kings Dominion
Doswell, VA

Families can celebrate the joy of the holiday season and thrills of the park at Kings Dominion’s WinterFest. Transforming the park into a magical winter wonderland, WinterFest dazzles visitors with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations. Children will be mesmerized as the iconic Eiffel Tower transforms into a stunning 300-foot Christmas tree. The famous fountain on International Street becomes one of the largest ice-skating rinks in the area. It’s the perfect picturesque backdrop for holiday memories and photos.

WinterFest is packed with exciting experiences designed for families to create unforgettable holiday moments together. Guests can enjoy lively shows featuring beloved characters and festive entertainment that will have everyone singing along. Don’t miss the enchanting Christmas on Ice show, which combines dazzling choreography with stunning costumes. Families can also look forward to the spectacular tree-lighting ceremony that officially kicks off the festivities.

Middleburg Holiday Charm

Festive riders parade down Middleburg with horses and hunt dogs

Middleburg, VA

​Enjoy the best of wintertime cheer and small-town charm as you visit the historic Middleburg over the holidays. Take in the yearly tree lighting and the spectacular Middleburg Christmas Parade. Watch as llamas, ponies, hounds, and horses trot down the street. With its festive stores, eateries, and seasonal housing options, Middleburg is also an ideal destination for holiday shopping trips. Dont miss the Foxcroft’s New Girls’ rendition of the traditional nativity story featuring live animals and music. You can even grab breakfast with Santa! Middleburg is a storybook village complete with many local shops along Washington Street and makes a quaint Christmas daytrip. There is even a Christmas Sleigh stocked with Old World holiday décor and ornaments.Visit the new children’s play space to entertain the littlest ones of your group.

little christmas doll crafts at a craft show

Be sure to check out our other wonderful

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