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
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
Lewis Ginter Gardenfest of Lights
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 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
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
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
Holiday Festival & Lights at Verdun Adventure Bound
Verdon Adventure Bound
Culpepper, VA
Kings Dominion WinterFest

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