Visiting festive light displays is an accessible and family-friendly way to celebrate the start of the holiday season. From city-run events to annual attractions, there's no shortage of places to see fun, festive light shows around Richmond. Get ready to mark your calendars: here are all the details on some of our real estate agents' favorite places to enjoy holiday lights around the city. 

Best Spots for Holiday Lights in RVA 

Agecroft Hall 

Address: 4305 Sulgrave Road, Richmond, VA 23221 

Each year after Thanksgiving, the curators at Agecroft Hall decorate the gorgeous manor house with historic Christmas decorations. Their indoor collection includes pieces dating back as far as the 1600s, but that's just the start. They've also got more than enough vintage string lights to create an impressive outdoor light display.  

The hall is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM, and the holiday lights will remain up until early 2026. They'll also be hosting a few special events to celebrate the season, including: 

• Kids' Winter Crafts Night on December 5th 
• Yuletide at Agecroft: Christmas Open House on December 14th 

Admission costs $12 for adults or $8 for students. Kids under 6 get in for free.  

RVA Illuminates 

Address: 701 East Canal Street, Richmond, VA 23219 

RVA Illuminates is Richmond's official holiday season kickoff event. Hosted by the city's Parks and Recreation department in downtown Kanawha Plaza, this much-loved community celebration includes: 

• Live music and performances 
• Food trucks 
• Free movie screenings 
• Meet-and-greets with Santa and other special guests 

The event is free to attend and is typically held from 4 PM to 7 PM on the first Friday in December (December 5th this year). Stick around until the end of the night to watch the city skyline and the plaza's giant Christmas tree light up.  

Carytown Shopping District 

Address: West Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23221 

Many of Carytown Shopping District's small business retailers decorate their storefronts with festive decorations and twinkling lights for the holiday season. The display is usually up and running by Black Friday, providing the perfect backdrop for some evening gift shopping. Walk the Mile of Style and pick up some trend-setting fashions or explore the many other shops selling books, beauty products, home goods, and more.  

Illuminate Light Show 

Address: 13111 Dawn Boulevard, Doswell, VA 23047 

Illuminate Light Show is the largest drive-thru holiday light show in the state of Virginia. Conveniently located just 20 minutes north of Richmond, this attraction takes visitors on a 2.5-mile journey through a winter wonderland covered in tiny glowing lights – all flashing in sync with jolly holiday music played through your car radio. After the show is done, head over to Santa's Village to enjoy games and rides, a Christmas market, and the chance to meet and take a photo with Santa.  

The attraction is open between 5:30 PM and 10:00 PM from November 21st to January 3rd. Admission costs $30 per vehicle with up to 9 people or $60 per vehicle with 10 to 15 people.  

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights 

Address: 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA 23228 

The Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights is a must-see attraction for anyone in the RVA area around the holidays. Running from November 17th to January 4th this year, this special event at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens promises: 

• A dazzling network of lights strung through the garden's trees and shrubs 
• Seasonally themed model train displays  
• A handcrafted fairy village made from natural materials 
• A walk-through light tunnel 
• A communal bonfire 
• Hot chocolate and s'mores 
• Live music on Tuesdays 

The garden also offers some dog-friendly evenings, weekend brunches, and special buffet dinners. Check the schedule on their website to find out more and book your tickets.  

Jefferson Hotel 

Address: 101 W Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23220 

The Jefferson Hotel's ornate stone building is impressive any time of the year, but its holiday light display takes things to the next level. From December 1st to January 4th, the hotel's exterior will be dressed up with: 

• Twinkle lights 
• Festive wreaths 
• Elegant garlands 
• Live poinsettia plants 
• A 30-foot illuminated Christmas tree in the outdoor rotunda. 

When you're done admiring the outside decor, step inside to discover the hotel's famous gingerbread display. The hotel commissions a culinary artist to create a massive new gingerbread setpiece every year, each based on a different festive theme. The lobby where it's kept is open to the public, making this a great place to stop and warm up on your holiday outing.  

Look For Your New RVA Home This Holiday Season 

Celebrations are always sweeter when you're living in a home you love. Think it might be time to find your dream property? Contact us today to start searching with the help of the best real estate team in Richmond, VA.