Discover the most magical holiday lights and winter events in Virginia State Parks. From glowing lakeshores and luminary trails to decorated visitor centers and cozy carriage rides, these parks offer unforgettable seasonal experiences for families across Virginia. Whether you’re planning an outing from Northern Virginia, Richmond, Charlottesville, Staunton, or Roanoke, use this guide to find festive adventures close to home.
Virginia State Parks glow with a special kind of magic in December. Lakes shimmer under colorful lights, trails sparkle with luminaries, and visitor centers transform into cozy, festive spaces perfect for kids. Whether your family is based in Northern Virginia, Richmond, Charlottesville, the Shenandoah Valley or Staunton area, or Roanoke and Southwest Virginia, you’ll find a holiday outing that feels close enough for an evening adventure and memorable enough to become a new family tradition.
Below is your statewide guide to the Virginia State Parks with confirmed holiday light displays, festive programming, and winter events—plus warm tips to make your visit stress-free and memorable.
Best for families in: Charlottesville, Staunton, Lexington, Roanoke (Image above from Luminary lights at christmas at virginia’s natural bridge state park, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation)
Distance reference: about 1 hour from Charlottesville; about 45 minutes from Staunton; about 50 minutes from Roanoke
During Luminary Nights, Natural Bridge State Park becomes dazzling after dark as the iconic limestone arch and Cedar Creek Trail glow with holiday lights. Carriage rides, fireside cocoa and occasional Santa visits make the evening feel magical and memorable for children. The Visitor Center also hosts a Festival of Trees decorated by local groups, offering a quieter indoor option earlier in the day.
Visit info: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/holiday-lights-vsp
Event details: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2025-09-18-06-48-42-262254-reh
Hot tips: Dress warmly—temperatures drop under the arch. Arrive early if your family wants carriage rides. Make it a full outing by hiking the Cedar Creek Trail before sunset.
Best for families in: Richmond, Charlottesville, Farmville
Distance reference: about 45 minutes from Richmond; about 1 hour from Charlottesville
Lights at the Lake is one of the most beloved holiday traditions in the Virginia State Parks system. Families drive along the lakeshore past glowing holiday displays that reflect beautifully on the water. Because it is car-based, it is especially easy for families with young children or multi-generational groups who appreciate a simple, accessible holiday outing.
Visit info: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/holiday-lights-vsp
Hot tips: Bring cocoa and blankets. Arrive around dusk to avoid long lines. Let younger kids wear pajamas for a cozy, bedtime-friendly ride.
Best for families in: Roanoke, Bristol, Southwest Virginia
Distance reference: about 2 hours from Roanoke; about 30 minutes from Big Stone Gap
Christmas at the Tunnel features colorful lights, wagon rides, live music, campfires, and Santa visits, all surrounding one of Virginia’s most dramatic natural landmarks. The illuminated tunnel walls create a spectacular backdrop for family photos and a standout winter experience.
Visit info: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/holiday-lights-southwest-virginia
Hot tips: Bundle up—temperatures drop quickly around the tunnel area. Check whether the chairlift is open for nighttime rides. Bring a real camera for low-light photos.
Best for families in: Richmond, Chesterfield, Petersburg, Southside
Distance reference: about 1 hour from Richmond; about 1 hour from Petersburg
Occoneechee offers a peaceful and family-friendly holiday experience with lakeside lights, decorated visitor-center areas and occasional seasonal programs. It is perfect for families who want a festive outing without large crowds.
Visit info: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/holiday-lights-vsp
Hot tips: Visit before sunset for beautiful lake views. Bring warm layers and a thermos. Check the schedule for children’s craft programs.
Best for families in: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake
Distance reference: Local outing for Coastal Virginia families
While First Landing does not host a large light display, it shines with candlelit walks, winter ranger-led programs, holiday craft workshops and seasonal hikes. Families can pair a program with a quiet winter beach walk or a stroll through the cypress swamp.
Visit info: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/holiday-lights-vsp
Hot tips: Bring windproof layers for the beach. Check the Discovery Center for special winter programs. Stay for sunset over the Chesapeake Bay.
Seasonal traditions across Virginia State Parks include First Day Hikes on January 1, candlelit historic walks, Santa visits, children’s craft workshops and winter wildlife programs.
Statewide holiday info:
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/holiday-lights-vsp
Full events calendar:
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/events
Northern Virginia:First Landing is a great weekend getaway.
Richmond: Bear Creek Lake is an easy, low-stress outings.
Charlottesville: Natural Bridge is the most dramatic holiday lights destination; Bear Creek Lake is a close second.
Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley: Natural Bridge is your easiest holiday-lights trip.
Roanoke: Natural Bridge or Natural Tunnel both offer unforgettable holiday experiences.
Virginia’s state parks offer a refreshing alternative to crowded holiday events. Twinkling lights under natural arches, glowing lakeshores, decorated trees and cozy fireside programs create meaningful winter traditions for families. Whether you’re exploring from Northern Virginia, Richmond, Charlottesville, Staunton or Roanoke, these parks offer simple, memorable holiday magic your family can return to year after year. Dates, times, and event schedules may change annually — always check the official event page or state parks event calendar before you go.
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