Get a comprehensive look at the festive season in Petersburg. Our guide covers all the essential holiday events. From Petersburg regulars to first-time tourists, our guide highlights the season's best activities.
One event to experience this holiday season is the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, where visitors can wander through breathtaking displays of lights and floral artistry. Featuring live entertainment and seasonal treats, Kings Dominion's WinterFest promises an enchanting atmosphere perfect for the entire family. And the Illuminate Light Show at The Meadow Event Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it involves a stunning drive-through display synchronized to festive music. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Petersburg
- Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights (Richmond)
- Kings Dominion's WinterFest (Doswell)
- Illuminate Light Show at The Meadow Event Park (Doswell)
- Holiday Lights at the Beach - Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach)
- Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights (Roanoke)
- Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (Vienna)
- Bull Run Festival of Lights (Manassas)
- The Winter Wander at Boar’s Head Resort (Charlottesville)
- Nauticus' Winterfest on the Wisconsin (Norfolk)
- Light Up the Tracks Celebration (Ashland)
See these and even more events listed below!
Petersburg Holiday Light Displays
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays and model trains.
Description:
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights is a holiday tradition featuring millions of lights, botanical decorations, model trains, and festive dinners. The event celebrates interconnected environments through various ecosystems and interactive features.
Where: Richmond | More Info: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
Illuminate Light Show at The Meadow Event Park
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and music show with over three million lights.
Description:
Drive through a spectacular display of over three million Christmas lights synchronized to festive music at The Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia. This 2-mile route is perfect for families and holiday enthusiasts.
Where: Doswell | More Info: Illuminate Light Show at The Meadow Event Park
Holiday Lights at the Beach - Virginia Beach
What to Expect:
Largest and longest curved LED Light Tunnel in the U.S.
Description:
Drive through Virginia Beach Boardwalk to see jumping fish, musical crabs, and lively elves in illuminated splendor against the moonlit Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy Surfing Santa, color-changing archways, and a 40-foot dancing-light Christmas tree.
Where: Virginia Beach | More Info: Holiday Lights at the Beach - Virginia Beach
Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling holiday light display with family activities.
Description:
Explore a dazzling world of over 650,000 lights on a half-mile wooded path at Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights. Experience 50,000 new lights, new displays, and trail enhancements while enjoying family activities and artisan crafts.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights
Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
What to Expect:
Half-mile lighted trail with nature and holiday themes.
Description:
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens transforms into a spectacular display of lighted trees and nature-themed displays, featuring a half-mile paved trail that is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Visitors can enjoy hot beverages and roast marshmallows while taking in the breathtaking views.
Where: Vienna | More Info: Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Bull Run Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Unique drive-through holiday light experience with 2.5 miles of illuminated displays.
Description:
Drive through 2.5 miles of holiday light displays in Bull Run Regional Park, featuring a variety of festive and fairy tale vignettes.
Where: Manassas | More Info: Bull Run Festival of Lights
The Winter Wander at Boar’s Head Resort
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail with new drone shows and winged dancers.
Description:
The Winter Wander at Boar’s Head Resort features a half-mile illuminated trail around Heritage Lake, showcasing thousands of festive lights and new attractions like drone shows and winged dancers.
Where: Charlottesville | More Info: The Winter Wander at Boar’s Head Resort
Nauticus' Winterfest on the Wisconsin
What to Expect:
Over one million festive lights and an all-new holiday movie theme.
Description:
Nauticus' Winterfest on the Wisconsin features over one million lights, an all-new holiday movie theme, and festive activities like a Curated Craft Bar, Waterfront S'mores Station, and nightly live entertainment. Explore the historic Battleship Wisconsin, capture holiday photos with Santa, and indulge in holiday bites and treats.
Where: Norfolk | More Info: Nauticus' Winterfest on the Wisconsin
Light Up the Tracks Celebration
What to Expect:
Mile-long holiday light display with community involvement.
Description:
Downtown Ashland transforms its historic district into a vibrant holiday spectacle with over 10,000 twinkling lights, offering a mile-long display of dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Where: Ashland | More Info: Light Up the Tracks Celebration
Petersburg Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Happenings at Maymont
What to Expect:
Holiday market with local artisans and festive decorations.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Maymont with a festive market on the Carriage House Lawn, featuring twinkling lights, evergreen garlands, and local artisans selling hand-crafted gifts.
Where: Richmond | More Info: Holiday Happenings at Maymont
Stony Point Sip & Shop
What to Expect:
Local artisans and craft vendors with complimentary wine tastings.
Description:
At Stony Point Sip & Shop, explore a vibrant marketplace featuring local artisans, craft vendors, and local businesses. Enjoy complimentary wine tastings and shop a variety of unique items in a cozy, park-like atmosphere.
Where: Richmond | More Info: Stony Point Sip & Shop
The Bizarre Bazaar's 48th Christmas Collection
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with hundreds of exclusive exhibitors.
Description:
The Bizarre Bazaar's 48th Christmas Collection is a premier holiday marketplace featuring over 475 exclusive exhibitors showcasing unique gifts, fine art, gourmet foods, and more.
Where: Richmond | More Info: The Bizarre Bazaar's 48th Christmas Collection
Petersburg Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Kings Dominion's WinterFest
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday celebration with extensive light displays and live entertainment.
Description:
Kings Dominion's WinterFest transforms the park into a vibrant holiday celebration with millions of lights, breathtaking decorations, and lavish displays. The Eiffel Tower becomes a 300-foot-tall Christmas tree, and the iconic fountain on International Street becomes one of the largest ice-skating rinks around. Enjoy live shows, delicious holiday treats, and a variety of fun Christmas activities to get you in the holiday spirit.
Where: Doswell | More Info: Kings Dominion's WinterFest
Tredegar Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Handbell performance by Richmond's premier ensemble.
Description:
The Tredegar Tree Lighting Ceremony at the American Civil War Museum features a performance by the James River Ringers, Richmond's premier handbell ensemble, illuminating a 20-foot tall tree in the lobby.
Where: Richmond | More Info: Tredegar Tree Lighting Ceremony
Santa’s Symphony Soirée
What to Expect:
Exclusive holiday concert with Richmond Symphony ensembles.
Description:
Join the Richmond Symphony for an exclusive holiday fundraising event featuring the Woodwind Quintet at Model Tobacco Lofts. Enjoy stellar performances, festive food, craft cocktails, and thematic glassware in a night of holiday cheer.
Where: Richmond | More Info: Santa’s Symphony Soirée
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet production featuring stunning choreography, lavish sets, and Tchaikovsky's iconic score, presented by Richmond Ballet with the Richmond Symphony at the Dominion Energy Center.
Where: Richmond | More Info: The Nutcracker
Let It Snow Richmond Symphony Concert
What to Expect:
Holiday concert with special guest appearances.
Description:
Join the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus for a holiday concert featuring carols, classics, and sparkling holiday favorites. Vocalist Desirée Roots and special appearances by Soul Santa, the Greater Richmond Children's Choir, and the James River Ringers make this event a standout.
Where: Richmond | More Info: Let It Snow Richmond Symphony Concert
Petersburg Other Holiday Activities
Colonial Heights Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Unique holiday celebration with a Candy Canes and Christmas Carols theme.
Description:
The 71st Annual Colonial Heights Christmas Parade is a nighttime event featuring floats, bands, and holiday-themed performances along the Boulevard. The 2024 theme is "Candy Canes and Christmas Carols," drawing people from the Tri-Cities area with its unique holiday spirit.
Where: Colonial Heights | More Info: Colonial Heights Christmas Parade
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Hopewell (8 miles)
- Chester (9 miles)
- Richmond (23 miles)
- Mechanicsville (26 miles)
- Tuckahoe (26 miles)
- Short Pump (31 miles)