Winter Festivals & Events In Richmond, VA

Winter Festivals & Events In Richmond, VA (2025/2026)

The temperature is dropping, but Richmond still has plenty going on, both indoors and outdoors! Fill your calendar with everything from light shows, to food and drink festivals, to parades and theater. Here is Discover Richmond Tours’ guide to winter festivals and events in Richmond. (Note, this is an evolving list. If there is an event we missed, please send us a note!)

Looking for more things to do? See our winter activities guide!

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights: November 17-January 4

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden hosts the ultimate holiday lights festival with the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights. The 2025 theme, “The Elements,” will “explore areas with displays inspired by fire, earth, air, and water, as well as a special “fifth” element, love.” This annual event showcases millions of lights, model trains, a fairy village, and lots more. Advance tickets are required and available online only. 

Science Museum of Virginia Model Railroad Show: November 28-30

The 48th Annual Model Railroad Show at the Science Museum of Virginia offers science enthusiasts and train lovers of all ages the opportunity to enjoy the discovery process while making memories. And where better to host a model train show than in a former train station? 

RVA Illuminates: December 5

Mark your calendars for RVA Illuminates, a Richmond tradition! Head to Kanawha Plaza on the first Friday in December to kick off the holidays as the city lights up with the first winter festival of the season! The event is brought to you by the City of Richmond and WRIC 8News. The lights create quite a sight from across the river, so be sure to check out the view from Richmond’s south side this year. The Illumination is a free event and makes a great way to kick off the holiday season!

Dominion Energy Christmas Parade: December 6

The 42nd annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade is back again! The festivities will include colorful floats, giant helium balloons, high school and college marching bands, costumed characters, and returning fan favorites like the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the VCU Peppas, and Legendary Santa! It kicks off at the Science Museum of Virginia at 10:15 AM and will head eastbound on Broad St., ending at 7th Street near the Richmond Coliseum.

Richmond Polar Plunge: December 6

The Polar Plunge returns to Richmond! Head to Pocahontas State Park, where you’ll take a chilly dash down the boat ramp – all to benefit Special Olympics Virginia. Bring your friends and family to watch you freeze your buns off and join for a day of fun, music, and food. It’s $100 to Plunge.

Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker: December 6-23

If you’ve never had the chance to watch the Richmond Ballet, taking in Tchaikovsky’s most famous work is the perfect introduction. And with more than a dozen performances of The Nutcracker (with the Richmond Symphony) throughout December, you have plenty of opportunities to do so! Tickets start at $58 for the 2-hour show.

CarMax Tacky Light Run: December 13

CarMax has turned RVA’s tacky light tradition into a can’t-miss event for walkers, runners, Santa-lovers, and elves-at-heart. The 6K Tacky Light Run course shows off Midlothian’s best display of tacky lights. You’ll see dozens of homes with over-the-top tacky lights in the Walton Park neighborhood. Run (or walk) with thousands of other nice-listers and find out the true meaning of holiday spirit!

Virginia Wine Expo: February 28-March 8

With several hundreds of Virginia-based wines and spirits to try, the 17th Annual Wine Expo might just be the best place to spend a day. This 9-day event has food-themed nights each year. Make sure to check the website for information about the Expo’s signature events, which will be held at Richmond’s gorgeous Main Street Station and other unique and historic venues throughout the Richmond area.

Kings Dominion WinterFest (Canceled for 2025/2026)

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Kings Dominion’s WinterFest! The park transforms into a winter wonderland of your dreams with millions of lights and lavish displays, a 300-foot-tall Christmas Tree (The Eiffel Tower’s holiday outfit), and an ice-skating rink! 

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