100 Miles of Lights

You have seen no light show like Virginia's 100 Miles of Lights! Travel from Richmond to Hampton Roads to see fantastic displays worthy of "oohs" and "ahhs"!

Hampton | Newport News | Norfolk | Portsmouth
Richmond | Virginia Beach | Williamsburg | Yorktown

Hampton

Nov 21 - Coliseum Central Holiday Parade - Enjoy the holiday season during this much-anticipated seasonal day-time parade. Featuring helium balloons, floats, clowns, marching bands and the world's "youngest" elf of all: Santa!! Free.

Dec 5 - Hampton Holly Days Lighted Boat Parade features lit sail and power boats on the Hampton River.

Dec 5 - Winter Wonderland Holiday Tree Lighting - Join us for a winter wonderland event! There will be Holiday music, ice skating, hot chocolate with other winter treats, horse and carriage rides, festive lights and decorated trees. Plus, a holiday tree lighting followed by fireworks!

Dec 12 - Hampton Holly Days Parade - It’s the only time you’re allowed to create a wake in Downtown Hampton! Come join the fun at the Peninsula's largest illuminated parade as well-crafted floats drift by and marching bands swim past in a sea of color.

Newport News

Nov 26-Jan 1 - Celebration in Lights is a 2-mile drive-through of spectacular holiday light displays in Newport News Regional Park. The park's lakes become magical mirrors reflecting sailing ships and spring blooming trees. Other displays include animated arches, muliti-colored snowflakes and leaping reindeer!

Dec 4 - Hollydazzle - This unique holiday event combines fireworks, special effects and music in a spectacular show presented “in the round” on the five-acre Fountain Plaza. Free children’s activities and holiday performances throughout the City Center at Oyster Point area, plus great shopping all along Merchant's Walk.

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Norfolk

Nov 21 - Grand Illumination Parade - Festivities begin with the Grand Illumination of the Downtown Norfolk and Olde Towne Portsmouth skylines, and 100,000 voices take part in a community countdown. The illumination signals the start of the parade filled with festive and lighted floats, marching bands, giant balloons, decorated vehicles, dancers, and, of course, Santa Claus!

Portsmouth

Nov 20-Dec 31 - Don't miss Coleman's Winter Wonderland in Olde Towne Portsmouth featuring animated figures from Coleman's collection. Musical performers, make-and-take crafts and strolling holiday characters make this a popular event!

Richmond

Nov 27-Jan 11 - GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a spectacular not-to-be-missed tour featuring more than 500,000 lights.

Dec 11-18 - The esteemed Maymont by Moonlight features a horse-drawn carriage ride down the luminary-lit lane to a Victorian party at the decorated home of Major and Mrs. James Dooley. Pre-registration is required for this elegant event.

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Virginia Beach

Nov 20-Jan 3 - McDonalds Holiday Lights at the Beach presented by Verizon Wireless is one of the most festive and creative holiday light displays of the season as it boasts more then 500,000 lights illuminating the Virginia Beach Boardwalk from end to end! See nautical and holiday characters with new displays added each year. Cars drive right on the Boardwalk!

Nov 29 - Founders Illumination - Throughout the day, enjoy the toy factory, face painting, magicians, and more. The lighting ceremony begins at 6pm!

Williamsburg

Dec 6 - Grand Illumination begins the historic area's holiday season, and is the highlight of Williamsburg's 100 Miles of Lights. Revelers assemble to celebrate with an afternoon and evening of holiday merriment and 18th-century fireworks!

Yorktown

Dec 4 - Illumination and Christmas Tree Lighting - The holiday lights go on and the festive season begins at 7 pm with entertainment at the Victory Monument followed by the Procession of Lights through historic Yorktown to Riverwalk Landing. The tree lighting ceremony and visit from Santa, begins at 7:30 pm.

Dec 5 - Lighted Boat Parade - Decorated in holiday spirit, area boaters parade the York River in competition for “Best of Show.” Waterfront events begin at 6 pm. Enjoy hot cider and musical performances in the glow of a beach bonfire while awaiting the magnificent parade of lights. Sponsored by the Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade Committee and Wormley Creek Marina.

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See Virginia for the Holidays for information regarding holiday home tours, arts and crafts events, winery events, and parades and tree lightings.