Richmond, Va., isn’t afraid of winter. In fact, the city
is going all out to attract families during the holiday season with everything from eye-popping decoration displays and sparkling light shows to live entertainment, costumed parades and a whole menu of family fun. Best of all, local hotels get into the act with deals and special activities for young guests.
Photo: Visit Richmond VA
Join runners and walkers along a 6k course that wends past the city’s self-proclaimed tackiest holiday light displays, for example, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. The CarMax Tacky Light Run will take you past dozens of homes in the Walton Park neighborhood that proudly went over the top with the more-is-more holiday lights.
Photo: Visit Richmond VA
Participants get a Santa Tracker bib, admission to the North Pole, a hat and ornament along with a finisher medal. You can register online to participate at $40 for adults and $25 for children under 18. Young children in strollers can participate for free and do not have to register.
Then head over to the James River 25th Annual Parade of Lights, also Dec. 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The free event features decorated boats that float along the James River, and families can watch the fun from viewing sites at various locations, including Libby Hill Park, Osborne Park and Boat Landing, Dutch Gap Boat Landing and Henricus Historical Park.
On Sunday, Dec. 10, you can take part in the city’s 31st annual Court End Christmas from noon to 5 p.m. Every year, nine historic sites in downtown open for free for the day, and festivities include carriage rides, living history re-enactments, live music, crafts for kids and carolers.
Photo: Visit Richmond VA
To keep little legs from getting overtired, a free shuttle will circulate throughout the sites, which include such high-profile attractions as the American Civil War Museum & White House of Confederacy, the Virginia State Capital, the John Marshall House and the Valentine/Wickham House.
The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s annual Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights brightens up the night with more than a half million twinkling lights, handcrafted botanical decorations, model trains, holiday dinners, a firepit with s’mores and hot chocolate and a menu of nightly family activities. The exhibit runs through Jan. 8, 2018, and costs $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and $8 for children aged 3 to 12.
Maymont Christmas. Photo: Visit Richmond VA
Another Richmond classic is the Victorian Holidays at Maymont Mansion, through Dec. 31. The fun includes holiday decorations and kid-friendly Holiday Tours, St. Nick’s Christmas Party — complete with visits from Santa — wreath-making classes and a Deck the Halls workshop.
To celebrate the holiday season, the newly renovated 5-star, 5-diamond Jefferson Hotel will showcase its annual holiday display with poinsettias, twinkling lights and dozens of toy soldiers throughout the hotel’s public spaces. Also on hand will be a massive gingerbread display, featuring pounds of gingerbread, royal icing and colorful candy. Topping it all off will be the Music at Midday concert series, highlighting the talents of local musicians.
Jefferson Hotel Holiday Grand Staircase in Richmond. Photo: Visit Richmond VA
A Holidays at The Jefferson Package, including accommodations in a renovated grand premier room and free valet parking, is valid through Jan. 7, 2018, excluding Dec. 30 and 31 and subject to availability. The package is priced from $275 per room, per night.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Apr 13, 2026The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas Launches New Family-Friendly Offer
A luxurious summer oasis awaits for family travelers staying at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas. Join in on the Season of Play, featuring fun for adults and kids alike.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Parents
Apr 10, 2026Ladera Introduces Private Treehouse Cinema Experience on Saint Lucia
Couples can now enjoy a private night in the rainforest with Ladera Resort’s new Movie Night at the Treehouse experience, offering couples a private night in the rainforest beneath the stars. Tucked halfway along the Ladera Nature Trail, couples enjoy exclusive use of the treehouse for a three-hour viewing experience, complete with wine, popcorn and charcuterie.
Travel Tips
Apr 10, 2026What to Know About New Rules Before Booking Flights to Europe
Summer will be here before you know it, which means you might be in the midst of planning your summer family travel to Europe. Things used to be fairly simple — buy plane tickets, book rooms and pack some bags. But there is a new rule in effect for a few months now, and you’ll want to familiarize yourself with it before you book those already overpriced (and only getting more expensive) flights.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Azores & Madeira: Portugal’s Island Paradises Await
Embrace the Portugal’s Magical Islands of the Azores and Madeira
Europe
Apr 10, 20264 Active Eurobike, Eurohike Getaways to Consider This Year
Adventurous family travelers might want to consider summer travel plans with Eurohike and Eurobike. These companies offer a unique opportunity for travelers to explore stunning landscapes, picturesque lakes, rushing rivers and Alpine peaks in an active way.
ShareThis