RICHMOND, Va. – Every family has its Christmastime traditions. Perhaps your family’s traditions include The Jefferson Hotel tree lighting or the Dominion Christmas Parade down Broad Street or the Grand Illumination in downtown Richmond.
But, if you’d like to mix things up a bit this Christmas, the Virginia Tourism Corporation put together a list of Christmas light displays that are worth the trip out of town.
Natural Tunnel State Park (PHOTO: Virginia Tourism)
Here’s what the Tourism Corporation had to say about Natural Tunnel State Park:
Natural Tunnel State Park in Duffield has a chairlift that glides riders from the top of what William Jennings Bryan called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” to the bottom. The tunnel is 100 feet by 850 feet through a limestone ridge, and the area surrounding it is decorated in lights and animations from Thanksgiving weekend until the weekend before Christmas during what is known as the “Lighting of the Tunnel.” Rides are available Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m.
Jackson Creek Cruise (PHOTO: Middlesex County Tourism)
There are numerous opportunities to view Christmas lights by boat. The Virginia Tourism Corporation highlighted the following:
- Dec 6: Alexandria – Potomac River
- Dec 6: Hampton – Hampton River
- Dec 6: Hopewell – Appomattox River
- Dec 6: Moneta – Smith Mountain Lake
- Dec 6: Yorktown – York River
- Dec 12: Deltaville – Jackson Creek
- Dec 13: Henrico – James River
- Dec 13: Poquoson – Bennett’s Creek
Speedway in Lights (PHOTO: Bristol Motor Speedway)
Nothing says Christmas like NASCAR, right? The Virginia Tourism Corporation admits it stretched a tad for Speedway in Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway, but it was worth it.
Yes, we realize that technically the Speedway is on the Tennessee side of the line, but we share State Street and all the amazing dining, shopping and lodging, so cheers to “sharing is caring” this holiday season!
What? None of those displays have you singing Christmas carols? Have no fear, click here to check out more Christmas lights the Virginia Tourism Corporation recommends.
