Celebrate the holidays at Virginia State Parks

Richmond, Va. — Virginia State Parks invites visitors of all ages to experience the magic of the holidays with a variety of festive events across the state. From historic educational programs to enchanting light displays, many parks offer unique ways to create memories and celebrate the holidays amidst Virginia’s breathtaking natural landscapes. 

Here’s a glimpse of what guests can look forward to this holiday season: 

Holiday lights 

• Southwest Virginia Museum: Festival of Trees, Nov. 10-Dec. 31 
• Natural Bridge: Festival of Trees, Nov. 22-Dec. 31, and Luminary Nights, Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-22 
• Wilderness Road: Karlan Christmas: Parade of Trees, Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-22 
• Bear Creek: Lights at the Lake, Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-14 
• Staunton River Battlefield: Lighting of the Bridge, Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15 
• Natural Tunnel: Christmas Lighting of the Tunnel, Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21 
• Caledon: Night Before Christmas Wagon Ride: Dec. 6, Dec. 8, Dec. 13-15, Dec. 20-22 

Educational programs 

• Mason Neck: Ranger at the Refuge: Tundra Swans, Dec. 7, Dec. 8, Dec. 21 and Dec. 22 
• Machicomoco: Christmas at Timberneck, Dec. 14 
• Powhatan: Winter Birding, Dec. 14 
• Southwest Virginia Museum: Birding in the Gap, Dec. 14 
• Wilderness Road: A Frontier Christmas, Dec. 14 
• Sweet Run: Christmas Bird Count, Dec. 15 
• High Bridge: Christmas in the Camps, Dec. 21 
• Sailor’s Creek Battlefield: The Science Behind the Star of Bethlehem, Nov. 30 and Dec. 21 

Crafts 

• Pocahontas: Winter Wreath Workshop, Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 7, and Handmade Holidays, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15, Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 
• Widewater: Deck the Halls, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15, Dec. 22 and Dec. 29  
• Claytor Lake: Holiday Cheer Celebration, Dec. 7 
• False Cape: Tree Cookies and Cocoa Ornament Workshop, Dec. 7 

Guided walks/hikes 

• First Landing: Season’s Greetings Nature Walk, Nov. 23 
• Sky Meadows: A Winter Tree-mendous Hike, Dec. 7  
• Belle Isle: A Walk on the Wild Side: Nature in Winter, Dec. 12 
• Pocahontas: Winter Solstice Rambles, Dec. 21 

Some events are free with standard park admission, while others may require pre-registration or additional fees. Learn more and find other upcoming events at virginiastateparks.gov/events. 

Depending on the park, overnight accommodations, including cabins, family lodges or campsites may still be available. Go to reservevaparks.com for more information.  

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Wayne Creed

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