Your Guide to Holiday Lights in Downtown Richmond, VA

Where to see Holiday Lights in Richmond, VA

Each Holiday season, Richmond transforms into a wonderland of lights and festivities. From pop-up bars and igloo dining to family-friendly light displays, there is something for everyone. Check out the list of the best places to see Downtown Richmond Christmas lights!

The Jefferson Hotel

Experience the holiday spirit at the iconic Jefferson Hotel, adorned with hundreds of poinsettias, wreaths, and twinkling lights, including a thirty-foot tree in the rotunda. Don't miss the highlight – the half-ton Jefferson gingerbread house. Crafted with 550 pounds of gingerbread, 350 pounds of royal icing, and 100 pounds of marshmallow by a dedicated team of 10 over 800 hours, it's also adorned with 100 pounds of candy, including nerd rope, gumballs, and cinnamon drops. A festive showcase of creativity and craftsmanship, the Holiday tradition of unveiling the current year's gingerbread theme is one of Richmond's favorites. Learn more about the Jefferson Hotel during the holidays!

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(1) The Jefferson Hotel's Grand Staircase is home to one of the hotel's featured displays each year and leads to the hotel's holiday centerpiece: the Christmas Tree in the rotunda., (2) Guests at The Jefferson are immediately greeted with a featured light display as they pull into the hotel's Circle Drive. , (3) The Christmas Tree in The Jefferson Hotel's rotunda is a stunning 30 feet tall and features hundreds of oversized ornaments.

Kanawha Plaza

Stroll through the holiday season as you make your way to Kanawha Plaza, where the city's Christmas tree stands against the backdrop of Richmond's illuminated skyline. The lights come on at RVA Illuminates, an annual community holiday event that lights the Plaza and Downtown Richmond Skyline. Get into the holiday groove surrounded by twinkling lights from the many trees, wreaths, and bows around the plaza. The whole city turns into a light show, with every building throwing its party of colors against the night sky.

Boat Parade of Lights

It wouldn't be a celebration in Downtown Richmond without including the beloved James River. Every year on the second Saturday of December, boat owners deck out their boats with lights and holiday decor and sail along the river in the Boat Parade of Lights. Spectators can view from numerous public viewing spots or enjoy a dinner-and-a-show at one of the restaurants in Rocketts Landing like Island Shrimp Co. or The Boathouse. People of all ages love watching the boats glow as they sail against the backdrop of the Richmond skyline at sunset.

The James Center

Step into the holiday wonderland at one of Downtown Richmond's bustling office complexes, where the entire space transforms into a dazzling spectacle of festive lights. From the towering trees to the twinkling stars and whimsical reindeer, The James Center Christmas lights display brings a touch of magic to the heart of the city.

James Center - Holiday Lights in Downtown Richmond — The James Center

Igloo Dining Experiences

There is no better way to immerse yourself in Downtown Richmond Christmas lights than through igloo dining. Grab your friends and family and enjoy a meal in your own personal, heated igloo at a selection of restaurants downtown! Igloos include heat and seating for small groups and typically provide guests with Bluetooth music speakers for a cozy, personalized experience with you and your party. And of course, each restaurant is decked out in festive holiday decor that will make you feel like you're in a real-life snow globe.

Fall Line: Enjoy seasonal sips and vibrant dishes at Fall Line, Richmond Marriott’s premiere dining. Igloos can be reserved for 2-hour intervals for groups of 2-6 people.
Juan’s Rooftop + Cantina: Cozy up in a rooftop igloo at Juan's! This year's Grinch-themed igloos feature special holiday cocktail and meal menus. Igloos can be reserved for 90 minutes, and reservation fees start at $25.