Main Street in Gordonsville, VA
Compared to the others, this light display is on the smaller side, yet still stunning and charming. At only 144,000 little white lights, 80-holiday wreaths, and one big Christmas tree. However, If are looking for something more relaxing; come to visit the small, cute town of Gordonsville. The holiday lights stay up until Valentine’s Day so locals can enjoy a little more light on long winter nights. I know every time I drive through the town it sure lifts my spirit.
When you’re nearby you can also visit Orange’s Tacky Light Tour. On December 11th-13th you can stroll through the list of most decorated houses in the neighborhood. You can participate and pick your favorite tacky light winner as you take in the holiday lights.
Santa on Mountainview Street in Charlottesville, VA
This home on Mountain View Street, near the southern end of Monticello Road; is the site of Charlottesville’s most extravagant holiday light display. The owner, Jeff Norford started decorating his home in 2002 and has since grown to 60000 lights, 315 inflatables, and 5 controllers. “We started out with just a few lights and each year my godsons wanted more,” says Jeff. His godson is now in his 20s but Jeff says “somewhere along the way, the holiday spirit took over.” He now decks out his house every year and people from all over flood to see the amazing lights and decorations. To top it off they have Santa and Rudolph greeting everyone with candy canes until Christmas Eve. The display runs from November 22nd until January 6th, 5pm-10pm. It is a must see if you are local to the area.
Monument Ave in Richmond, VA
To see dazzling lights decorating one of Richmond’s most beautiful streets, look no further than Monument Ave. It is a sight to see, not only during the holidays but any time of year, for it is the nation’s only grand residential boulevard with as large of historical monuments, almost completely unaltered to this day. See extravagant historical mansions illuminated with garlands, giant bulbs, bright lights, and custom-made wreaths. One of the more well-known homes is Keith Kissee’s home. He is best known for “Santa’s Cadillac”, a vintage Caddy he decorates with lights, stuffed animals, and more.
Dominion GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Richmond
Another holiday tradition in Richmond is the light festival in Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. This extravaganza features one million twinkling lights, hand-crafted botanical decorations, firepit, model train, nightly family activities, and more. However, this event does require purchasing a ticket. To buy tickets visit: https://www.lewisginter.org/visit/events/dominion-gardenfest-of-lights/.
Visit Doswell, VA for Central Virginia’s largest drive-thru light show, all synchronized to music. As you drive through the park (from the comfort of your warm car) you will be amazed by the nearly one million LED light display with holiday music to match that you listen to through your car radio. The light show runs from November 16th to December 31st from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm nightly. However, if you go the weekends before Christmas, be prepared to wait for hours. It by far the most extravagant Christmas light show around, and perfect for people of all ages!
We hope you enjoy this time of year with family and friends and have time to take in the holiday spirit. Happy Holidays!
-The Holladay House
Sources:
https://www.richmond.com/holiday/classy-lights-on-monument-avenue/article_26baf766-53c6-539c-a0b0-0ca24b0bac8d.html
