It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Richmond. Here’s our gift to you — the ultimate guide to local lights, from tacky light tours to festive experiences.
✨ Must-see houses
Let’s get this glow on the road — here are a few houses to highlight on your map.
Richmond
Oregon Hill Christmas House, 408 S. Laurel St.
Lights at this iconic home go on at 6 p.m. and remain lit until 10 p.m.
RVA House, 3209 Hanover Ave.
This Museum District house is recognizable for its gleaming “RVA” sign and cast of inflatable characters.
Trippin Breakers, 3307 Kensington Ave.
You can recognize this Museum District display by the lights draped over the sidewalk.
Henrico
A Phifer Christmas, 9604 Asbury Ct.
Lights turn on at 5:20 each night through the end of the year at this iconic tacky light house. Bonus: They’ve got hot cocoa.
The Live Grinch, 1411 Pennsylvania Ave.
Homeowner Brett Aliotti will greet visitors at the decked-out house, which is sure to make your heart grow three sizes.
Christmas on Wendhurst, 9716 Wendhurst Dr.
This year is the 25th season for this Glen Allen home featuring 200,000+ lights and all homemade decorations.
Chesterfield
Christmas Court, 12618 Dawnridge Ct.
The Walton Park neighborhood gets in on the tacky light fun with multiple homes decorated in the Dawnridge cul-de-sac, aptly nicknamed Christmas Court.
Christmas on Coralview, 600 Coralview Ter.
Also in Walton Park, this home features lights set to a variety of Christmas songs.
For an extensive list of addresses, RTD has you covered with its official tacky light list.
Did you know? The Times-Dispatch started compiling its guide in 1989.
🚌 Tacky light tours
RVA in a Day
Take in the holiday lights with a custom Neighborhood Electric Vehicle. Tours can accommodate up to six people with seat warmers and blankets, and you can bring your own snacks and beverages.
RVA Paddlesports
Groups of 8-40 people can take in the sights at multiple destinations and enjoy hot cocoa, holiday cookies, and festive playlists.
RVATukTuk
Tuk Tuks are three-wheeled, 100% electric, open air vehicles perfect for a group of 6 passengers, but you can book multiple vehicles for your trip. All ages are welcome and adults may bring beverages on rides.
RVA Brew Crew
Enjoy a 3-5 hour tacky light tour for up to 14 people. Groups can bring their own beverages.
Virginia Limousine
This tour has over 10 displays and lasts about 3 hours. Groups may customize their routes and stop for food along the way.
James River Transportation
Jump on this charter bus as a group or by yourself to view some of Richmond’s tacky lights. Each bus comes with a guide, power outlets, and Wi-Fi.
Taylor’s Classic Travel
This trolley tour hosts up to 14 passengers with plenty of legroom. Cabins are heated, food and beverages are allowed, and lots of holiday music will be played.
WINN Transportation
WINN was first host for the Tacky Xmas Decoration Contest and Grand Highly Illuminated Lights Tour back in 1985. Light tours are 3-4 hours and can host up to 55 passengers with stops at local food partners.
💡 Holiday light experiences
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights | Through Jan. 7, closed Dec. 24-25 | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | Get tickets | Meander the gardens and don’t forget to check out the model train display and dinner options.
Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village | Through Dec. 31 | Meadow Event Park | Get tickets | Virginia’s largest drive-through, synchronized light and music show starts at $30 per vehicle.
WinterFest | Select dates through Dec. 31 | Kings Dominion | Get tickets | The amusement park offers thousands of Christmas lights in addition to live shows, a nightly parade, and a Christmas tree over 300 feet tall.
Christmas Town | Select dates through Jan. 7 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Get tickets | This year’s Christmas Town features new light attractions including Polar Pathway: Spectacle of Lights and Celebration of Lights at O’Tannenbaum.
