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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Richmond. Here’s our gift to you — a go-to guide for decked-out holiday houses, tacky light tours, and illuminated 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 typically go on around 6 p.m. and remain lit until 10 p.m. - Trippin Breakers, 3307 Kensington Ave.
You can recognize this Museum District display by the lights draped over the sidewalk.
Bonus: Stop by the corner of Kensington and Roseneath in the Museum District to say hello to Skelē, a 12-foot skeleton icon styled for the seasons, year-round.
Plus: Visit the 2200 block Park Avenue in the Fan for a corridor of brightly lit trees and houses.
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: The Grinch and Santa have been known to make appearances. - Charles Glen Christmas House, 1909 Cornell Ave.
The owner of the Oregon Hill Christmas House pointed us in this direction — her brother-in-law curates a colorful lawn with dozens of handmade character figures. - 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.
With over 200,000+ lights and decorations in tow, Al and Esther Thompson have been welcoming holiday visitors for over 20 years, but 2025 marks their final run before a sentimental tacky-light retirement.
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 roster 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 Paddlesports
Up to 40 people can take in the sights at multiple destinations and enjoy hot cocoa, holiday cookies, and lively playlists. - RVATukTuk
Tuk Tuks are three-wheeled, 100% electric, open-air vehicles perfect for a group of six 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 three hours. Groups may customize their routes and stop for food along the way. - 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 the 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 accommodate up to 55 passengers with stops at local food partners.
🌟 Illuminated experiences
- Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights | Through Jan. 4, closed Dec. 24 + 25 | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
🎟️ 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 Jan. 3 | Meadow Event Park
🎟️ Tickets | Virginia’s largest drive-through, synchronized light and music show starts at $30 per vehicle. - Christmas Town | Select dates through Jan. 4 | Busch Gardens, Williamsburg
🎟️ Tickets | Visit Santa’s Workshop, meet Father Christmas, and explore Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland in between riding coasters and dining in themed restaurants. - RVA Boat Parade of Lights | Saturday, Dec. 13 | 5 p.m. | Rocketts Landing
Free | Make your way to the riverside and wait for the merry + bright boats to emerge.
