I just adore Christmas in Virginia. From beautifully decorated Main Streets to elaborate window displays, the holidays are alive and well here in the Old Dominion. And while Virginians do a lot of things well, there's one thing we do especially well this time of year...LIGHTS. So, in the interest of keeping the holiday spirit going strong, we've looked around to find some of the best Christmas lights in Virginia, from drive-through Christmas lights in Virginia to walk-thru displays. If you've asked yourself lately, "Where are there Christmas lights near me," we've got the answer - 11 of the best Christmas light displays in Virginia.

From traditional to non-traditional, LED to laser, these holiday lights are truly works of art (and I'm guessing a lot of patience). You're going to want to make at least a few of these part of your holiday traditions from now on - assuming you haven't already.

1. Celebration in Lights, Newport News

Celebration in Lights was Virginia’s first drive-through lights display and after more than two decades, it is still going strong. Join in on the fun at Newport News Park with more than one million shimmering lights, 350 animated displays, and more than 50 arches. You definitely don't want to miss this beloved Christmas event in Virginia.

2. Holiday Lights on the Beach, Virginia Beach

Every year, the beach comes alive with hundreds of thousands of lights as the Virginia Beach boardwalk is transformed into a nautical winter wonderland. Featuring dozens of light displays, a 40’ Christmas tree and, of course, Santa and his elves, the "Fanta-Sea" of lights draws more than 25,000 visitors every year and has been named one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s "Top 20 November Events." It's one of the best Christmas light displays in Virginia, and it belongs on your holiday bucket list. Stop by Visit Virginia Beach to learn more.

3. Bull Run Festival of Lights, Centreville

The Bull Run Festival of Lights is an annual event featuring thousands and thousands of lights, animated displays, and Christmas decorations stretching over 2.5 miles at Bull Run Regional Park. The popular Christmas event in Virginia is a full-on holiday spectacular with a Holiday Village offering bonfires, s’mores, activities for the kids, and holiday shopping, plus a Christmas Carnival. For a complete list of activities, dates, and times, visit Bull Run Festival of Lights.

4. Illuminate Light Show and Santa’s Village at The Meadow Event Park, Doswell

After you see hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights perfectly synchronized to music from your car radio, an 80’ tunnel, and 50’ Christmas trees, you’re going to want to make Illuminate part of your holiday traditions for sure. With dancing snowmen, singing trees, Santas galore, and much more, Illuminate is worth the trip. After the lights, visit Santa’s village for pictures with St. Nick himself. Visit Illuminate Light Show to plan your visit.

5. Natural Tunnel Holiday Lighting of the Tunnel, Duffield

Natural Tunnels is one of Virginia’s natural wonders any time of the year. But with holiday lights? It just doesn’t get much better. Ride the chairlift past thousands of sparkling lights, animated displays, and holiday decorations. Then enjoy music, hot chocolate, and Santa visits, as well as historic re-enactments of a 1775 Frontier Christmas at the nearby Carter Cabin. This is one Christmas event in Virginia you don't want to miss. Learn more at Natural Tunnel State Park.

6. Dominion Festival of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Richmond

Lewis Ginter lights up the nights with millions of twinkling lights, botanical decorations, model trains, holiday dinners, a fire pit, s’mores, family activities, and so much more. Add even more magic to your visit with a behind-the-scenes tour on select days. Visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens to learn more.

7. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg

Everything you love about Busch Gardens becomes that much more thrilling when wrapped in lights. This is one of those Christmas lights in Virginia everyone has to experience at least once. Featuring more than 10 million lights, Christmas Town is Busch Garden’s annual holiday extravaganza. The event includes rides, holiday shows, Christmas traditions from around the world, and, of course, Santa's workshop. You can even do a bit of Christmas shopping during your visit. Visit Busch Gardens Christmas Town to learn more.

8. Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna

Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is a breathtaking display of twinkling lights alongside countless family-friendly events and activities. Bundle up for this walk-through Christmas lights display in Virginia that boasts a ton of photo opportunities, hot chocolate and holiday goodies, and souvenirs galore. To see a complete list of upcoming events and to buy tickets online, visit Winter Walk of Lights.

9. Danville Community Light Show, Danville

Featuring displays created exclusively by members of the Danville community, from private residents to local businesses, the Danville Community Lights Show offers an exciting display of holiday lights and decorations. In 2014, the show’s inaugural year, more than 3,500 visitors came through, raising $4,200 for local non-profits and organizations. Located at Ballou Park, the popular Christmas event in Virginia raised $19,500 in 2020. Visit the event website for dates, times, and more information.

10. Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden, Norfolk

Join the Norfolk Botanical Garden for their annual Million Bulb Walk this Christmas season. This spectacular walk-through display covers more than two miles and features millions of sparkling lights. The 2014 display was voted #8 in the nation by USA Today and "10 Best." Visit Norfolk Botanical Garden for times and pricing.

11. Holiday Magic Laser Light Show at the Virginia Living Museum’s Abbit Planetarium, Newport News

The Abitt Planetarium at The Virginia Living Museum features a Christmas lights spectacular with a dazzling display of laser lights accompanied by 15 of your favorite holiday songs - Joy To The World, Jingle Bell Rock, and Linus and Lucy, for example. Visit The Virginia Living Museum for more information, including dates, times, and admission costs.

If you've asked yourself, "Where can I find magical Christmas lights near me," you can now plan a visit to some or all of the best Christmas lights in Virginia. Where will you start? If you've been to one - or more - of these amazing holiday lights extravaganzas, we would love to hear about your experience. Or maybe there's a good one we've left off the list? Let us know about the best Christmas light displays in Virginia in the comments below! If you're up for a bit of exploring this holiday season, plan a visit to these enchanting Christmas towns in Virginia. Still most interested in the lights?  Check out this road trip of Christmas lights in Virginia. And don't forget to bring your coziest winter jacket with you. Oh, what fun!