Winter in Virginia offers the entire family a rich blend of festivities and adventure. Hosting numerous unique attractions, from frozen waterfalls to historic Christmas towns, this state promises an unforgettable winter holiday experience.
This article guides top-tier activities to maximize your family’s joy throughout the frosty season. Let’s explore thrilling adventures and heart-warming traditions that make Virginia your perfect winter getaway!
Illuminate Light Show and Santa's Village
The Illuminate Light Show lights up the holiday season in Doswell, Virginia. It is the biggest drive-thru light show in the state. You can find it at Meadow Event Park in Doswell from November 17 to December 31.
Families can enjoy this from their cars. The music makes the lights move and change, making everything more fun! Santa’s Village adds more joy with its family-friendly things to do.
Buying a ticket for this event also helps local charities, as part of the money goes to them.
Holi-Rays at Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Holi-Rays at Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a must-see. This event in Virginia Beach turns the sea world into a holiday wonderland. Bright lights glow all over the place.
Kids and parents will love the mix of marine life and festive decor. It’s okay to show up in your best Christmas clothes! You will see unique light displays that are both cool and artsy.
Let your family enjoy interactive fun as you move along this glowing trail.
Visit Virginia's Christmas Towns
Experience the magic of the holiday season by visiting Virginia’s charming Christmas towns, including Richmond, Williamsburg, and Virginia Beach.
Richmond
Richmond shines during the winter season. Families find joy in many fun Christmas events. One of these is Kings Dominion WinterFest. Here, you can see holiday lights and enjoy festive treats with your loved ones.
Another remarkable place is the Dominion Energy Gardenfest of Lights. This event makes Richmond a must-visit spot in Virginia for winter activities. From glowing gardens to twinkling trees, it provides a fantastic view for families to enjoy!
Williamsburg
Williamsburg turns into a winter dream during the holiday season. The city shines with festive lights and joy. One of the top spots to check out is Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Bright light displays fill the park.
You can see live shows full of music and fun there, too! If you love history, head to Colonial Williamsburg. It changes into a beautiful winter place this time of year.
 You’ll find special events for everyone in your family here as well! Don’t forget to put on your skates and hit the ice rink while you’re in town.
And if you like horses, be sure to take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the snowy streets.
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is a beautiful destination for families to enjoy winter activities. It offers a variety of festive holiday events and attractions.
This park is known for its dazzling lights, exciting shows, and seasonal rides. In addition to that, you can also experience the joy of ice skating in Virginia Beach or witness beautiful light displays like the BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can explore frozen waterfalls or even take a boat tour with Rudee Tours to see humpback whales in the Atlantic Ocean.
With its coastal beauty and family-friendly atmosphere, Virginia Beach provides a unique winter experience that everyone will enjoy.
Exciting Winter Sports Activities
Experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding at Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, enjoy fast-paced snow tubing at Wintergreen Resort, or glide across the ice at Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion.
You can see live shows full of music and fun there, too! If you love history, head to Colonial Williamsburg. It changes into a beautiful winter place this time of year.
You’ll find special events for everyone in your family here as well! Don’t forget to put on your skates and hit the ice rink while you’re in town.
And if you like horses, be sure to take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the snowy streets.
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Skiing and Snowboarding at Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre
At Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre in Virginia, families can enjoy the thrilling winter sports activities of skiing and snowboarding. The centre offers a variety of options suitable for all skill levels, making it perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike.
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Using Snowflex, a synthetic snow material, the center creates a realistic and enjoyable experience on the slopes. The forgiving surface of Snowflex ensures a smooth ride, ideal for those new to skiing or snowboarding.
Families can spend quality time together while enjoying these exciting winter sports at Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, conveniently located in Virginia.
Snow tubing at Wintergreen Resort
Wintergreen Resort offers an exciting winter activity for families called snow tubing. It is a safe and well-maintained facility where you can slide down the slopes in inflatable tubes.
Snow tubing at Wintergreen Resort suits families looking for fun and thrilling winter activities. You don’t need any previous experience or special equipment to enjoy this activity, making it perfect for everyone in the family.
Wintergreen Resort offers a range of other winter activities, so you have plenty of options during your visit.
Ice Skating at Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion
Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion is a great place to go ice skating in Northern Virginia. It’s a popular spot for families to enjoy some winter fun together. The pavilion offers a large outdoor ice rink where you can glide across the ice and have a great time.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, there’s something for everyone at Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion. So grab your skates and prepare to have icy fun with your family!
Outdoor Winter Adventures
Embark on thrilling winter hikes and witness the beauty of frozen waterfalls like Crabtree Falls and Dark Hollow Falls. Explore nature trails such as the Cascades National Recreation Trail, Brown Pelican Trail, and Belle Isle Trails for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Don’t miss out on whale watching with Rudee Flipper at Rudee Tours or Virginia Aquarium Winter Wildlife Boat Trips along the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. Get your family ready for a winter full of excitement!
Winter Hiking
Winter hiking is a popular outdoor activity in Virginia during the winter months. It’s an excellent way for families to stay active and healthy while enjoying the beauty of nature. Virginia offers diverse landscapes for winter hiking, including mountains, forests, and parks.
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Fairfax, Frederick, and Galax counties have numerous winter hiking trails for families. Fauquier County provides opportunities for winter hikes with its various towns and scenic areas.
Floyd County has several hiking spots like Check, Copper Hill, and Indian Valley. Fluvanna County also offers options around Bremo Bluff, Fork Union, and Troy. So grab your warm clothes and boots and get ready to discover the wonders of winter hiking in Virginia!
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Whale Watching with Rudee Flipper at Rudee Tours
Rudee Tours in Virginia Beach offers a fantastic winter adventure for families: whale watching with their boat called Rudee Flipper. You and your family can sail aboard to see humpback whales, dolphins, seals, and even large waterfowl.
It’s an exciting way to get up close to these amazing creatures while enjoying the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. Rudee Tours is well-known for its knowledgeable crew, who will provide interesting facts about the marine life you encounter.
So bundle up, grab your binoculars, and prepare for an unforgettable experience on the Rudee Flipper!
Indoor Winter Fun
Escape the cold at the Great Wolf Lodge, where families can enjoy an indoor water park and other activities. Read on to discover more exciting indoor winter fun options in Virginia.
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Visit a Museum in Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia offers a range of museums perfect for families looking for indoor winter fun. In Fairfax County, you’ll find museums with interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops that are both educational and entertaining.
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They provide an excellent opportunity for kids to learn while having fun. Fauquier County is another option, where museums offer arts and crafts activities, live performances, and storytelling sessions to keep the whole family engaged.
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If you’re interested in local history, Floyd County has a museum that focuses on its unique heritage and provides a cozy environment for families to explore together.
 Fluvanna County is home to a museum with winter-themed exhibits and events that allow children to learn while enjoying themselves.
Escape the cold at the Great Wolf Lodge
The Great Wolf Lodge in Virginia is perfect for your family to escape the cold this winter. You’ll have a blast while staying warm with its indoor water park and other fun activities.
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The lodge offers slides, pools, and even a lazy river for endless aquatic adventures. Plenty of dry activities like mini golf, arcade games, and interactive quests will keep everyone entertained.
When it’s time to relax and refuel, you can enjoy delicious meals at one of their on-site restaurants or grab snacks from the snack bar. No matter your age or interests, the Great Wolf Lodge has something for everyone in the family to enjoy!
Participate in Festive Events
Experience the magic of the holiday season with exciting events like the 2023 Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Old Town Alexandria and Norfolk’s Grand Illumination Parade. Join in on the fun and create lasting memories with your family.
Find out more about these festive events and how you can be a part of them!
2023 Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Old Town Alexandria
The 2023 Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Old Town Alexandria is a beautiful event that marks the beginning of the holiday season. Families can gather around as the tree is lit, listen to joyful singing, and even meet Santa and Mrs.
Claus. This special ceremony attracts locals and tourists to Old Town Alexandria, where they can enjoy various festive activities and create lasting memories with their loved ones.
The city offers a variety of other winter activities for families to enjoy, making it an ideal destination during this time of year. Plus, visitors can enjoy Virginia’s mild winter weather and admire the beautiful scenery while attending the ceremony.
Norfolk’s Grand Illumination Parade
Norfolk’s Grand Illumination Parade is a big event in Virginia during the winter season. It’s a holiday kick-off celebration that lights up the streets with dazzling displays of lights and decorations.
The parade features marching bands, floats, giant balloons, and even Santa Claus himself! Families can come together and enjoy watching the parade, immersing themselves in the festive spirit.
People from all over Virginia come to see this fantastic spectacle. It’s an excellent opportunity for families to celebrate the holiday season and enjoy all the winter festivities.
Conclusion
Virginia offers a wide range of exciting winter activities for families to enjoy. From visiting holiday light displays and Christmas towns to engaging in winter sports and outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone.
Whether skiing at one of the ski resorts or exploring frozen waterfalls, Virginia provides plenty of opportunities for family fun during the winter months. So bundle up, grab your loved ones, and make lasting memories in beautiful Virginia this winter!