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.

3307 Kensington is another city highlight. | Photo by RICtoday

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.

The Phifer house is lit up again this season. | Photo by RICtoday

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
WINNwas 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

Along with acres of classic and colorful outdoor lights, see how Lewis Ginter brightens up its greenhouse flora. | Photo by RICtoday

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.