If you thought Christmas was cancelled – think again!
Here are just some ideas waiting for you and the family to enjoy.
Merry Christmas!
Ice Skating
Reston: Reston Town Centre, 1818 Discovery Street. Admission is $10 for adults and $9 for kids. Skate rentals are $7. Reserve slots online in advance at: https://www.restontowncenter.com/holidays/
Richmond: Stony Point On Ice, 9200 Stony Point Parkway. Admission is $7, and skate rentals are also $7. “The forecast is calling for snow at Stony Point on Ice Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays enjoy skating in the magical snowfall from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.” Information at: https://www.shopstonypoint.com/events
Colonial Williamsburg: Liberty Ice Pavilion, Duke of Gloucester Street. While you’re here, walk around and enjoy festive Colonial Williamsburg! Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for 3-12-year-olds, and free for kids 0-3. $4.67 for skate rentals. Information: https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/tickets/ice-skating/?nck=
Christmas at Mount Vernon
George Washington’s mansion features holiday programs and tours, and at night on December 26 and 28, enjoy the festive lights of Winter Glow.
Cost: Winter Glow $45/adult, $30/kids. General admission: $35/ adult, $12/kids.
Where: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, Virginia
Information at: https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/
Amusement Parks
Both of these parks feature holiday programs and decorations.
Busch Gardens Christmas Celebration: “Celebrate the merry season with Christmas lights, trees and holiday décor trimming eight European villages. Families can enjoy new village entertainment, fifteen coasters and rides, a Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt, festive holiday shopping, sweet culinary offerings and meeting Santa in his Workshop.”
Cost: $35 per ticket.
Where: Busch Gardens Boulevard, Williamsburg
Information at https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/events/christmas-celebration/
King’s Dominion Taste of the Season “Savor the flavors of the holidays at Kings Dominion’ Taste of the Season, an ALL-NEW limited-capacity outdoor holiday experience. Sample tempting treats with your Tasting Card and make magical family memories— safely.”
Cost: Save money by bundling tasting tickets with admission — bundle prices start at $39.
Where: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell
Information: https://www.kingsdominion.com/play/events/taste-of-the-season
Drive-Thru Holiday Lights
Bull Run Festival of Lights — “Experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn off your headlights and just follow the magical glow.”
Cost: Depending on the ticket time slot, cost starts at $25 per car.
Information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-bull-run-festival-of-lights-tickets-123002861871
Holiday Lights at the Beach — “Drive your vehicle ON THE BOARDWALK through Nautical, Holiday, and Adventure Lands with a soundtrack signal playing traditional Holiday music on your vehicle’s radio. Festive fish, musical crabs, and hard-working elves – all in brightly colored lights against the moonlit Atlantic Ocean – are the stars of BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach.”
Cost: $17 per car. Purchase tickets in advance.
Where: The Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach
Information: https://www.vabeach.com/virginia-beach-events/holiday-events/holiday-lights-at-the-beach/
Bedford Festival of Trees
“Festival of Trees at the Bedford Area Welcome Center is an annual event that takes place around the end of November through the first week of January. “Christmas Through The Decades” is the theme for this year. The event will feature trees that are decorated by local businesses and organizations.”
While you’re in town, check out the train exhibit at the Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library.
Cost: $1 to vote for your favorite tree. Proceeds go to charity. $5 for the train exhibit.
Where: Festival of Trees: 816 Burks Hill Road, Bedford; Train Exhibit: 201 East Main Street, Bedford.
Information: https://destinationbedfordva.com/events/
– – –
Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Reston Town Center Ice Skating” by Reston Town Center.
