Christmas Events for Kids in Virginia (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

8 min read

Virginia has 6 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Winter Walk of Lights in Vienna on November 11 to Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights in Richmond, which runs through January 3. 1 of them is free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in every state.

The short version

  • 6 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Virginia for 2026, in Chesapeake, Richmond, Norfolk and Washington
  • First: Winter Walk of Lights, Vienna, November 11. Runs latest: Winter Walk of Lights, Vienna, through January 3
  • Free: Deck the Hall & Fa La La Land
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Virginia Christmas train rides page.

Virginia Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
6 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Chesapeake, Richmond, Norfolk and Washington
Season
November 11, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Free events
1
Kinds of events
holiday lights, breakfast with Santa, Santa visit and story time with Santa
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Virginia Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Winter Walk of Lights in Vienna on November 11; the last runs to January 3. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Virginia? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Chesapeake

2 confirmed events for kids in Chesapeake, soonest first.

Chesapeake: Holiday Storytime with Santa

Story time with SantaChesapeake Public Library · Chesapeake

Host
Chesapeake Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Outreach and Innovation Library, 2726 Border Road, Chesapeake, VA 23324
When
Thursday, December 10, 2026, 10:15 to 11:45 am
Cost
Check the host's page
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Chesapeake Public Library's Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Outreach and Innovation Library hosts a holiday morning that starts with storytime. After the stories, children can meet Santa and share their holiday wishes, then make crafts. Families can also take photos with Santa in the library's Media Lab.

The program runs from 10:15 to 11:45 am on a Thursday, which suits preschoolers and younger children who are not yet in school all day. The library calendar does not list an age range, a cost or a registration requirement, so it is worth checking the event page or calling the library before you go. Because it is held indoors at a library branch, it is an easy outing in any weather.

Parent tip: Bring a camera or phone for photos with Santa in the Media Lab, and check the event page for any registration details before going.

See dates and details from Chesapeake Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Chesapeake: Deck the Hall & Fa La La Land

Holiday lightsFreeCity of Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism · Chesapeake

Host
City of Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism (opens in a new tab)
Where
Chesapeake City Hall, 306 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322
When
Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026, 5 to 9 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Free family outdoor event
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Fa La La Land turns the grounds of Chesapeake City Hall into an interactive outdoor wonderland on two Saturday evenings in December. Families can stroll among carolers, meet baby goats dressed in holiday sweaters, get faces painted and watch live ballerina performances on the stage. Roaming holiday characters, a glass man and a stilt walker add to the fun, and Santa is there for pictures.

The city calls it a free family outdoor event, and parking around the City Hall municipal center is free. Holiday food trucks are on site. On other nights, the same location hosts Deck the Hall, a drive-through light display you can enjoy from the car every evening from late November into the new year, so families who miss the walking nights can still see the lights.

Parent tip: Parking around City Hall is free and the city suggests bringing a camera for the Santa photos. Dress for the weather since the event is outdoors.

See dates and details from City of Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Richmond

2 confirmed events for kids in Richmond, soonest first.

Richmond: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights

Breakfast with SantaLewis Ginter Botanical Garden · Richmond

Host
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA 23228
When
Monday, November 23, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly season; members-only preview Nov 20 to 22)
Cost
Ticketed; peak and non-peak pricing varies by date
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

GardenFest of Lights fills Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden with millions of lights built around an Otherworldly theme of fairy tales, legends and faraway worlds, and this season it expands into new gardens and the enlarged Conservatory. Inside the Conservatory Exhibition Hall, kids can look for the volunteer-made Fairy Village, and the Kelly Education Center has model train displays. Hot chocolate, seasonal treats and a fire pit with s'mores are available along the way.

For a visit with Santa, the garden offers a Santa Brunch on December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 and a Santa Dinner on December 20 and 21, booked separately. Performance nights are November 24 and December 1, 8 and 15. Note that December 2, 3 and 30 are adults-only GardenFest for Grownups nights, and some Mondays are dog nights.

Parent tip: Tickets are limited by arrival window and popular nights sell out, so buy online in advance. The event runs rain, shine or snow and tickets are non-refundable.

See dates and details from Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)

Richmond: Legendary Santa

Santa visitChildren's Museum of Richmond · Richmond

Host
Children's Museum of Richmond (opens in a new tab)
Where
Children's Museum Downtown, 2626 West Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220
When
Fri November 27, Wed December 2 (5:30 to 8 pm), Fri December 4 (5:30 to 8 pm) and Thu December 10 (5:30 to 8 pm), 2026
Cost
$35 per family of up to 6 (Regular Visit), $75 Chimney Visit; museum admission not included
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Legendary Santa has been a Richmond tradition since 1936 and now welcomes about 25,000 children each year at Children's Museum Downtown. Families hear sleigh bells, watch Santa's feet appear in the chimney, and see him make his descent. The Snow Queen greets each visitor and gives the youngest guests a Snowflake of Courage, and Santa calls each child by name to hear their wish.

Visits must be reserved ahead. A Regular Visit is $35 for up to six family members with one emailed photo, and a Chimney Visit is $75; weekend Chimney Times are already sold out. Neither ticket includes museum admission. Sensitive Santa sessions for families of children with disabilities run December 2, 4 and 10 from 5:30 to 8 pm, with a sensory guide on the museum's site. Questions go by email to santa@cmorva.org, since the museum does not take phone inquiries about Santa.

Parent tip: Book a timed ticket online and arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time. No flash photography is allowed in Santa Land.

See dates and details from Children's Museum of Richmond (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Norfolk

1 confirmed event for kids in Norfolk, soonest first.

Norfolk: Holidays in the Wild: Holiday Market

Holiday eventVirginia Zoo · Norfolk

Host
Virginia Zoo (opens in a new tab)
Where
Virginia Zoo, 3500 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23504
When
Sunday, December 13, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm
Cost
Free with general zoo admission; free admission with a donation to Norfolk Animal Care Center
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Virginia Zoo's annual Holidays in the Wild market brings a festive mood to the trails on one Sunday in December. Included with admission are two Animal Ambassador Encounters in the Event Pavilion, at 11:30 am and 2 pm, photo ops with Tango the Tiger from 11 am to 1 pm, and an eco-friendly gift wrapping demonstration. Local artisans sell gifts in a holiday vendor market, and the African Village Restaurant and a hot cocoa bar are open.

The zoo is pairing the day with a donation drive for the Norfolk Animal Care Center. Bring a 5 pound or larger bag of dry pet food or three new items from the shelter's list, such as blankets, towels or pet toys, and you receive one free zoo admission for that day. The event takes place rain or shine.

Parent tip: Donations go to the shelter's mobile unit in front of the zoo, and each qualifying donation earns one free admission for December 13 only. Train rides and market purchases cost extra.

See dates and details from Virginia Zoo (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Washington

1 confirmed event for kids in Washington, including nearby Vienna, soonest first.

Vienna: Winter Walk of Lights

Holiday lightsNOVA Parks · Vienna

Host
NOVA Parks (opens in a new tab)
Where
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA 22182 (near Washington)
When
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly; opens 5:30 pm through Dec 3), 5 to 10 pm
Cost
$19 to $24 online; online tickets only Dec 4 to 31
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights turns the botanical gardens in Vienna into an evening trail of lighted trees and displays featuring nature, winter and holiday themes. Now in its 15th season, it draws as many as 110,000 visitors a year. The half mile paved trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible, which makes it manageable with small children.

Along the way, families can warm up with hot drinks and finish by roasting marshmallows for s'mores. A limited edition 2026 holiday ornament is available as a keepsake. The trail opens at 5:30 pm through December 3 and at 5 pm from December 4, with last admission at 9:30 pm. Tickets are $19 online early and late in the season and $24 in December, when tickets must be bought online in advance.

Parent tip: From December 4 to 31 there are no tickets at the door, so buy online before you drive out.

See dates and details from NOVA Parks (opens in a new tab)

Near a state line? Our guides to Christmas events for kids in Washington, DC, Christmas events for kids in Maryland and Christmas events for kids in Delaware list more confirmed events, and the national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Virginia Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Virginia in 2026?

We confirmed 6 Christmas events for kids in Virginia for 2026 on each host’s own page: Winter Walk of Lights in Vienna (November 11), Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights in Richmond (November 23), Legendary Santa in Richmond (November 27), Holiday Storytime with Santa in Chesapeake (December 10), Deck the Hall & Fa La La Land in Chesapeake (December 12) and Holidays in the Wild: Holiday Market in Norfolk (December 13). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Chesapeake, Virginia?

For families in and around Chesapeake, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Storytime with Santa (Thu, Dec 10, 10:15 to 11:45 am, see the host for cost); Deck the Hall & Fa La La Land (Sat, Dec 12 and Sat, Dec 19, 5 to 9 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Chesapeake section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Richmond, Virginia?

For families in and around Richmond, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights (Evenings, Nov 23, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, ticketed; peak and non-peak pricing varies by date); Legendary Santa (Black Friday through Christmas Eve; Sensitive Santa Dec 2, 4 and 10, 5:30 to 8 pm, $35 per family of up to 6 (regular visit), $75 chimney visit; museum admission not included). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Richmond section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Norfolk, Virginia?

For families in and around Norfolk, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holidays in the Wild: Holiday Market (Sun, Dec 13, 11 am to 3 pm, free with general zoo admission; free admission with a donation to norfolk animal care center). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Norfolk section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Washington, Virginia?

For families in and around Washington, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Winter Walk of Lights (in Vienna, Nightly, Nov 11 to Jan 3, $19 to $24 online; online tickets only dec 4 to 31). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Washington section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Virginia?

Yes. 1 of the 6 events here are free: Deck the Hall & Fa La La Land in Chesapeake. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Virginia this December?

Santa appears at Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights in Richmond (November 23), Legendary Santa in Richmond (November 27), Holiday Storytime with Santa in Chesapeake (December 10) and Deck the Hall & Fa La La Land in Chesapeake (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Virginia?

Holiday story times on this page: Holiday Storytime with Santa in Chesapeake. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Virginia?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights in Richmond (Evenings, Nov 23, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

Are there kids' Christmas events in Virginia on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Winter Walk of Lights in Vienna (through January 3), Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights in Richmond (through January 3) and Legendary Santa in Richmond (through December 24).

How much is Winter Walk of Lights in Vienna?

$19 to $24 online; online tickets only Dec 4 to 31. Winter Walk of Lights is on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly; opens 5:30 pm through Dec 3), 5 to 10 pm at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights in Richmond?

Ticketed; peak and non-peak pricing varies by date. Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights is on Monday, November 23, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly season; members-only preview Nov 20 to 22) at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Legendary Santa in Richmond?

$35 per family of up to 6 (Regular Visit), $75 Chimney Visit; museum admission not included. Legendary Santa is on Fri November 27, Wed December 2 (5:30 to 8 pm), Fri December 4 (5:30 to 8 pm) and Thu December 10 (5:30 to 8 pm), 2026 at Children's Museum Downtown. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

When is Holiday Storytime with Santa in Chesapeake in 2026?

Thursday, December 10, 2026, 10:15 to 11:45 am, at Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Outreach and Innovation Library. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.

How much is Deck the Hall & Fa La La Land in Chesapeake?

Free. Deck the Hall & Fa La La Land is on Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026, 5 to 9 pm at Chesapeake City Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holidays in the Wild: Holiday Market in Norfolk?

Free with general zoo admission; free admission with a donation to Norfolk Animal Care Center. Holidays in the Wild: Holiday Market is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm at Virginia Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Virginia?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Virginia Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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