Weekend Event Picks: Tacky Lights Tour, GardenFest, Carytown Holiday Parade and more

Richmond Tacky Lights Tour

Richmond is home to some of the most highly illuminated homes in the nation, as profiled by many articles and TV shows over the years, and it’s time to, well, get lit! There are dozens of decked out houses around town. You can enjoy a guided tour with any of the local limo or bus tour companies, or just drive around on your own accord. The RTD has a great guide to all of the homes that would make Clark Griswold proud at the link below.

When: Nightly through New Year’s Day | Where: Locations all around Richmond | Cost: FREE | More info: RTD guide

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Dominion GardenFest of Lights

This year’s Lewis Ginter’s Dominion GardenFest of Lights is entitled “Living Color.” More than a half a million lights will decorate an already beautiful botanical garden. Holiday decorations bring a special magic to for those walking around. This magic, combined with traditional model trains, holiday dinners, firepit with s’mores and hot chocolate (for purchase), and regular family activities, make it a must-do holiday event.  It all starts Friday evening.

When: Nightly through January 7th (see schedule) | Where: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue in Northside | Cost: Tickets start at $8 | More info: Event article

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Carytown Holiday Parade

The Carytown Merchants Association is kicking off the holidays with several special activities this and every Saturday through the holidays. A special Holiday Parade will take place at noon, followed by visits with Santa, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and more. It’s also Small Business Saturday, and there are plenty of local merchants to choose from to kick off your holiday shopping.

When: Saturdays through December 17th | Where: Carytown (W. Cary Street from Nansemond to Boulevard) | Cost: FREE | More info: Event website

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Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village

Illuminate Light Show is a unique, six-week celebration of Christmas lights and music, and it opens this weekend! Guests tune their car radio to enjoy over a mile of dancing, sparkling choreographed lights, complete with dazzling tunnels and laughing Santas. After the light show, you can visit Santa’s Village for children’s activities, shopping and holiday entertainment. The lights shine brightly for guests nightly including holidays, and are enjoyed from the cozy comfort of a vehicle.

When: Nightly from 5:30 – 10:00 PM throughout the holidays | Where: The Meadow Event Park, 13048 Dawn Boulevard in Doswell | Cost: Tickets start at $22 per carload | More info: Online ticketing page

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The Rink at West Broad Village

A new ice rink has opened for the holidays, located in Short Pump at West Broad Village. Now in its second season, The Rink at West Broad Village is open nightly throughout the winter. No skates? No problem. The venue has you covered with hundreds of rental pairs. A little unsteady on your feet? Lessons are available, too!

When: Nightly through the holidays; 3:00 – 7:00 PM | Where: West Broad Village shopping center in Short Pump | Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for kids under 10; $4 to rent skates| More info: Facility website