Millions of lights, grand illuminations and celebrations bring families together for the holidays
RICHMOND, Va. – 2012-11-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Families and friends looking for a little sparkle over the holidays will find hundreds of ways to celebrate together in Virginia. The state’s legendary 100 Miles of Lights connects world-class illuminations across six cities – Richmond, Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk and Virginia Beach. The drive-through light displays and special events, including illuminated parades, magical lighted drives and sparkling city skylines, makes Virginia’s 100 Miles of Lights an unforgettable experience for all ages. For more information and a complete listing of 100 Miles of Lights events and celebrations to light up the holidays, visit www.Virginia.org/100MilesofLights.
McDonald’s Holiday Lights at the Beach – Virginia Beach – Nov. 16, 2012-Jan. 1, 2013 The Virginia Beach boardwalk sparkles this holiday season as festive animals made from bright, colored lights set the night sky ablaze during the McDonald’s Holiday Lights at the Beach. This holiday-themed drive-through light display at the Virginia Beach oceanfront is the only time of the year that cars can drive right on the boardwalk. With special appearances from Santa Claus and his elves, a 40-foot tall Christmas tree on the beach, a holiday music CD for every vehicle, special hotel packages with free tickets to the light show and a giant “12 Days of Christmas” display, this exhibit is sure to spread holiday cheer throughout the region. Tickets are $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends. For more information, call 757-491-7866 or visit www.virginiabeach.com.
Celebration in Lights – Newport News – Nov. 22, 2012-Jan. 1, 2013
Set in Newport News Regional Park, the award-winning Celebration in Lights is Virginia’s first and longest-running drive-through light event. This spectacular two-mile drive illuminates the beauty of the park’s forests, fields and ponds with over 750,000 lights and 200 displays, including the animated “Winter Wonderland” and “Santa’s Enchanted Kingdom. ” Multi-colored snowflakes, leaping reindeer, whimsical toys and more provide a kaleidoscope of dazzling color. Admission fee is $10 for cars, $60 for buses. For more information, visit www.newport-news.com.
GardenFest of Lights – Richmond – Nov. 23, 2012-Jan. 7, 2013
This annual holiday tradition, set in Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, features more than a half million lights, botanical decorations, trains, fairy houses, holiday dinners, family activities and more. Other Special offerings and events at the garden include The Children’s Garden, Merry Monday storytelling, the New Year’s Eve Family Frolic on Dec. 31 and GardenFest for Fidos on Nov. 29 and Jan. 3. Admission is $11 for adults, $7 for children. For more information, visit www.lewisginter.org.
Hollydazzle – Newport News – Nov. 30, 2012
This unique holiday event combines fireworks, special effects and music in a spectacular show presented on the five-acre Fountain Plaza. Fun for the whole family, the event also features children’s activities and holiday performances throughout the City Center at Oyster Point area. Those who arrive early can enjoy a festive dinner at one of the restaurants in City Center and do some holiday shopping along Merchant’s Walk. For more information, visit www.newport-news.org.
Grand Illumination – Colonial Williamsburg – Dec. 2, 2012
The holiday season in historic Colonial Williamsburg kicks off with the Grand Illumination and is the highlight of Williamsburg’s portion of 100 miles of lights. It is a spectacular evening where candles twinkle in the windows of homes and buildings, the streets are ablaze and thousands of guests assemble to celebrate the season with musical performances, holiday merriment and firework displays from three different locations within the Historic Area.
Holly Days Parade – Hampton, VA – Dec. 8, 2012
A sweet holiday treat for families, the theme of this year’s Holly Days Parade is “Candy Cane Lane” with grand marshal the “Candy Man” himself, Willy Wonka. The area’s largest illuminated holiday parade features well-crafted floats, marching bands, military units and Santa Claus.Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good spot at one of Hampton’s greatest seasonal traditions. For more information, visit www.visithampton.com.
Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Visit www.Virginia.org for more holiday trip ideas or call 1-800-VISITVA for a free Virginia is for Lovers travel guide.
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*Note to editors, link to b-roll can be accessed here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvdCsbSqCNM