Search
Get in the spirit with holiday events, light displays, and celebrations throughout Virginia's Blue Ridge.
Roanoke Christmas Lights and Holiday Decorations
Where to See Christmas Lights and Holiday Decorations in Virginia's Blue Ridge
See the amazing Christmas lights and decorations as part of a holiday getaway to the Roanoke Region in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
There are many special events and celebrations with stunning light displays, including magical walks through the woods, historic properties that are beautifully decorated for the season, and charming main streets and downtown areas offering festive scenes.
Holiday Events
The following events and celebrations in Virginia's Blue Ridge serve as wonderful opportunities to see Christmas lights and unique holiday decorations.
Illuminights - Explore Park
Over 500,000 lights and unique displays along the ½ mile walking path through the woods will provide unforgettable holiday memories at Roanoke County’s Explore Park! The event will also feature a special Christmas market, campfires, and materials for roasting marshmallows.
Note: Tickets sales begin on November 1 on the Illuminights website >
Fashions for Evergreens - The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
Fashions for Evergreens at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center is a wonderful holiday tradition, presented in partnership with the United Way of the Roanoke Valley. The event showcases over 25 beautifully decorated trees throughout the hotel & conference center.
It's a great setting for family holiday photos, and you can vote for your favorite trees, which helps raise money for the local chapter of the United Way. The trees are sponsored and decorated by local businesses and organizations.
Fashions for Evergreens Website >
Land of Lights - Franklin County Recreation Park
Land of Lights is an amazing drive-thru light experience at the Franklin County Recreation Park. You can drive the 1/2 mile loop and enjoy over 50,000 Christmas lights and unique displays with your entire family.
The event is free to attend, but cash donations are accepted.
Salem Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade - Downtown Salem
The City of Salem will get its holiday festivities started with its annual Christmas tree lighting at the Salem Farmers Market on Friday, December 5, which will be followed by the Salem Christmas Parade along Main Street.
It's a great celebration that brings the community together to enjoy the beautiful decorations and holiday cheer along Salem's historic Main Street.
Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas - Downtown Rocky Mount
Date: December 6
The Town of Rocky Mount in Franklin County transforms into The North Pole for its popular annual Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas celebration, with shops and businesses draped in "White Lights" and holiday decorations.
The event also features live music, dancers, and lots of local food & craft vendors.
Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas Details >
Dickens of a Christmas - Downtown Roanoke
Dates: December 5, 12, 19
Held the first three Fridays in December, The Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas is one of the signature events of the holiday season and has been recognized as one of the best holiday festivals in the Southeast. Downtown Roanoke is decorated for the holiday season, and the festival includes a variety of local vendors and special activities, including:
- City of Roanoke Christmas Tree Lighting - December 5
- City of Roanoke Christmas Parade - December 12
- Pet Costume Contest - December 19
Dickens of a Christmas Website >
Botetourt Chamber Tinsel Trail - Historic Fincastle
Dates: December 5-30
Historic Fincastle will serve as a beautiful setting for the Botetourt Chamber Tinsel Trail, which is presented by First Bank in partnership with the Botetourt Chamber of Commerce. Get your camera ready to take pictures of the many Christmas trees decorated by community businesses and organizations in Fincastle and take a leisurely stroll through this charming downtown of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
Christmas Eve Luminaries - Town of Buchanan
Date: December 24
The lighting of the luminaries on Christmas Eve along Main Street in Buchanan is a treasured annual holiday tradition in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The 1-gallon plastic jugs that are used as the luminaries have special meaning to the town, which received donations of water and recycled the jugs following the flood of 1985 when the town was left without potable water.
Luminary Nights at Natural Bridge State Park
Dates: December 12 - 21 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
If you're in the mood for a holiday cruise, Natural Bridge State Park is only a quick highway drive away. Venture out during a weekend in December and experience this historic landmark as it is illuminated with festive lighting to celebrate the season. Enjoy a stroll on the trails after dark, campfires, and even say hello to Mr. and Mrs. Claus during your visit.
Natural Bridge State Park Events >
Small Towns, Neighborhoods, Downtowns
One of the best ways to see Christmas lights and decorations during the holiday season is to explore the downtown districts, small towns, and unique neighborhoods in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The following are fun, walkable areas with seasonal holiday displays and great local businesses full of charm.
Downtown Roanoke
There are many great areas to explore and experience the holiday spirit of Downtown Roanoke. Dickens of a Christmas is the popular annual holiday festival that takes place the first three Friday evenings in December, and you'll also find festive scenes throughout the Market Square area and other parts of downtown.
You can also check out this year’s holiday decorations at the historic Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center and grab a cocktail at their 1882 Lobby Bar.
Historic Fincastle
The Town of Fincastle in Botetourt County is full of history and character, featuring restored homes, walkable streets, and a courthouse designed by Thomas Jefferson.
While you’re there, grab a sweet treat at the adorable Pie Shoppe or enjoy something delicious at 1772 on Main & Rooftop, an awesome rooftop bar, and see the decorated trees that are part of the Botetourt Chamber Tinsel Trail.
Downtown Salem
Take a walk along Main Street in Downtown Salem to see holiday decorations and visit fun local stores and restaurants. You can also take a stroll through the popular Salem Farmers Market, which hosts the Crafty Christmas market featuring local artisans on December 6.
One of our favorite annual events during the holiday season is the popular Salem Gingerbread Festival & Gingerbread House Competition, with the houses on display at the Salem Museum and the festival taking place in Longwood Park.
You can also check out the fun of the Salem Christmas Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade at the Salem Farmers Market and along Main Street.
While you’re downtown, grab a local craft beer from Olde Salem Brewing Company and a famous calzone from Mac & Bob’s. Need a place to stay? Book a room at the beautiful Lofts at Downtown Salem or The Rowland Hotel.
Town of Rocky Mount
The Town of Rocky Mount in Franklin County will have special holiday decorations and music to help get you in the spirit of the season. Don't miss the Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas event for a wonderful season celebration.
A visit to Franklin County, The Moonshine Capital of the World, should certainly include a taste of the local history, so swing by Twin Creeks Distillery and cheers to a hand-crafted holiday cocktail.
Town of Vinton
The Town of Vinton will bring the holiday spirit to Virginia’s Blue Ridge this year with its Vinton Christmas Parade on December 4.
A walk along Pollard Street in Vinton includes visiting two of our favorite local spots - Twin Creeks Brewing Company and RND Coffee. Both are great options for some tasty holiday brews.
Grandin Village
In addition to the holiday decorations and lights you can see along Grandin Road in Roanoke’s Grandin Village, this is one of the best areas to walk around the neighborhood side streets to see amazing light displays people put up in their front yards and homes! There will also be a special holiday tree at the intersection of Grandin Road & Memorial Avenue that will be decorated by local merchants and community members.
Grandin Road is the main commercial area, but nearby streets like Westover Avenue and Maiden Lane are great spots to walk around with the pets and kids and snap a few pics of the lights and Christmas decorations.
Grab a warm drink from the Little Green Hive in Grandin Village to sip while you walk!
Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays
Plan a holiday light road trip and take advantage of this awesome Facebook group that's all about Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays of Salem & Roanoke Area, featuring posts by people who share details about their own Christmas lights & decorations or others in their neighborhood.
Neighborhood Christmas Lights Facebook Group >
Looking for more holiday experiences in Virginia’s Blue Ridge? Check out our complete guide to this year’s Holiday Events and visit our Holidays section for more helpful resources and information.
Learn about upcoming events and things to do by subscribing to our free monthly e-newsletter.
