If you started your holiday celebrations back in October, you may be running out of festive things to do around NoVA. If the local attractions are old news — or you’re just looking for a change of scenery — hit the road for a festive day or weekend trip to a nearby holiday destination. These Christmas villages and light shows are all within easy driving distance from NoVA.
German Christmas Village in Baltimore at Inner Harbor
Drive time from Dulles: About 1.5 hours
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is full of holiday festivities at this Christmas village, modeled after traditional German Christmas markets. Vendors in wooden booths sell handmade gifts, ornaments, crafts, and jewelry. European-inspired foods like schnitzel and raclette are for sale, as well as hot beverages including mulled wine and hot chocolate that come in souvenir mugs. The village runs through December 24. West Shore Park: 501 Light St., Baltimore, free
Richmond’s Tacky Lights
Drive time from Dulles: About 2 hours
Forget classy, understated holiday lights — Richmond is all about the tacky, kitschy, and over-the-top decorations. Throughout the city, houses are decked out with bright, jolly lights that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. According to The Richmond Times-Dispatch, which compiles a list of all the houses participating, it’s been a tradition since 1985. It’s free and completely self-guided, just explore the area at your leisure. Various locations, Richmond, free
A Longwood Christmas
Drive time from Dulles: About 2.5 hours
You’ve likely been to a holiday light display, but the one in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, takes it to a new level. Longwood Gardens is a site of 1,100 acres, full of gardens, meadows, and fountains. During the holiday season, it is dressed to the nines in holiday lights and decorations and full of seasonal florals like poinsettias, amaryllis, and begonias. This year, the theme is “A Very Retro Christmas.” Take the Garden Railway to tour through the gardens, then head to the Café and Beer Garden for snacks and hot chocolate. Timed entry tickets are required to visit. Open through January 11. 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, $45 for ages 19 and older, $25 for ages 5 to 18, kids 4 and under are free
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Drive time from Dulles: About 3 hours
Theme parks aren’t just for summer fun. Busch Gardens in Williamsburg is covered in holiday lights for its annual winter wonderland until January 4. There are holiday shows, including a retelling of the first Christmas called Gloria!, a musical trio called Wisemen, and a ‘Twas That Night ice skating show. 1 Busch Gardens Blvd., Williamsburg, tickets starting at $41.99
Philadelphia Christmas Village at Love Park and City Hall
Drive time from Dulles: About 3 hours
Hop in the car or on the train and head to Philadelphia. Through December 24, the courtyard in front of the City Hall and Love Park is transformed into a German Christmas market full of food, drinks, and shopping. Buy gifts like handmade hats and scarves, pottery, and jewelry. Snack on cheesy German pasta and strudel, plus have a beer, wine (of both the plain and mulled varieties), or mead. Stop by the Festival of Trees in the welcome center. It benefits the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. And don’t forget to snap a photo with the iconic Love sign before you head home. Love Park: 16th Street and JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, free
Feature image of Longwood Gardens by Laurie Carrozzino, courtesy Longwood Gardens
