Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 18, 2025
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov
Natural Bridge State Park celebrates holiday season with Festival of Trees and Luminary Nights
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Luminary Nights)
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Festival of Trees)
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Festival of Trees)
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Luminary Nights)
NATURAL BRIDGE, Va. – Natural Bridge State Park invites visitors to experience the magic of the holiday season at its annual Festival of Trees and Luminary Nights.
During the Festival of Trees, celebrating its 10th year, the visitor center will be filled with creatively decorated trees, each sponsored by local businesses and community groups. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree by placing donation items under it or purchasing a ballot from the front counter. The tree with the most ballots and donations by Dec. 31 will be named the winner.
This year’s donations will benefit the Natural Bridge/Glasgow Food Pantry, Unity for Kids and Yellow Bridge Road Early Learning Center. Suggested donations include nonperishable, unexpired food items. And for children ages 10 through 16, personal hygiene products, school supplies, clothing, shoes, gadgets and toys.
There is no charge to view the trees, which are on display daily during visitor center operating hours through Dec. 31. The visitor center is closed on Christmas Day.
Then, Dec. 12-14, Dec.19-21 and Dec. 27, visitors can experience the Natural Bridge like never before during Luminary Nights, when the iconic 200-foot-tall arch will be lit by dozens of festive-colored lights.
After a stroll along Cedar Creek Trail to see the bridge, visitors can return to the pavilion to warm up next to a campfire and take a picture with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, who will be present during all Luminary Nights except for Dec. 27.
Regular admission fees apply: $9 for those 13 and up and $6 for those 12 and younger. Carriage rides will be offered on Sunday, Dec. 14, Sunday, Dec. 21, and Saturday, Dec. 27. They cost $25 per rider, which includes admission. Visitors must register for carriage rides by calling 540-254-0795.
Getting to the bridge requires navigating a stairway with 137 steps. Accommodation for those with accessibility needs can be made upon request at the visitor center or by calling 540-291-1326.
For more information about Festival of Trees and Luminary Nights, please go to www.virginiastateparks.gov/events.
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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
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