If viewing Christmas lights is your favorite holiday tradition, look no further than Virginia State Parks. Every year, parks across the state host indoor and outdoor events featuring twinkling lights and elaborate displays that will inspire holiday cheer for visitors of all ages.

In Southwest Virginia, you’ll find three holiday events within an hour’s drive of each other: Festival of Trees, Christmas Lighting of the Tunnel and Karlan Christmas: Parade of Trees. The events, held at Southwest Virginia Museum, Natural Tunnel and Wilderness Road state parks, respectively, give you the chance to spend the weekend exploring three unique parks and creating lasting holiday memories.

29th Annual Festival of Trees | Southwest Virginia Museum

30 minutes from Natural Tunnel | 1 hour from Wilderness Road

The Festival of Trees is a great time to explore the museum and get in the holiday spirit

Every year, the Southwest Virginia Museum transforms into a holiday haven adorned with creatively decorated trees, each telling a unique story. From traditional ornaments to whimsical displays, the annual Festival of Trees not only sparks the holiday spirit but also pays homage to the rich history and cultural heritage of Southwest Virginia.

• Where: Southwest Virginia Museum, 10 West First St. N., Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
• When: Nov. 10-Dec. 31
• Daytime hours:
  • Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 1-5 p.m.
• Evening hours:
  • Every Friday and Saturday in December, 5-8 p.m.
  • An Evening Aglow (a special program without the use of most overhead lights): Nov. 23 and Dec. 21, 5-8 p.m.
• Fees: Regular admission rates apply. Adults: $5, children ages 6-12: $3, children 6 and under: free. Group rates are available.

Christmas Lighting of the Tunnel | Natural Tunnel

30 minutes from Southwest Virginia Museum | 1 hour from Wilderness Road

You'll see a variety of lights and displays at the Lighting of the Tunnel

The Christmas Lighting of the Tunnel is a beautiful spectacle that illuminates the night sky with a radiant glow. You’ll be captivated as you ride the chairlift down to the tunnel surrounded by thousands of glittering lights. Once at the tunnel, stand by the warm fire while the sounds and smells of the holiday season fill the air.

• Where: Natural Tunnel State Park, 1420 Natural Tunnel Pkwy., Duffield, VA 24244
• When: Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-14, Dec. 20-21
• Hours: 6-10 p.m.
• Fees: Parking is $7 per vehicle. The chairlift is $5 per person for a round-trip ticket and $4 for a one-way ticket.

Karlan Christmas: Parade of Trees | Wilderness Road State Park

1 hour from Southwest Virginia Museum and Natural Tunnel

The Karlan Mansion is a beautiful sight during the holidays

The Parade of Trees captures the joy and creativity of the holiday season. As you meander through the halls of the Karlan Mansion, you’ll be greeted by holiday music and a procession of brilliantly adorned Christmas trees, each uniquely decorated by local individuals, businesses and community groups.

• Where: Wilderness Road State Park, Karlan Mansion, 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA 24248
• When: Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-14, Dec. 20-21
  • Hours: 5-8 p.m.
• When: Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22
  • Hours: 2-5 p.m.
• Fees: Admission is $2 per person, children 12 and under are free.

Overnight accommodations

If you’re up for cold-weather camping, you can reserve a site at Natural Tunnel or Wilderness Road before their campgrounds close for the season on Monday, December 2. While Wilderness Road only offers primitive group camping, Natural Tunnel has primitive sites and sites with water and electric hookups.

If camping isn’t for you, you’re in luck. Natural Tunnel still has some vacant cabins, and Southwest Virginia Museum has Poplar Hill Cottage, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom garden-themed cottage that sleeps eight people. 

To reserve a campsite or cabin, click here or call 1-800-933-PARK. To reserve the Poplar Hill Cottage, please call the park at 276-523-1322.

To see what other holiday events our parks have planned, click here. If you share your fun park experiences online, be sure to tag us on social media @vastateparks and use our hashtag #vastateparks.