Looking to put a little twinkle and sparkle into your holiday season?

There are no Grinches in the Heart of Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains. Or, at least, you’ll find very little evidence of them. Small towns and communities here love to show their love of the holidays. With massive community lights displays and small towns decorated to the nines, we’re not shy about sharing our Christmas cheer. So, if you’re searching for all that’s shiny and bright, we’ve got you covered.

Enchanting Community Lights Displays

Community parks are a fantastic option for those wanting a taste of the twinkle-sparkle fun without wasting a tank of gas or fighting the crowds. We know four that are worth checking out.

Leeman Christmas Fantasy (Pennington Gap) & Lights in the Park (Jonesville)

Leeman Christmas Fantasy and Lights in the Park are two community lights showcases of epic proportions. If you’ve ever looked for an alternative to the Bristol Motor Speedway’s Speedway in Lights, Lee County has two. And they’re both within driving distance of one another! What’s more… Neither will have you waiting in line for hours or fighting traffic. Lights in the Park in Jonesville has the benefit of being situated in the unique landscape of Cumberland Bowl Park. Its bowl-shaped depression is like a natural Bristol Motor Speedway. And, located at Leeman Field in Pennington Gap, the over 200 displays at Leeman Christmas Fantasy stretch out for acres upon acres of land. Drive through or take advantage of horse and buggy rides on select dates.

Greenbelt in Lights (Big Stone Gap)

Big Stone Gap’s Greenbelt in Lights is a remarkable combination of a huge community lights display with small-town Christmas. If you’re not familiar with the Greenbelt, it’s a nearly three-milelong walking and bicycle trail that surrounds the town of Big Stone Gap. Following along the Powell River, this trail meanders by several parks. And now through January 2, it’s all glittering in holiday fun! Throughout the month of December, they’ll have live music and hayrides. Additionally, a Christmas Market is open on select days at the Big Stone Gap Visitor Center. Find unique Christmas decorations, ornaments, and much more.