We track 5 displays in Newport News — the 2nd-densest city for lights in Virginia. 3 of them are free to visit.
Displays here switch on around sunset. In Newport News that means about 4:49 PM in early December and 4:50 PM by mid-month — the earliest sunsets of the year fall right in the middle of lights season. It is properly dark by about 5:19 PM, which is when the displays look their best. December nights in Newport News typically drop to around 35°F.
| Date | Sunset | Fully dark |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 1 | 4:49 PM | 5:18 PM |
| Dec 15 | 4:50 PM | 5:19 PM |
| Dec 25 | 4:55 PM | 5:24 PM |
We ordered every display in Newport News into the shortest sensible driving loop: roughly 22.4 miles and 74 minutes of driving, before you count time spent parked and looking. Start wherever is closest to you and follow it round.
free (reservations required)attractionguided-tourticketed
A heated trolley carries riders past several of Newport News' light displays, including City Center at Oyster Point, Port Warwick, and ARTech Lights. The tour is free but seats must be reserved in advance.
✓ Last confirmed for the 2024 season
Freeattractionmusicsynchronizedwalk-through
The fountain plaza at City Center hosts a recurring light show set to holiday music through the month of December. It is a free outdoor show in the middle of Newport News' shopping and dining district.
✓ Last confirmed for the 2025 season
$15 weekdays / $20 weekends per car (2024 pricing; $12 advance)drive-thrudrive-thruticketed
Billed as Virginia's original drive-through light show, this event winds two miles through Newport News Park and has run for over three decades. Signature scenes include a Tunnel of Lights, 3D trees, and a candy arch.
✓ Last confirmed for the 2025 season
Freeattractionwalk-throughfamily-activities
The Virginia Living Museum lights its outdoor boardwalk and dinosaur trail for a short run of evening events near Christmas. Activities have included cookie decorating, a candy cane trail, and visits with Santa.
✓ Last confirmed for the 2024 season
Freeresidentialdrive-bymusicsynchronizedcharity-donations
A Newport News home whose lights are choreographed to holiday music. Viewing is free, and the family collects donations for the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank.
✓ Last confirmed for the 2025 season
Know a display we're missing in Newport News?Add it to the guide.