Virginia lures MICE travelers this holiday season with Spielberg, Lincoln and lots and lots of lights

MICE travelers looking for a little Hollywood glitter this season need not look all the way to the West Coast.

Virginia’s tourism industry is gearing up for the holidays with excitement about the November premiere of Steven Spielberg’s biopic, Lincoln, out in November in time for Thanksgiving and with their annual 100 Miles of Lights illumination.

Lincoln premieres on November 16^th and was filmed almost entirely in historic sites in Virginia.  Restaurants, hotels, museums and Civil War-era sites used in the film are all preparing for an onslaught of film fans eager to follow in the paths of stars Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln), Sally Field (Mary Todd Lincoln), Tommy Lee Jones and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. 

Meanwhile MICE organizers looking for local glitter over the holidays will find the state’s legendary 100 Miles of Lights connecting world-class illuminations across six cities – Richmond, Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk and Virginia Beach.  The drive through light displays and special events, include illuminated parades, magical lighted drives and sparkling city skylines (see below):

More detailed itineraries and information can be found at www.Virginia.org/100MilesofLights.  Our MICE newsletter will also provide live coverage of Lincoln/Spielberg events, sites, hotel-related deals and more.

 Grand Illumination Parade – Norfolk – Nov. 17, 2012

The festivities kick off on November 17 in Norfolk, VA with the 28^th Annual Grand Illumination Parade, commencing the celebration of six weeks of holiday festivities including Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza and New Year’s Eve.  The night begins with the illumination of downtown Norfolk and Olde Towne Portsmouth skylines, followed by the unforgettable Grand Illumination Parade.  The parade’s theme this year is "It’s a Sweet Life" and features festive floats, marching bands, giant balloons, dancers and a special appearance from Santa Claus.  For more information, visit www.downtownnorfolk.org.

 McDonald’s Holiday Lights at the Beach – Virginia Beach – Nov. 16, 2012-Jan. 1, 2013

The Virginia Beach boardwalk sparkles this holiday season as festive animals made from bright, colored lights set the night sky ablaze during the McDonald’s Holiday Lights at the Beach.  This holiday-themed drive-through light display at the Virginia Beach oceanfront is the only time of the year that cars can drive right on the boardwalk.  With special appearances from Santa Claus and his elves, a 40-foot tall Christmas tree on the beach, a holiday music CD for every vehicle, special hotel packages with free tickets to the light show and a giant "12 Days of Christmas" display, this exhibit is sure to spread holiday cheer throughout the region.  Tickets are $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends.  For more information, call 757-491-7866 or visit www.virginiabeach.com.

 Celebration in Lights – Newport News – Nov. 22, 2012-Jan. 1, 2013

Set in Newport News Regional Park, the award-winning Celebration in Lights is Virginia’s first and longest-running drive-through light event.  This spectacular two-mile drive illuminates the beauty of the park’s forests, fields and ponds with over 750,000 lights and 200 displays, including the animated "Winter Wonderland" and "Santa’s Enchanted Kingdom."  Multi-colored snowflakes, leaping reindeer, whimsical toys and more provide a kaleidoscope of dazzling color.  Admission fee is $10 for cars, $60 for buses.  For more information, visit www.newport-news.com.

GardenFest of Lights – Richmond – Nov. 23, 2012-Jan. 7, 2013

This annual holiday tradition, set in Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, features more than a half million lights, botanical decorations, trains, fairy houses, holiday dinners, family activities and more.  Other Special offerings and events at the garden include The Children’s Garden, Merry Monday storytelling, the New Year’s Eve Family Frolic on Dec. 31 and GardenFest for Fidos on Nov. 29 and Jan. 3.  Admission is $11 for adults, $7 for children.  For more information, visit www.lewisginter.org.

Hollydazzle – Newport News – Nov. 30, 2012

This unique holiday event combines fireworks, special effects and music in a spectacular show presented on the five-acre Fountain Plaza.  Fun for the whole family, the event also features children’s activities and holiday performances throughout the City Center at Oyster Point area.  Those who arrive early can enjoy a festive dinner at one of the restaurants in City Center and do some holiday shopping along Merchant’s Walk.  For more information, visit www.newport-news.org. 

Grand Illumination – Colonial Williamsburg – Dec. 2, 2012

The holiday season in historic Colonial Williamsburg kicks off with the Grand Illumination and is the highlight of Williamsburg’s portion of 100 miles of lights.  It is a spectacular evening where candles twinkle in the windows of homes and buildings, the streets are ablaze and thousands of guests assemble to celebrate the season with musical performances, holiday merriment and firework displays from three different locations within the Historic Area.

Holly Days Parade – Hampton, VA – Dec. 8, 2012

A sweet holiday treat for families, the theme of this year’s Holly Days Parade is "Candy Cane Lane" with grand marshal the "Candy Man" himself, Willy Wonka.  The area’s largest illuminated holiday parade features well-crafted floats, marching bands, military units and Santa Claus. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good spot at one of Hampton’s greatest seasonal traditions.  For more information, visit www.visithampton.com.

All images courtesy, www.virginia.org