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Did you know that there are several fabulous Christmas light displays within easy driving distance of the lake? I've personally been to all of those listed below and highly recommend! In our family, hot chocolate, cookies, and favorite holiday tunes are our must-have accompaniments.
Franklin County Parks and Rec - off Sontag Road
This stop is a half-mile drive-thru loop that has some wonderful holiday vignettes - including a bit of local flair! This year, the Franklin County Girl's Lacross Team will be providing concessions on the following dates: November 24 & 25 / December 1, 2, 15, 16, 22 & 23. It is free to drive through but donations are accepted. The display is open November 23-December 25 | 5-9pm.
Spring Oak Bedford (formerly The Elks Home)
Just outside downtown Bedford
Can you believe that it's the 70th year of lights at the Elks Home - now called Spring Oak Bedford?! Their drive-thru display (with more lights than ever before) is definitely a local holiday institution. I have fond memories of driving through this wonderland in the back of my family's station wagon with my cousins when I was just a wee thing. It is free to the public, though there is a donation box available. The lighting ceremony is December 1st at 5:30pm. Light display runs December 1st-31st | 5:30-10:00pm.
Liberty Lake Community Park
On the way to the DDay Memorial, off Rt. 122
This park has an extensive drive-thru light display that's been a perennial favorite in Bedford County for years as well! The lights include creative holiday scenes that incorporate their fishing lake. This loop is also free to the public. November 23-January 1.
Boones Mill, VA off Rt. 220
This is a great display to hit if you've spent the day in Roanoke and are headed back home after dark. The lights are on from 5:30-9:00pm from November 18th-Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving Day through January 1st they are lit from 5:30-10:00pm. It's a private farm, and free, but they do also accept donations. It's a true labor of love!
Explore Park
This one is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Roanoke County. A little pricey, but worth it - especially if you've never visited before. The ticket sales go to fund Explore Park and Center in the Square (an arts organization with several other non-profits under its umbrella). Illuminights is a walk-through display - truly a full-sensory experience! The path is a very gentle, well-cleared trail through the woods for those concerned about mobility issues. You must purchase your tickets in advance, and plan to take your time wandering through as they only like you to traverse the trail once. November 18th-December 30th with select days off (check calendar).
I hope you get to enjoy a few of these festive stops during the holiday season!
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