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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 the ones listed below and highly recommend them. In our family, a light drive always includes hot chocolate, cookies, and a favorite holiday playlist.
Franklin County Parks and Rec - off Sontag Road
This stop is a half-mile drive-thru loop that has some wonderful vignettes - including a bit of local flair! It is free to the public, but donations are accepted. The display is open Thanksgiving Day-Christmas Day | 5-9pm.
Just outside downtown Bedford
Can you believe that it's the 71st year of lights at the Elks Home (now called Spring Oak Bedford)?! Their drive-thru display, which includes more lights than ever before, is definitely a local 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 tiddly wee. It is free to the public, though there is a donation box available. The lighting ceremony is December 6th at 5:00pm and will continue everyday through the end of the month. | 5:30-10:00pm.
Liberty Lake Community Park
On the way to the DDay Memorial - Rt. 122
This park has an extensive drive-thru 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 and will be on beginning at dusk November 27th-January 1st.
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. From now through Thanksgiving Day, the lights are on from 5:30-9:00pm. Thanksgiving Day through January 3rd they will be 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. They'll be open November 23rd-December 30th with select days off (check calendar). Bonus: Illuminights is dog-friendly!
I hope you get to enjoy a few of these festive stops during the holiday season!
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