HOLIDAY GUIDE - Light Shows

Sunday, Nov. 23

McDONALDS'S HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE BEACH. Driving tour of 31 blocks of the Virginia Beach oceanfront boardwalk illuminated with more than 250 lighted displays, 5:30-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 5:30-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays today through Jan. 1. $10 per passenger vehicle. (757) 425-3111.

GARDENFEST OF LIGHTS. 5-10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 12 (closed Dec. 24, 25 and Jan. 1), Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave. $10 adults; $9 seniors; $6 children ages 3-12; free for children under 3. A half-million lights, botanical decorations, model trains, mazes of lights and a firepit. 262-9887. http://lewisginter.org.

ILLUMINATION AND CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING -- YORKTOWN. 7:30 p.m. Yorktown Victory Monument followed by the Procession of Lights through historic Yorktown to Riverwalk Landing. Free. (757) 890-3500.

DOWNTOWN HAMPTON LIGHTED BOAT PARADE. 7:15 p.m. This parade of illuminated power and sailboats will be visible from anywhere along the Hampton River. However, spectators wanting to hear the narration will want to find a spot near the Cousteau Society. Spectators interested in riding on the Miss Hampton II tour boat should make reservations by calling (757) 722-9102.

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG GRAND ILLUMINATION. 5:45 p.m. Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corp, fireworks, musical performances and candlelit buildings. (800) HISTORY.

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG, ILLUMINATIONS OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS. Today, Dec. 15 and 29 (Capitol); Dec. 13, 22 and 28 (Tavern); Dec. 18, 21, 30 (Market Square); Dec. 20, 23 and 27 (Palace Green) at 6:30 p.m. (800) HISTORY.

KILMARNOCK'S 30TH ANNUAL LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE. 7 p.m., Chesapeake Commons through downtown Kilmarnock. One lucky child who visits Santa will win a $100 shopping spree.

JAMES RIVER PARADE OF LIGHTS. Viewing sites: Libby Hill Park, corner of 28th and East Franklin streets, Richmond, 4:30 p.m., entertainment, parade viewing at 6 p.m.; Intermediate Terminal Dock, Dock and Water streets, 6 p.m.; Osborne Park and Boat Landing, 9680 Osborne Turnpike, Henrico, 3 p.m. toy parade followed at 5 p.m. entertainment and 7-7:30 p.m. parade viewing; Dutch Gap Boat Landing, 441 Coxendale Road, Chesterfield, parade viewing 7:45-8:15 p.m.; Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henrico Park Road, Chesterfield County, 5:30 entertainment, parade viewing 8-8:30 p.m. www.jamesriveradvisorycouncil.com or 748-1567.

FIRING OF THE CHRISTMAS GUNS, COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG. 5 p.m., at the Palace Green and the Magazine. During the 18th century, it was customary for Virginians to fire their guns in celebration of the Christmas season. No ticket or reservations required. (800) HISTORY.

FIRST NIGHT CELEBRATION, DOWNTOWN WILLIAMSBURG. Family-oriented, non-alcoholic New Year's Eve celebration. Variety of entertainment, grand finale fireworks display at midnight. Separate ticket required. (757) 258-5153.