Published October 26, 2026 | Written by the Mission Realty Team.
WinterWorld, the holiday festival at CarMax Park, is open Wednesday through Sunday from November 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027, and parking costs $8 if you buy ahead and $10 on the day, according to the festival’s plan your visit page. Earlier press reports, including a July Richmond BizSense story by Jonathan Spiers, gave a November 18 start, so check the festival site before you buy tickets. Our Richmond winter events post covers ticket tiers, and this post adds hours and parking. More local events are on our Richmond events page.
Hours, as the festival lists them
Wednesday and Thursday hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday are 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday is 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. November 25 to 27 run 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., as do December 18 through January 2. December 24 is 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and New Year’s Eve is 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The site says CarMax Park is closed on select Mondays and Tuesdays from November 19 to December 17, so confirm the day you plan to go. Ticket prices are on the festival’s tickets page, and we are not repeating them here because they vary by day type.
Parking and getting there
The park is at 2929 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard. The festival lists yellow, green and red parking lots, with accessible parking in the Black and Gold lot. BizSense reported in July that roadwork at the main entrance was planned after a mid-October concert, with access through the VIP entrance near Arthur Ashe Boulevard afterward, and that the Navigators had asked for the entrance to be finished before November 11. We have not seen a follow-up, so check the festival site for current entrance details. GRTC publishes bus service information if you would rather not park.
What is on the grounds
The festival lists an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, an ice slide presented by Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 10, a light tunnel, a tree maze and Santa’s Workshop. Mrs. Claus runs crafts and storytime, the Below Zero Bar serves cocktails in the Legacy Club, and a Vendor Village sells goods from local artisans. In July, BizSense reported organizers expect more than 75,000 visitors across the run.
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If you live or are looking nearby
CarMax Park sits on the edge of the Boulevard area. The neighborhoods closest to it include North Side, The Fan and Scott’s Addition. A festival with tens of thousands of visitors will put more cars on nearby streets on open evenings, so if you are touring a home close to the park, visit once on a festival night and once on a quiet one. We have no data on how a seasonal event affects home prices, and we are not claiming any effect. The larger development plan around the ballpark is the subject of our Diamond District post.
Our City of Richmond hub collects our neighborhood guides, and our Richmond light shows post covers the other big holiday light displays. The City of Richmond site posts road and event notices.
If you are weighing a move, our buy with us page explains how we work with buyers.
Frequently asked questions
When does WinterWorld open?
November 19, 2026 and runs through January 3, 2027, per the festival’s site. Some earlier press reports gave November 18.
What are the hours on a Friday or Saturday?
4 p.m. to 11 p.m., per the festival’s plan your visit page.
What are the Wednesday and Thursday hours?
5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday hours are 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
How much is parking?
$8 in advance and $10 on the day, per the festival site.
Where is it?
Inside CarMax Park, 2929 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220.
What attractions are there?
An ice rink, Ferris wheel, ice slide, light tunnel, tree maze, Santa’s Workshop, Mrs. Claus crafts and storytime, the Below Zero Bar and a Vendor Village, per the festival site.
Is it open on Christmas Eve?
Yes, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., per the festival site.
Is it open on New Year’s Eve?
Yes, from 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., per the festival site.
