As the holidays approach, set aside some time for a family holiday photo shoot. Some families love going outdoors when taking family photos. Natural lighting and a pretty backdrop make your photos shine. Other families prefer taking photos indoors at their favorite hangouts. Check out these Lynchburg area locations that are made to order for a holiday photo shoot and smile for the camera!
BONUS! For several years, there has been a giant walk-through Christmas tree near the center of River Ridge Mall as well as other photo op displays, perfect for holiday photo shoots. Who knows what this year will bring! So head to the mall and bring your phone or camera for those FREE selfies! Follow our Facebook page to see photos of this year's displays.
1. In front of the LOVE sculpture at Percival's Island. The familiar LOVE sculpture in Downtown Lynchburg is one of the most popular sites for family photos. Some other great locations at Percival's include the bridge to the island, the rock wall above the James River, beside the bank of the river, the hiking trails, and the bridge crossing the James to Amherst County.
2. Purchase photos or snap your own as your kids visit with Santa. Check HERE for local Visit with Santa opportunities.
3. Old City Cemetery. Gather the kids together on and around the old fashioned swing across from the chapel for the perfect fun photo shoot. You can also pose for photos in front of the chapel or the old train depot.
4. Pose in front of your favorite Christmas tree at the Festival of Trees at Bedford Area Welcome Center, open daily from Nov. 21 through Jan. 5 except major holidays. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree and there's a scavenger hunt for the kids too. Proceeds from the voting benefit the charitable organization designated by the participating business or organization.
5. In front of the LOVE shoe sculpture beside Craddock Terry Hotel on Commerce Street. If you're family's small enough, you can all fit inside the shoe!
6. Head to a Lynchburg area Christmas parade and bring your camera or phone along. Check the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Christmas Parade Guide HERE. The festive air will add a touch of the holidays to your family photo.
7. At a Lynchburg area Christmas tree farm or lot. If you're buying a live Christmas tree this year, bring your camera along and snap some family photos. Find live Christmas tree locations in our area - coming soon!
8. Hollins Mill Park. Many families enjoy posing for photos beside the Hollins Mill dam, which is especially pretty when the water freezes. A short hike or bike ride leads to Hollins Mill Tunnel, another great location for family photos.
9. Awareness Garden. Pose in front of the fence or under one of the bird houses at the Awareness Garden, located off Langhorne Road. There are also beautiful memorial benches beside the garden for a more formal pose.
10. Outside the Barrick-Falwell Lodge at Liberty University's Snowflex. The views are especially beautiful at sunset. Pose together with the mountains or views of the city as your backdrop.
11. Head into the woods at Percival's Island or Riverside Park for a backdrop of nature. Once you cross the bridge onto Percival's Island, watch for the hiking trail sign on the right and take a walk in the woods. The Alpine Trail at Riverside Park, located above the hill from the Sprayground, is an easy family hike with many picturesque spots along the way.
12. Peaks View Park. Take holiday photos in front of the big red barn for a rustic look, capture family fun moments on one of the playgrounds or the disc golf course, or pose on the bridge over the creek.
13. The Lower Bluffwalk, located between Commerce and Jefferson Street in downtown Lynchburg, overlooks the James River. The Bluffwalk is often lit up with holiday lights from late November through Christmas, but it's beautiful anytime.
14. Amazement Square. Pose in front of the building or beside the sculptures outdoors. Some other locations at Amazement Square include the school bus beside the building or indoors at one of the many displays, including the James River batteau display.
15. CityArts Mosaic on Jefferson Street. Located right across the street from Amazement Square, your kids will love seeing the history of Lynchburg, created using tiny pieces of tile. Choose your favorite era from among the panels.
16. Fort Early Building. On the hillside in front of the Fort Early Building, there's a vintage cannon that makes a perfect prop for family photos. The Fort Early Building is located on Fort Avenue at the intersection with Memorial Avenue.
17. Monument Terrace and Lynchburg Museum. Bring history to life as your family poses on the steps at Monument Terrace. This is the perfect location for big families or extended family photos. At the top of the stairs, cross Court Street and take photos on the stairs at Lynchburg Museum.
18. Johnson Farm is a short hike from the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The rustic look of the farmhouse, barn, outbuildings, and fences makes Johnson Farm a favorite family photo shoot in any season.
19. Ivy Creek Park or Miller Park. Head to the fishing dock for family photos, gather beside the rustic old cabin, or pose in front of the fun frog or dragonfly sculptures on the playground at Ivy Creek Park. At Miller Park, gather beside the Fireman's Memorial or near the Aviary.
20. Crabtree Falls. Located at 10636 Crabtree Falls Highway in Tyro, this beautiful waterfall is less than an hour from Lynchburg. Best of all, you can take photos at the bottom of the falls without climbing a single stair. To get to Crabtree Falls, take US 29 North, then turn left onto VA 151 North just past Amherst. Stay on VA 151 for about 10 miles, then turn left onto VA 56 West and you'll turn into the parking area on your left in about 11 miles. Click the link for photos and information.
21. Kids Cove. This free indoor play area is located inside Thomas Road Baptist Church. There are lots of fun places to pose, including in the mouth of a giant whale or beside a hollow tree.
22. Blue Ridge Parkway. When you think of the Parkway, you may think about the Peaks of Otter. Hike to the top of Sharp Top Mountain or Flat Top Mountain, near the Peaks of Otter. Some other Parkway photo shoot sites include: Fallingwater Cascades at MP 83.4, Thunder Ridge Overlook at MP 74.7, the giant Indian Rocks at Indian Gap at MP 47.5, and the stepping stones that cross Otter Creek at MP 63.1. Click the link for more Parkway sites.
23. Buchanan Swinging Bridge. From the Peaks of Otter, head south on the Parkway for about 5 miles, then turn onto VA 43-N. After 5 more miles, you'll reach the small town of Buchanan, located on the James River. The swinging bridge is a fun place to pose for family photos.
24. Feel the LOVE across Virginia. The LOVEwork sculpture at Percival's Island and the LOVE shoe are two of many LOVE artworks throughout Virginia. You'll find LOVEwork sculptures nearby at: University of Lynchburg in the Dell near the chapel on campus, the Bedford Area Welcome Center, and Market Square in Roanoke. There are more than 200 LOVEworks sculptures located throughout Virginia. You can read more about the LOVEwork sculptures in Virginia here: Find the LOVE Around Virginia
25. Gather with your family in front of your house, beside the Christmas tree, on your porch or deck, or in your own backyard for a personalized family photo shoot. There's no place like home!
Any season is the perfect time for taking family photos here in Central Virginia and the holiday season is a time when families gather together often. Whether you stay close to home or hit the road, bring the camera and capture the moment with a family photo shoot.
Lynchburg Macaroni Kid helps you Find Your Family Fun® for the holidays in Central Virginia!
