An array of events occur around Hampton Roads Virginia during the Christmas and winter holiday season. Celebrations include plays, musicals, parades, light shows, exhibitions, and more.
This article includes a sampling of events which will be held around Hampton Roads for the 2019-2020 winter season.
Ice Skating – Virginia Beach Farmers Market
November 15, 2019 – January 5, 2020
The public is invited to celebrate the holiday season by visiting the skating rink at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market. The rink will be located at the corner of Dam Neck and Princess Anne roads.
The ice will open for the 2019/2020 season starting Friday, Nov. 15 and will be available for the community to enjoy through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020. For more information, call (757) 239-0385
Impulse Holiday Art
November 16, 2019 to January 19, 2020
Downtown Norfolk at MacArthur Center
Impulse, a participatory artwork featuring 12 glowing seesaws that emit light and sound when people climb aboard, will be lighting up Downtown Norfolk on the MacArthur Center Green from November 16 until January 19, 2020. The exhibit, which is a collaborative venture between MacArthur Center and the Downtown Norfolk Council, is free and open to the public.
Created by Lateral Office and CS Design in collaboration with the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership in Montreal, Canada, Impulse features 12 large seesaws that are fitted with LED lights and speakers. The exhibit will be open seven days a week with special hours so it can be enjoyed during the day and in the evening when the seesaws are most illuminated. Hours are Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
For more information, visit ShopMacarthur.com.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk Holiday Lights Merry Mile
November 22 – December 31, 2019
5:30 – 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday
5:30 – 11 p.m. Friday through Saturday
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Festive fish, leaping dolphins, and whimsical crustaceans are joined by Santa, elves, a 40-foot tall Christmas tree, a giant “12 Days of Christmas” display, and more at the nautical, holiday adventure along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk at the BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights Merry Mile. Drivers will even be able to tune their car radios to a special frequency to hear holiday music along the way. Admission prices vary by vehicle type. Entrance fee is CASH ONLY at the gate.
Dickens Christmas Towne – Nauticus
November 23 – December 31, 2019
Decker Half Moone Center at Nauticus (lower level)
1 Waterside Drive
Norfolk, Virginia
Dickens’ Christmas Towne, located in the lower level of the Decker Half Moone Center at Nauticus, will be open November 23 through December 31. Christmas Towne will include music and entertainment, a huge indoor train display, a children’s craft room, shops, sweet and savory fare, and a variety of family-friendly activities. For the 2019 season, Christmas Towne will feature one of Hampton Road’s most unique holiday stage concept premiers. The performance incorporates marching gingerbread men, a nutcracker army, a life-sized jack-in-the-box, and a rag doll aerialist suspended high atop the town.
Norfolk Grand Illumination Parade
November 23, 2019
Downtown Norfolk, VA
The 35th Annual Grand Illumination Parade, “Toy Land,” takes place in Downtown Norfolk on Saturday, November 23 at 7pm. The parade is a beloved holiday tradition for many in Hampton Roads.
27th Annual Celebration in Lights
November 28, 2019 – January 1, 2020
Newport News Park
13560 Jefferson Avenue
Newport News, VA 23603
Celebration in Lights, Virginia’s first drive-through holiday light event, opens for its 27th season on Thanksgiving night (November 28, 2019). This year, the event will be a part of the new, citywide BayPort NlightN Holiday Event Series. Newport News Park will be transformed by over a million individual lights, creating animated holiday and fanciful scenes. The event will be open each evening, 5:30 – 10:00 p.m., through January 1, 2020. For more information, visit https://www.nnva.gov/1762/Celebration-in-Lights
Port Warwick Holiday Tree Lighting
November 30, 2019 – 5:00 – 8:00 pm.
Port Warwick
Jefferson Ave.
Newport News Virginia
The 2019 Port Warwick Holiday Tree Lighting will be on Saturday, November 30th from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Bring the whole family to this festive holiday event. The kids will love visiting Santa while choral groups, Dance Works dance troupes, and other live entertainment will get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Sundays With Santa – Virginia Aquarium
Recurring weekly on Sunday – December 1, 2019 – December 22, 2019 – 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Virginia Aquarium
717 General Booth Blvd
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 385-3474
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center will host visits with Santa, Sundays in the Promenade Hallway. Visitors are encouraged to snap photos while visiting Santa.
CBN – Regent University Christmas Village
Recurring weekly on Thursday, Friday, Saturday – December 5, 2019 – December 14, 2019 (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM)
Christian Broadcasting Network and Regent University
977 Centerville Turnpike
Virginia Beach, VA 23463
(757) 226-2468
www.cbnchristmasvillage.com
For two weekends this December, visit the campus of CBN and Regent University, transformed into an enchanting place where the true meaning of the Christmas season is celebrated. Visit CBNChristmasVillage.com for details and updates. Marketplace and food items available for purchase. Some performances may be ticketed.
Jingle Ball Chesapeake VA 2019
December 6, 2019
Chesapeake Conference Center
700 Conference Center Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 382-2500
www.visitchesapeake.com
Jingle Ball Chesapeake VA has been one of Coastal Virginia’s favorite holiday gatherings for almost two decades.
17th Annual Lighted Poquoson Christmas Parade
Friday, December 6, 2019 – 7 PM
Poquoson , VA 23662
757-868-3588
Enjoy the joy and spirit of the Christmas season at the 17th Annual Lighted Poquoson Christmas Parade.
A Storyland Christmas
Friday, December 6, 2019 – 7:00 PM
Harrison Opera House
160 Virginia Beach Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23510
757-548-2122
A Storyland Christmas is a fun ballet that the whole family will love and enjoy. Many favorite storybook characters and toys will come to life and dance before the audience’s eyes. Don’t miss A Storyland Christmas on Friday, December 6 at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, VA at 7:00pm.
The Nutcracker
December 6 – 8, 2019 – 7:00 PM
Chrysler Hall
215 St Pauls Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23510
Tchaikovsky’s brilliant ballet score comes to life for this magical collaboration between Richmond Ballet, The State Ballet of Virginia, and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Heralded as “perfect” by The New York Times, Stoner Winslett’s The Nutcracker returns to Chrysler Hall for the 7th consecutive year. From a battle beneath the branches of a mystical Christmas tree, to a winter white forest, and then off to a far-off kingdom of delectable sweets, this dazzling production is sure to bring joy to everyone’s December.
6th Annual Holiday Yule Log Bonfire and Christmas Marketplace
Saturday, December 7th, 2019 – 12pm – 8pm
Town Point Park
Downtown Norfolk Virginia
The 6th Annual Holiday Yule Log Bonfire and Christmas Marketplace is Saturday, December 7th, 2019, at Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. The event runs from 12pm to 8pm and is free and open to the public.
Filled with plenty of holiday cheer and good tidings, the Yule Log Bonfire and Christmas Marketplace is the perfect way to welcome in the 2019 holiday season. Town Point Park is transformed into a festive outdoor wonderland featuring unique and local crafts, a towering Yule Log Bonfire, Christmas caroling, hot chocolate and whiskey tastings, and a visit from the Big Man himself.
Holiday Parade at the Beach
December 7, 2019 – 5:30 PM
Along Atlantic Avenue, from 15th Street to 25th Street
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
On Saturday, December 7, at 5:30pm, the Cox Communications Holiday Parade at the Beach will include almost 90 parade units in a joyous celebration of the holiday season. The parade will include giant balloons, marching bands, lighted floats, equestrian units, fire trucks, performing dance groups, motorcycles, and best of all, Santa himself. The parade travels north on Atlantic Avenue from 15th Street to 25th Street. The reviewing stand is located at 25th Street and Atlantic Avenue.
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas
December 7, 2019 – 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Attucks Theatre
1010 Church Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
Internationally acclaimed award-winning musicians Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, and their seven children, are inviting audiences to be a part of their holiday celebration: A Celtic Family Christmas on Saturday, December 7 in the Historic Attucks Theatre. Tickets are available online at www.vafest.org and www.ticketmaster.com.
Lucy’s Christmas Carol at The Grey Goose
Saturday, Dec 7, 2019 5 pm
Saturday, Dec 7, 2019 7:30 pm
Sunday, Dec 8, 2019 4 pm
Saturday, Dec 14, 2019 5 pm
Saturday, Dec 14, 2019 7:30 pm
Sunday, Dec 15, 2019 4 pm
The Grey Goose
118 Old Hampton Lane
Hampton Virginia
Lucy’s Christmas Carol is a wacky musical comedy featuring Lucy, Ethel, Ricky and Fred. Each show night, the Grey Goose will offer a delicious dinner buffet featuring several entree choices, salads, vegetables, and other foods. The event series is perfect for office parties, social clubs, or church groups.
Lights at the Fountain Light Show
Nightly Light Show – December 7th – 31st, 5pm – 9pm
Fountainside Festivals – December 7th and 14th, 5pm – 8pm
City Center at Oyster Point
Newport News Virginia
Visit City Center at Oyster Point this holiday season for Lights at the Fountain, a holiday experience of lights, decorations, and magical falling snow set to music around the City Center fountain plaza. Delighting all ages is a special 10-minute synchronized light show, held twice each hour during the evening, incorporating a 42′ intelligent, color/pattern changing tree and coordinated lights around the fountain along with a festive soundtrack.
On December 7th and 14th, Fountainside Festivals will fill City Center with holiday entertainment, a holiday market, carnival games, food vendors, and children’s activities. Families can bring a camera for photos with Santa. Food and beverage specials will be available in the “Jingle and Mingle” lounges at nearby restaurants.
Williamsburg Grand Illumination
December 8, 2019
Colonial Williamsburg
www.colonialwilliamsburg.com
Visit Colonial Williamsburg to experience The Grand Illumination, an outdoor celebration with thousands of Christmas lights. The event includes musical performances on multiple stages throughout the Historic Area and fireworks displays from the Capitol, the Magazine, and the Palace.
41st Annual Kilmarnock Lighted Christmas Parade
Friday, December 13, 2019 – 5:30 PM-8:00 PM
Main Street
Kilmarnock, Virginia
Now in its 41st year, the Kilmarnock Lighted Christmas Parade is the oldest lighted nighttime parade in Virginia. The event starts with Santa at the Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department at 5:30 PM. At 7:00 PM, over 100 units begin marching down Main Street-floats, fire trucks, dancers, marching bands, and Old Saint Nick.
Virginia Choral Society Holiday Concert Series
December 13 – 7:30 p.m.
Virginia Wesleyan University
5817 Wesleyan Dr.
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
December 14 – 4:00 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church
6812 River Rd.
Newport News, VA 23607
December 15 – 4:00 p.m.
Hampton. Roads Academy
739 Academy Ln.
Newport News, VA 23602
For more information, visit www.vachoralsociety.org.
Hurrah For The Holidays
Hurrah for the Holidays
December 13, 2019 - December 15, 2019 – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Tidewater Community College Roper Performing Arts Center
Norfolk, VA 23510
www.hurrahplayers.com
An event for the entire family, the annual production of Hurrah for the Holidays is a joyful celebration featuring best of the season – music ranging from favorite classic standards to popular modern day hits. With renowned Lisa Wallace kick-line dancers, a 6 foot dancing snowman, and a few festive surprises.
Guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit is the annual production of HURRAH FOR THE HOLIDAYS; a joyful celebration featuring all the best music of the season – from your favorite classic standards to popular modern day hits.
Holiday Pops – Virginia Symphony Orchestra
December 13, 2019
Ferguson Center for the Arts
1 Avenue of the Arts
Newport News, VA 23606
virginiasymphony.org
Holiday Pops includes seasonal songs and traditional carols delivered in full sound and spectacle by the Virginia Symphony, the inspirational voices of Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and special guests. Holiday Pops will have all the magical elements that audiences have come to expect: high energy, familiar carols, lots of holiday warmth, and a few added surprises.
Holiday Frost 2019
Friday, Dec 13, 2019 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center
2410 Wickham Ave
Newport News, VA
The theme for 2019 is “The Nightmare Before Frozen” – merging two iconic holiday films into one incredible live experience. Jack Skellington’s love for Christmas has brought him to Arendelle, but he didn’t come alone. Explore Halloweentown featuring a Spider Web maze, Ghostbusting game, Oogie Boogie’s Lair and more. Then head over to Arendelle to meet Elsa, Anna, and more favorite characters for sing-alongs, treats, and other holiday fun.
Every child leaves with their first gift of the holiday season. Admission to Holiday Frost 2019 is free. Attendees can RSVP at www.downinggross.org. The RSVP is appreciated but not required for entry.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 14, 2019 – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Tidewater Community College Roper Performing Arts Center
Norfolk, VA
Based on the popular book by Barbara Robinson, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is the funny, heartwarming, and mildly irreverent story of what happens when a church play is hijacked by six of the ‘absolutely worst kids in the history of the world’. A holiday tradition for 28 years, this event is presented with Happy Hanukkah, My Friend; a short program celebrating the Festival of Lights. Director for this production. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, Inc.
Winter Wonderland at Slover Library
December 14, 2019 – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Slover Library
235 East Plume Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
Bring in the holiday season at the Slover Library Annual Winter Wonderland Extravaganza. The event includes fun, games, crafts, music, performances, and more to get into the holiday spirit.
Holiday Pops at Harrison Opera House
December 14, 2019 – 8:00 PM?-?10:00 PM
Harrison Opera House
160 Virginia Beach Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23510
Holiday Pops is must-see holiday tradition of the season. The show includes seasonal songs and traditional carols delivered in full sound and spectacle by the Virginia Symphony, the inspirational voices of Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and special guests.
Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival
December 14, 2019
High Street, High St.
Portsmouth, VA
A favorite holiday tradition in Portsmouth, the Olde Towne Music Festival features strolling carolers from Washington Street to Water Street.
Vienna Boys Choir Christmas in Vienna
Friday, December 20, 2019 – 7:30 PM
Harrison Opera House
160 Virginia Beach Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23510
757-548-2122
Audiences and critics worldwide have praised the Vienna Boys Choir for their celestial voices, irresistible charm, and, above all, a wide-ranging repertoire spanning centuries. Families will enjoy this holiday performance in Norfolk’s NEON District.
Smithfield Christmas Parade
December 21, 2019
Downtown Smithfield Virginia
The Downtown Smithfield Christmas Parade features competitive dance studios, police and fire departments, bands and floats, and Santa Claus.
Norfolk Botanical Garden Garden of Lights
December 15-31 – 5:30 – 10 PM nightly
Norfolk Botanical Garden
6700 Azalea Garden Road
Norfolk, VA
757-441-5830
Visit Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG) and drive through a 25th annual light show extravaganza for a magical holiday experience. During this event, the Garden is transformed into a winter wonderland bringing the four seasons to life.
Olde Towne Scottish Walk
December 31, 2019 – 4 PM
Olde Towne, Portsmouth, VA 23704
The Olde Towne Scottish Walk is modeled after Scotland’s Hogmanay Festival, a day when townspeople honor their community and merchants, wishing all the best luck and prosperity in the coming year.
2019 Hampton Holiday Lights Map
Christmas Season 2019
Hampton, VA
hampton.gov/holidaylightsmap
Hampton residents have decorated their homes for Christmas and included their locations on Hampton’s first Holiday Lights Map. For more information, visit: https://hampton.gov/holidaylightsmap
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