*UPDATE*
For 2019 Christmas Events, visit this page:
Hampton Roads Christmas Holiday Events 2019
Numerous events are held around Hampton Roads Virginia during the Christmas and winter holiday season. The following list includes plays, musicals, parades, light shows, and more.
Norfolk Grand Illumination Parade
November 17th at 7:00 p.m
Downtown Norfolk, VA
On November 17th at 7:00 p.m., the City of Norfolk will kick off holiday season festivities with the 34th annual Grand Illumination Parade. The public is invited to come early to enjoy fun activities, food, shops, and more. A special parking discount is available for the parade; $2 parking by cash or credit card before 5:00 p.m. at all city garages. Visitors who park at the Waterside Garage and Main Street Garage located on the parade route will not be able to leave the garage until the parade passes. Norfolk police will begin to close streets on and adjacent to the Grand Illumination parade beginning at 6:00 p.m. on November 17th. Visit Norfolk.gov for a complete list of Norfolk events throughout the season.
Port Warwick Holiday Tree Lighting
November 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Port Warwick
Jefferson Ave.
Newport News Virginia
Visit Port Warwick on Saturday, November 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for their Annual Port Warwick Holiday Tree Lighting. Enjoy music from the First Baptist Church Choir, Santa Brass, Commodore Chorus and a dance presentation from Dance Works. Children can visit with Santa, ride in a carriage around Styron Square, play games, receive glitter tattoos, and enjoy free cookies and cider. Featured food trucks include Scratch Bakery, Jessie Lou’s, and Pop’s Kettle Corn. For more information, contact the Port Warwick Foundation at 757-223-0284.
Rockefeller in Ocean View
November 25, 2018 4:00 PM -6:00 PM
Ocean View Beach Park
100 W Ocean View Ave
Norfolk, VA 23503
The public is invited to enjoy the 7th annual Ocean View event for the holidays. There will be music, a performance by the Hurrah Players, hot chocolate and coffee from Coaster Coffee, the lighting of the giant tree, and of course, Santa.
25 Nights Of Northern Lights
December 1-25, 2018
City Center at Oyster Point
Newport News Virginia
www.nnva.gov/parks
Visit City Center at Oyster Point this holiday season as it transforms into the North Pole with a new, state-of-the-art, synchronized music and light show for the BayPort Credit Union 25 Nights of Northern Lights. On each of the 25 nights, December 1-25, visitors can enjoy a five minute, theatrical Holiday Magic Light Show, happening at the top of each hour from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
This show includes the Larry King Law Holiday Show Tree, a 42’ intelligent, color/pattern changing tree unlike anything seen before in the Hampton Roads area, along with a synchronized show where lights dance around the fountain to a festive soundtrack.
City Center restaurant patios will become “Jingle and Mingle” lounges with food and beverage specials, and windows throughout the venue will be filled with special holiday displays.
Additionally, the city is hosting three themed North Pole Nights on December 1, 8 and 15 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with entertainment, free activities and food vendors. Each of the North Pole Nights feature Santa’s Workshop, sponsored by City Center at Oyster Point, where children can meet Mr. & Mrs. Claus and see elves at work.
North Pole Nights also offer guests the opportunity to take a short trolley ride to the new Holiday Inn for photo ops in the lobby with a beautifully decorated sleigh and special gifts for kids and adults.
Various activities will take place that correspond to each week’s theme along with entertainment on three stages, strolling performers and holiday characters, children’s make-and-take holiday crafts, carnival games, and food vendors.
Admission each night is free and free parking is available in the three City Center parking garages.For more information or special assistance, call 926-1400. Complete festival information will be available at www.nnva.gov/parks.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
November 30 – December 1, 2018
Chrysler Hall
Norfolk, VA
www.sevenvenues.com
The beloved TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical.
A Christmas Carol at the Wells Theatre
November 30 – December 23, 2018
Wells Theater
110 E. Tazwell Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
It wouldn’t be the holidays without Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the Wells Theatre. Experience the childlike wonder of this heartwarming story that follows the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future as they take Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of redemption where he learns the power of kindness and compassion. This play is recommended for all ages.
Williamsburg Grand Illumination
December 2, 2018 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm
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.
The Nutcracker
December 7 – 9, 2018
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 6th consecutive year.
The Santaland Diaries
December 6 – 16, 2018
The Wells Theatre
110 E. Tazwell Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
Based on the memoir of award-winning comedic author David Sedaris, this hilarious one-man-show takes us back to ye olden days when he was one of Santa’s Elves at Macy’s Department Store. In this one-act play the struggling writer, who chooses the elf name “Crumpet,” weaves an unbelievable tale of drunken Santas, lascivious actors, and combative parents.
Virginia Choral Society Holiday Concert Series
December 7 – 16, 2018
multiple locations around Hampton Roads
www.vachoralsociety.org
The 2018 Virginia Choral Society’s holiday concert series features a major work by Conrad Susa titled “Carols and Lullabies of the Southwest,” a collection of Christmas carols from various Spanish speaking cultures. A variety of popular holiday songs will also heard. The chorus will be accompanied by marimba, guitar, harp, vibraphone, piano, and organ.
In continued support of arts education in schools, the Choral Society will be joined by members of the Warwick High School choir on December 9 and by singers from Grassfield High School on December 15. Advance tickets can be purchased on the Virginia Choral Society’s website. For more information, visit www.vachoralsociety.org.
Virginia Choral Society concert schedule:
Friday, December 7, 7:30 pm, Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, Williamsburg
Sunday, December 9, 4 pm, First United Church of Christ (Todds Lane), Hampton
Saturday, December 15, 4 pm, Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts, Suffolk
Sunday, December 16, 4 pm, Trinity Lutheran Church, Newport News
Hurrah For The Holidays
December 7 – 9, 2018 – 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The Hurrah Players
485 St Paul’s Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23510
www.hurrahplayers.com
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. With the renowned Lisa Wallace kick-line dancers, a 6 foot dancing snowman, and a few festive surprises – it’s an event for the entire family.
Jingle Ball Chesapeake VA 2018
December 7, 2018
Chesapeake Conference Center
700 Conference Center Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 382-2531
Jingle Ball Chesapeake VA has been one of Coastal Virginia’s favorite holiday gatherings for almost two decades. This year’s entertainment by Evolution Soul & Astro DJ. A buffet will be served from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Individual tickets on sale at ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000.
9th Annual Holiday Frost
December 7, 2018 – 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center
2410 Wickham Ave
Newport News, VA
The 9th Annual Holiday Frost Friday, December 7 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center. The theme is “A Christmas Carol”. This year’s Holiday Frost will feature free games, activities, music, karaoke, crafts, treats, gifts and more. The event is open to the public and tickets are not required.
15th Annual Lighted Poquoson Christmas Parade: “The Spirit of Christmas”
December 7, 2018 – 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Along Wythe Creek Road from Champs to Wells Fargo Bank
Poquoson , VA 23662
757-868-3588
Enjoy the joy and spirit of the Christmas season at the 15th Annual Lighted Poquoson Christmas Parade. The community comes together for the evening to celebrate in the holiday spirit. The Judges Stand will be at Dominion Village, and Santa will be part of the final procession courtesy of Poquoson Fire and Rescue.
Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival
December 8, 2018 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
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. Featured performers will be stationed at several locations along the High Street corridor. Children’s activities are held on the Middle Street Mall area adjacent to the Children’s Museum of Virginia. Other highlights include a Children’s Parade, which begins at 10 am and fire pits for roasting marsh mellows.
Boys Choir of Hampton Roads presents a Christmas Concert
Saturday December 8, 2018 – 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Olive Grove Baptist Church
1034 Albert Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23513
Boys Choir of Hampton Roads presents a Christmas Concert Saturday December 8 at Olive Grove Baptist Church in Norfolk. The Boys Choir of Hampton Roads is an excellent performing chorus of outstanding young men from various schools throughout the Hampton Roads area. They perform songs in many different genres, from traditional gospel to contemporary Broadway.
Smithfield Christmas Parade
December 8, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.
Downtown Smithfield
Genuine Smithfield’s Annual Christmas Parade is an old-fashioned “can’t miss” community event. Grand Marshall – Jeffrey Blount, Writer, Emmy-award winning Director and Smithfield native.
Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 8, 2018
The Hurrah Players
485 St Paul’s Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23510
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 27 years, this event is presented with Happy Hanukkah, My Friend; a short program celebrating the Festival of Lights.”The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.
Christmas Concert by the I. Sherman Greene Chorale
Sunday, December 9 – 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Norfolk Academy
1585 Wesleyan Drive
Norfolk, VA 23502
757-739-6732
The I. Sherman Greene Chorale will enlighten, energize, and inspire audiences through choral music. Suggested donation of $20. For more information, visit: www.ishermangreenechorale.org.
Virginia Symphony Orchestra – Holiday Brass Concert
December 12, 2018
Chesapeake Conference Center
700 Conference Center Drive
Chesapeake, VA
(757) 382-6411
Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism invites the public to ring in the holidays with the bold sounds of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra brass section. Experience a variety of holiday selections from classical to contemporary. Come early and bid on unique holiday gift baskets and items, from ArtsAlive! Chesapeake.
Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents: Messiah
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Harrison Opera House
160 Virginia Beach Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23510
www.sevenvenues.com
Join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and VSO Chorus for the time-honored Christmas tradition of George Frideric Handel’s revered oratorio, Messiah. Get in the spirit of the season with this distinguished performance of Handel’s sacred masterpiece that presents the austere and dramatic narrative of the Messiah. From Isaiah’s prophecies to the Hallelujah Chorus, you will be brought to your feet in the Messiah performance of the season.
Boys Choir of Hampton Roads Christmas Concert
December 16, 2018 – 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
New Horizons Presbyterian Church
913 Covenant Street
Norfolk, VA 23514
The Boys Choir of Hampton Roads presents a Christmas Concert of traditional music, gospel, and contemporary tunes. This excellent chorus of young men from various schools throughout Hampton Roads is sure to get audiences in the holiday spirit.
Norfolk Botanical Garden Dominion Energy Garden of Lights
Sunday, December 16, 2018 through Monday, December 31, 2018 – 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
6700 Azalea Garden Road
Norfolk, VA
757-441-5830
Join Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG) for this year’s Dominion Energy Garden of Lights, sponsored by Dominion Energy. This unique drive-thru opportunity begins Sunday, December 16, 2018 and runs through Monday, December 31, 2018 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. nightly. The Dominion Energy Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden has been named one of the Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the Country by USAToday 10 Best contest.
Olde Towne Scottish Walk
December 31, 2018 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Olde Towne, Portsmouth, VA 23704, USA
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