Last updated: November 11, 2024
The holidays have arrived, East Hampton! Dive into our guide for all the top festive events. For those who call East Hampton home and those who wish they did, our guide is your holiday lifeline.
Popular this season is Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Christmas Town, where the park transforms into a winter wonderland filled with dazzling lights and seasonal entertainment. Featuring a blend of delightful displays and festive activities, Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination offers a historical celebration with fireworks and caroling. And the Norfolk Botanical Garden's Dominion Energy Garden of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing enchanting light displays among the garden's beautiful landscapes. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Over 1.5 million twinkling lights in a one-mile walking route.
Norfolk Botanical Garden's Dominion Energy Garden of Lights features over 1.5 million twinkling lights, creating a spectacular holiday display that immerses visitors in a dazzling array of lights and festive atmosphere.
Where: Norfolk | More Info: Norfolk Botanical Garden's Dominion Energy Garden of Lights
Annual tree lighting ceremony with live music and parade.
The Portsmouth Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting is a festive event featuring a decorated tree lighting ceremony, music by the Portsmouth Holiday Ensemble, and a parade through Market Square.
Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Portsmouth Holiday Parade
Immersive winter light display with new light experiences and classic holiday attractions.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Christmas Town transforms the park into a dazzling display of over ten million twinkling lights, featuring two all-new light experiences and heart-warming shows like the all-new Wisemen and returning favorites like 'Twas that Night. Enjoy classic experiences like Santa’s Workshop and the Christmas Town Express, paired with thrilling rides and coasters, including the all-new DarKoaster.
Where: Williamsburg | More Info: Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Christmas Town
Large-scale holiday market with diverse vendors and live entertainment.
The Yorktown Christmas Market on Main features over 100 vendors selling local art, handmade soaps, and Christmas wreaths. Enjoy live music, antique car displays, blacksmith demonstrations, and colonial ornament crafts. Visit Santa and explore the festive atmosphere with food trucks and holiday activities.
Where: Yorktown | More Info: Yorktown Christmas Market
Holiday-themed performances and dining in an 18th-century setting.
Celebrate the holiday season with a variety of festive events, including concerts, plays, and traditional holiday fare, all set in the historic and charming atmosphere of Colonial Williamsburg.
Where: Williamsburg | More Info: Christmas in the Country
18th-century-style fireworks and musical performances.
Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination features 18th-century-style fireworks, musical performances, and unique decorations throughout the Historic Area, culminating in simultaneous fireworks displays at the Capitol and Governor's Palace.
Where: Williamsburg | More Info: Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination
Community celebration with festive floats and equestrian units.
The Suffolk Holiday Parade is a vibrant community event featuring festive floats, equestrian units, and holiday cheer. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the parade as it winds through Downtown Suffolk.
Where: Suffolk | More Info: Suffolk Holiday Parade
Community-driven parade with festive entries marching down historic streets.
The Smithfield Christmas Parade is an annual event where participants line Market Street to see festive entries, featuring floats, dancers, and marching bands. The parade is emceed by the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, announcing entries as they pass.
Where: Smithfield | More Info: Smithfield Christmas Parade
Family-friendly laser concert with diverse musical tracks and immersive visual effects.
The Virginia Living Museum's Wild Lights features a spectacular display of laser shows and music, including tracks by Joan Jett, B-52s, and Pink Floyd, set against stunning laser images.
Where: Newport News | More Info: Virginia Living Museum's Wild Lights
Community celebration with illuminated floats and live performances.
The Williamsburg Christmas Parade, sponsored by Dominion Energy, is a cherished tradition since 1965, featuring illuminated floats, live performances, and a visit from Santa. The event encourages participants to reflect on what they believe, with over 21,000 spectators attending last year.
Where: Williamsburg | More Info: Williamsburg Christmas Parade
Spooktacular family fun with animal encounters and pumpkin enrichment.
The Virginia Zoo's Holiday Lights event features a variety of festive activities, including animal encounters, pumpkin enrichment, and trick-or-treating stations, creating a fun and interactive experience for families.
Where: Norfolk | More Info: Holiday Lights at the Virginia Zoo
Dazzling parade with diverse units and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
The Virginia Beach Christmas Parade is a vibrant holiday event featuring over 100 parade units, including giant balloons, marching bands, lighted floats, equestrian units, fire trucks, and performing dance groups. Santa Claus will make a grand appearance to greet all his loyal fans. This festive celebration is open to the public and promises an entertaining night for all ages.
Where: Virginia Beach | More Info: Virginia Beach Christmas Parade
Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse participants.
The Hampton Bay Days Christmas Parade features a festive procession through the city, showcasing local businesses, community groups, and holiday spirit.
Where: Hampton | More Info: Hampton Bay Days Christmas Parade
Immersive historical holiday celebrations with re-created settings.
Explore 17th- and 18th-century holiday traditions at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Witness festive interpretive programs, fancy cooking, caroling, and musical entertainment. Visit immersive exhibition galleries and re-created outdoor settings reminiscent of early Virginia.
Where: Williamsburg | More Info: Jamestown Settlement's A Colonial Christmas
Community-driven holiday parade with a "Magic Christmas" theme.
The Chesapeake Rotary Christmas Parade is a 41-year tradition featuring floats, equestrians, and community groups, with a theme of "Magic Christmas." The parade begins at Mount Pleasant Road and Battlefield Boulevard, ending in front of City Hall on Cedar Road. It includes food vendors and portable bathrooms, with general parking available at the Municipal Complex.
Where: Chesapeake | More Info: Chesapeake Holiday Parade
Historical reenactments of 17th-century Christmas traditions.
Celebrate Christmas at Jamestown Fort with historical reenactments, caroling, and traditional activities like wassailing and country dancing.
Where: Williamsburg | More Info: Historic Jamestowne's Christmas at Jamestown Fort
