Last updated: November 11, 2024
Prepare for a holiday adventure in Norfolk! Our guide has all the exciting festive events. From hometown residents to curious travelers, this guide is your key to the holiday treasures of Norfolk.
Popular Events: Experience the magic of the season at the 38th Annual Grand Illumination Parade, where glittering floats and lively performances light up the night, creating a festive spectacle for all. Featuring interactive displays, the Elf Door Discovery invites families to explore whimsical doors crafted by local artists, bringing the spirit of Christmas right to your doorstep. And the Great Hot Cocoa War is something you definitely don't want to miss—sample decadent hot cocoa from various vendors and vote for your favourite. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Norfolk Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with local artisans and boutique vendors.
- Description
- The Norfolk Festive Gift & Food Show is the region's biggest festive shopping fair, offering a wide range of Christmas gifts, presents for all ages, and delicious festive food and drink.
- Where
- Norfolk | More Info : Christmas Market
Norfolk Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Motown Christmas
- What to Expect
- High-energy musical celebration of Motown classics.
- Description
- A Motown Christmas is a high-energy musical cabaret that explores traditional holiday classics through the iconic Motown catalogue. The show features groundbreaking, chart-topping songs by icons like Diana Ross, The Supremes, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder. Written by Nate Jacobs and directed by Derrion LaZachan Hawkins, this performance is presented in collaboration with Zeiders American Dream Theater and The Underground Performing Arts Collective.
- Where
- Norfolk | More Info : A Motown Christmas
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
- What to Expect
- International all-star cast with world-class ballet and whimsical puppets.
- Description
- Celebrate America's favorite Christmas tradition with an international all-star cast blending world-class ballet, whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics.
- Where
- Norfolk | More Info : Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
Norfolk Other Holiday Activities
38th Annual Grand Illumination Parade
- What to Expect
- Nostalgic holiday traditions and decorations.
- Description
- The 38th Annual Grand Illumination Parade in Downtown Norfolk is a holiday celebration featuring a Retro Wonderland theme, with streets filled with holiday nostalgia.
- Where
- Norfolk | More Info : 38th Annual Grand Illumination Parade
Elf Door Discovery
- What to Expect
- Scavenger hunt featuring 50 tiny, colorful elf doors.
- Description
- Explore Downtown Norfolk's holiday season with 50 tiny, colorful elf doors hidden near theaters, restaurants, and parks. This seasonal scavenger hunt offers a fun journey through the city's festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Norfolk | More Info : Elf Door Discovery
The Great Hot Cocoa War
- What to Expect
- Week-long hot cocoa tasting contest with online voting.
- Description
- The Great Hot Cocoa War in Downtown Norfolk is a week-long contest where participants can try various hot cocoas from local restaurants, each offering a unique 4 oz pour. Voting takes place online throughout the week, with final votes counted at 5 PM on November 25. This event is part of the city's Grand Illumination celebration and promises a delightful experience with fantastical marshmallow sizes.
- Where
- Norfolk | More Info : The Great Hot Cocoa War
Lindsay Christmas
- What to Expect
- Community-based fundraiser selling Christmas trees to support local youth projects.
- Description
- The Lindsay Optimist Club's Christmas Tree fundraiser at Canadian Tire Lindsay features the sale of Balsam and Fraser Fir trees to support community-based youth projects.
- Where
- Lindsay | More Info : Lindsay Christmas