Experience the magic of the holiday season in Norfolk, VA, where festive spirit comes alive through a variety of enchanting events. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll be captivated by the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Illumination Parade, which lights up the streets with dazzling floats and seasonal music.
For a unique twist on tradition, head to Nauticus WinterFest on the Wisconsin, where the historic battleship is adorned with holiday lights and decorations. Don't miss the awe-inspiring Holiday Lights at the Beach, a drive-through wonderland of twinkling nautical displays along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Norfolk offers a delightful blend of holiday cheer and local heritage, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.
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The Top Christmas Events in Norfolk
- Grand Illumination Parade
- Nauticus WinterFest on the Wisconsin
- Holiday Yule Log Bonfire and Holiday Market
- Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden
- Dickens' Christmas Towne
- Black Nativity by Langston Hughes
Norfolk Holiday Light Displays
Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden
What to Expect:
Botanical-themed light display in a historic garden
Description:
The Garden of Lights transforms Norfolk Botanical Garden into a luminous landscape of over a million twinkling bulbs. This dazzling display showcases the garden's natural beauty in a new light, with illuminated flowers, trees, and wildlife. Visitors can stroll through glowing tunnels and admire radiant recreations of garden features. The event pays homage to the garden's Depression-era roots, when 200 African American women and 20 men carved the original paths. You can warm up with a cup of hot cider while enjoying the crisp winter air. The Garden of Lights offers a unique blend of horticultural artistry and holiday cheer.
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Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden
Norfolk Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Yule Log Bonfire and Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Combines traditional Yule log ceremony with modern holiday market
Description:
The Holiday Yule Log Bonfire and Holiday Market blends ancient tradition with contemporary celebration. This event centers around the lighting of a massive Yule log, a custom dating back to medieval times. The crackling bonfire provides warmth and light as visitors browse the holiday market stalls. Local artisans showcase handcrafted gifts, while food vendors offer seasonal treats. You can participate in the age-old ritual of tossing a sprig of holly into the fire for good luck. The event takes place in a historic district of Norfolk, connecting modern holiday festivities with the area's rich past.
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Holiday Yule Log Bonfire and Holiday Market
Norfolk Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Grand Illumination Parade
What to Expect:
Largest illuminated parade in Southeastern Virginia
Description:
Norfolk's Grand Illumination Parade ignites the holiday season with a dazzling procession of illuminated floats, marching bands, and giant balloons. This Southeastern Virginia tradition dates back to 1984, growing into the region's largest holiday parade. Spectators line the streets to witness the spectacle of twinkling lights and hear the joyous sounds of seasonal music. You can join the festivities by decorating yourself with glow sticks and light-up accessories. The parade route passes by many of Norfolk's historic landmarks, offering a unique blend of holiday cheer and local heritage.
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Black Nativity by Langston Hughes
What to Expect:
African American retelling of the Nativity story through gospel music and dance
Description:
Black Nativity by Langston Hughes presents a powerful, soulful retelling of the Nativity story. This production combines gospel music, dance, and storytelling to create a uniquely African American celebration of the Christmas story. The performance features a local gospel choir, their voices soaring through traditional and contemporary songs. You'll be moved by the expressive choreography that brings the story to life. First performed in 1961, Black Nativity has become a cherished tradition in many African American communities. The production honors Hughes' legacy while providing a platform for local talent to shine, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Norfolk's African American community.
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Black Nativity by Langston Hughes
Norfolk Other Holiday Activities
Nauticus WinterFest on the Wisconsin
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration aboard a historic battleship
Description:
Nauticus Winter Fest transforms the mighty Battleship Wisconsin into a holiday hotspot. This unique celebration brings seasonal cheer to a vessel that once served in World War II and the Korean War. Visitors can explore the decks adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations while learning about naval history. The event features live performances by local musicians and opportunities to meet Santa in an unconventional setting. You'll experience the contrast of holiday warmth against the ship's imposing steel structure. The festival also highlights the importance of the naval industry to Norfolk's economy and culture.
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Nauticus WinterFest on the Wisconsin
Dickens' Christmas Towne
What to Expect:
Victorian-era Christmas celebration based on Charles Dickens' works
Description:
Dickens' Christmas Towne plunges visitors into the world of Victorian London during the holidays. This immersive experience brings to life the characters and settings from Charles Dickens' beloved stories. Costumed performers roam the streets, engaging visitors with tales and songs from the era. You can try your hand at traditional Victorian crafts or enjoy a puppet show based on "A Christmas Carol." The event takes place in a recreated 19th-century London streetscape, complete with gas lamps and cobblestone paths. Dickens' Christmas Towne offers a unique blend of literary history and holiday traditions.
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Nearby Events
Holiday Lights at the Beach (Virginia Beach)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display on the beach
Description:
Holiday Lights at the Beach illuminates Virginia Beach's shoreline with a spectacular drive-through light display. This coastal celebration transforms the Boardwalk into a glowing wonderland, where visitors cruise along the oceanfront surrounded by twinkling nautical-themed light sculptures. The event began in 1993 and has become a cherished local tradition. You'll marvel at the sight of illuminated fish, sailors, and sea creatures against the backdrop of crashing waves. Tune your car radio to a special station for synchronized holiday music as you drive through the sparkling scenes, creating a truly immersive experience.
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The Polar Express Train Ride (Virginia Beach)
What to Expect:
Interactive train ride based on the beloved children's book
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride brings the classic children's story to life on the rails. Passengers board a real train, transformed to mimic the magical journey to the North Pole. The experience includes characters from the book, including dancing chefs who serve hot chocolate. You'll hear the story read aloud as the train chugs along, passing through tunnels of twinkling lights. This immersive adventure culminates with a visit from Santa himself, who presents each child with a silver sleigh bell. The event takes place on a historic railway line, adding an element of nostalgia to the experience.
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Hollydazzle (Newport News)
What to Expect:
Combines fireworks, light show, and tree lighting in one event
Description:
Hollydazzle ignites the night sky with a breathtaking fusion of fireworks, light displays, and music. This annual event in Newport News transforms City Center at Oyster Point into a holiday spectacle. The centerpiece is an awe-inspiring fireworks and light show choreographed to seasonal music, reflecting off the fountain in the center of the square. Visitors can ice skate on a temporary rink set up for the occasion. The event culminates with the lighting of a towering Christmas tree. Hollydazzle showcases the city's commitment to public art and community gatherings, drawing inspiration from Newport News' maritime heritage.
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Christmas Town at Busch Gardens (Williamsburg)
What to Expect:
Theme park transformed into European-inspired Christmas village
Description:
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg transports visitors to a European-inspired holiday celebration. The park's different themed areas become festive villages representing countries like Germany, Italy, and France. Millions of lights adorn the park, creating a glowing landscape. Visitors can ride roller coasters draped in twinkling lights or watch holiday-themed shows. You'll savor the aroma of freshly baked cookies and mulled wine wafting through the air. The event showcases Busch Gardens' commitment to cultural authenticity, with each area featuring traditional decorations and cuisine from its represented country.
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Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
Smithfield Christmas Parade (Smithfield)
What to Expect:
Small-town parade with a focus on local heritage
Description:
The Smithfield Christmas Parade captures the essence of small-town holiday charm. This beloved community event winds through the historic streets of Smithfield, showcasing local businesses, schools, and organizations. Antique tractors and classic cars join the procession, paying homage to the town's agricultural roots. The aroma of freshly cured Smithfield ham wafts through the air, reminding visitors of the town's culinary fame. You can wave to Santa as he makes his grand appearance atop a vintage fire truck. The parade route passes by many of Smithfield's well-preserved colonial and Victorian buildings, offering a glimpse into the town's rich history.
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Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination (Williamsburg)
What to Expect:
18th-century style celebration with fireworks and historical reenactments
Description:
Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination catapults visitors back to the 18th century with a spectacular celebration of light and sound. This event recreates how the colony might have celebrated the holiday season, complete with costumed interpreters and period music. Fireworks burst over the Governor's Palace and Capitol building, illuminating the night sky as they would have in colonial times. You can witness demonstrations of traditional crafts and enjoy performances of 18th-century holiday music. The Grand Illumination serves as a living history lesson, showcasing the holiday traditions of America's colonial period in an immersive and engaging way.
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Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination
Port Warwick Holiday Farmers Market (Newport News)
What to Expect:
Combines local produce with holiday crafts and gifts
Description:
The Port Warwick Holiday Farmers Market blends the best of local agriculture with seasonal crafts and gifts. This unique market transforms a typical farmers' market into a holiday shopping destination. Local farmers offer winter produce and artisanal food products alongside craftspeople selling handmade holiday decorations and gifts. The air is filled with the scent of fresh evergreen wreaths and spiced cider. You can sample locally produced holiday treats while browsing for unique presents. The market takes place in the heart of Port Warwick, a new urbanist community designed to foster a sense of connection, reflecting the area's commitment to sustainable, community-focused development.
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Port Warwick Holiday Farmers Market