Portsmouth Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Portsmouth and surrounding areas

How we verify →
Christmas Lights (16 events) → Christmas Markets (14 events) → Christmas Shows (8 events) → Christmas Activities (28 events) →

Portsmouth delivers festive experiences for Christmas 2025 with Christmas markets and neighborhood lights near Olde Towne and the waterfront. Holidays in Portsmouth and the Santa Claus Shuffle 5K bring community gatherings while the Olde Towne Scottish Walk adds cultural pageantry to the season. With parades, seasonal concerts, and family activities, Portsmouth’s holiday attractions mix maritime charm, historic streets, and bright lights for a welcoming and fun-filled festive season.

Find the best Portsmouth Christmas happenings this year!

Portsmouth Christmas Events

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Christmas Lights

16 events
Busch Gardens Christmas Town • Nov 15 – Jan 5, 2025

Virginia's largest Christmas event with over 10 million lights.

Portsmouth Christmas Lights →

Christmas Markets

14 events
Virginia Beach Christmas Market • Nov 28 – Nov 30

Over 175 artisans in a top-rated US craft show.

Portsmouth Christmas Markets →

Christmas Shows

8 events
Champions Of Magic: Holiday Spectacular • Dec 12 – Dec 20

Holiday magic spectacular with dazzling illusions

Portsmouth Christmas Shows →

Christmas Activities

28 events
38th Annual Grand Illumination Parade • Nov 22

Annual Grand Illumination Parade with skyline illumination

Portsmouth Christmas Activities →

Editor's Picks (6)

  1. Busch Gardens Christmas Town (Williamsburg)
    Virginia's largest Christmas event with over 10 million lights.
  2. Celebration in Lights (Newport News)
    Two miles of holiday scenes with over one million lights
  3. Winterfest on The Wisconsin (Norfolk)
    Millions of lights on a historic battleship and a Snow Queen kingdom.
  4. 38th Annual Grand Illumination Parade (Norfolk)
    Annual Grand Illumination Parade with skyline illumination
  5. Virginia Beach Christmas Market (Virginia Beach)
    Over 175 artisans in a top-rated US craft show.
  6. Hampton Holly Days Holiday Series Events (Hampton)
    Community holiday series with parade, boat show, and light walk.

Events Happening Soon (6)

Christmas Village at CBN and Regent University Campus Thu, Dec 4 View →
A Christmas Carol Fri, Dec 5 View →
Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade Sat, Dec 6 View →
Chesapeake Rotary Christmas Parade Sat, Dec 6 View →
BayPort Credit Union Holiday Parade at the Beach Sat, Dec 6 View →
14th Annual Chick-fil-A Christmas Parade Sat, Dec 6 View →

Portsmouth Christmas Events Map

See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.

View Portsmouth Christmas Events Map →
Portsmouth Christmas events map

Also Near Portsmouth

Norfolk (1.3 miles) → Portsmouth Heights (4 miles) → Chesapeake (4.7 miles) → Hampton (13.7 miles) → East Hampton (14.1 miles) → Suffolk (17.4 miles) →
Christmas road trip adventure with festive characters

Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways

Worth the drive for more holiday events near Portsmouth!

Richmond (79.4 miles) → Washington (148.7 miles) →

Looking for more? Explore all Virginia Christmas Events →

Portsmouth Christmas FAQ

What are the biggest annual Christmas events in Portsmouth?

The biggest annual Christmas events in Portsmouth include the Illuminated Holiday Parade, the tree lighting in Market Square, and the Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke.

What holiday traditions are unique to Portsmouth?

Portsmouth is known for its vintage Christmas charm, including the annual parade, historic Candlelight Stroll, and festive downtown tree lighting ceremony.

Which neighborhoods are best for Christmas lights in Portsmouth?

Downtown Portsmouth and the historic Puddle Dock neighborhood are especially popular for their festive Christmas lights and holiday displays.

Where can I find Christmas markets and local makers in Portsmouth?

Christmas markets and local makers can be found in downtown Portsmouth, at Market Square, and at community events throughout the city during the holiday season.

What are the best free or budget-friendly holiday activities in Portsmouth?

Free activities include viewing the downtown Christmas lights, attending the tree lighting, and exploring neighborhood displays. Many holiday markets and events are also free to enter.

What are good picks for families with kids in Portsmouth?

Families with kids enjoy the holiday parade, tree lighting, Candlelight Stroll, and seasonal shows at the Music Hall, all of which are welcoming and festive for all ages.

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