Portsmouth Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Portsmouth and surrounding areas
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, Portsmouthβs 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!
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Christmas Lights
16 eventsVirginia's largest Christmas event with over 10 million lights.
Christmas Markets
14 eventsOver 175 artisans in a top-rated US craft show.
Christmas Shows
8 eventsHoliday magic spectacular with dazzling illusions
Christmas Activities
28 eventsAnnual Grand Illumination Parade with skyline illumination
Editor's Picks (6)
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Busch Gardens Christmas Town
(Williamsburg)
Virginia's largest Christmas event with over 10 million lights.
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Celebration in Lights
(Newport News)
Two miles of holiday scenes with over one million lights
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Winterfest on The Wisconsin
(Norfolk)
Millions of lights on a historic battleship and a Snow Queen kingdom.
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38th Annual Grand Illumination Parade
(Norfolk)
Annual Grand Illumination Parade with skyline illumination
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Virginia Beach Christmas Market
(Virginia Beach)
Over 175 artisans in a top-rated US craft show.
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Hampton Holly Days Holiday Series Events
(Hampton)
Community holiday series with parade, boat show, and light walk.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Portsmouth Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Portsmouth
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Portsmouth!
Portsmouth Christmas FAQ
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.
Portsmouth is known for its vintage Christmas charm, including the annual parade, historic Candlelight Stroll, and festive downtown tree lighting ceremony.
Downtown Portsmouth and the historic Puddle Dock neighborhood are especially popular for their festive Christmas lights and holiday displays.
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.
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.
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.