Portsmouth Other Christmas Activities 2026

Participants can run or walk along a scenic route in historic Portsmouth, with many runners dressed up in festive holiday costumes. Festivities include music from a live DJ, face painting, a photo booth, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus....

Visitors can stroll along High Street to enjoy festive entertainment staged throughout the area. Performances take place both indoors and outdoors across local businesses, restaurants, and churches.

Thousands of spectators gather in Downtown Norfolk to watch an illuminated holiday parade featuring colorful participants and glowing street displays. Celebrating its milestone anniversary, the parade lineup highlights creative interpretations of radiance through light, texture, color, and movement.

Spectators can ring in the season by watching illuminated floats, marching bands, and community organizations light up downtown Hampton. The festive procession brings holiday cheer and creative displays through the city streets.

Atlantic Avenue comes alive with holiday spirit featuring 90 festive parade units. Spectators can watch giant balloons, marching bands, lighted floats, equestrian units, fire trucks, motorcycles, and performing dance groups. The event concludes with a grand appearance by Santa greeting...

Spectators line the streets to enjoy a community holiday procession featuring local organizations, businesses, and equestrians. The celebration begins with the Holly Jolly Jog Fun Run before the main parade rolls through the city. Food vendors and viewing areas are...

Visitors welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to Town Center and gather for the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony. Santa's elves hand out holiday treats and hot chocolate from local restaurants while supplies last.

The annual community parade is presented in partnership with the Churchland Rotary Club and travels along the WHBS Homecoming parade route. Spectators can watch decorated floats and community entries celebrating the season. The event also offers opportunities for local businesses,...

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to light the majestic tree and greet visitors for stage photos. The celebration includes strolling carolers, brass music, dance routines, and a puppet show. Families can take train rides, get face painting or balloon art,...

Festival of Trees is an annual benefit bringing together attendees and sponsors to support the Westminster-Canterbury Foundation. The event raises funds to maximize wellness and joy for community residents and staff.

The annual holiday tradition brings Krampus celebrations back to Maker's Craft Brewery. Visitors can browse a variety of vendor booths and participate in on-site activities.

Visitors browse booths from artists, creators, and vendors selling anime merchandise, collectibles, and handmade goods. Entertainment includes a Deadpool Santa photo booth, anime bingo, trivia, a scavenger hunt, and prize giveaways. Attendees can also participate in a cosplay contest and...

Children and families gather in the WOW Children’s Garden for a snowman-themed tea party and story time. Participating children enjoy light refreshments during the program. Guests are encouraged to wear something green and bring along their favorite stuffed animal.

Visitors can take holiday photographs with Santa Claus at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market. The seasonal session offers a chance to capture festive family memories.

Participants create a personalized holiday centerpiece using fresh blooms and seasonal greens during this in-person session. The hands-on floral design workshop is suitable for beginners and requires no prior crafting experience.

Participants build an indoor miniature garden inside their choice of two glass vessel sizes. Staff guide attendees through selecting plants such as miniature ferns and moss, layering materials, and decorating with natural elements like bark and stones. The session also...

Participants create a festive indoor arrangement using a selection of assorted houseplants and a choice of two seasonal planter sizes. Staff provide guidance on selecting compatible plants, proper potting techniques, and long-term care instructions. Each ticket supplies the chosen planter,...

Visitors of all ages can experience the magic of the holidays in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Spectators can enjoy festive decorated boats along the water. On-site dining includes open resident restaurants, local food trucks, and an apple cider and...

Spectators gather along the streets to watch a vibrant procession of community floats, walking groups, and marching bands celebrating the spirit of the season. Floats highlight historical moments with holiday lights and decor inspired by the 'Twinkle Through Time' theme....

Visitors explore 17th- and 18th-century holiday customs across indoor museum galleries and outdoor living-history sites. At Jamestown Settlement, guests can observe fancy cooking and winter preservation techniques, hear seasonal stories at James Fort and Paspahegh Town, and watch appearances by...

Participants design and assemble a holiday tree made entirely of living homegrown succulents with all materials provided. The session begins with hands-on instruction on long-term succulent care, followed by guided design choices for each stage of construction. Attendees can also...

Visitors take an after-hours tour of the 1726 Georgian mansion, decorated for a Colonial Christmas with traditional holly, pine, boxwood, and cedar. The tour includes tales of historic holiday celebrations from a bygone era. Afterward, guests gather inside the mansion...

Participants learn wreath-making techniques alongside staff to assemble decorations for their homes. All necessary supplies are provided, featuring fresh greenery cut directly from the gardens at Berkeley Plantation.

Participants assemble a tabletop holiday tree using living homegrown succulents, mini twinkle lights, and winter accents in the vineyard's private loft. The class includes instruction on succulent maintenance as well as directions for replanting them after the holidays into a...

Step into a magical winter wonderland at The Children's Museum of Virginia's 'Snow Wonders' event. This delightful indoor experience transforms the museum into a playful, snowy landscape, offering a unique opportunity for families to enjoy the magic of winter without...

Discover a city transformed by holiday cheer in Portsmouth, Virginia. From late November through December, they host a series of enchanting events. Experience the dazzling Winter Wonderland, the magical Snow Wonders, and festive Holiday Nights at the Park, complete with...

Experience the Olde Towne Scottish Walk, a New Year's Eve tradition inspired by Scotland's Hogmanay Festival. This vibrant community event features a lively procession led by pipe-and-drum bands, inviting locals and visitors alike to march through historic streets. The walk...

Prepare for a spectacular display of holiday cheer at the Virginia Beach Holiday Boat Parade. This beloved event transforms the waterways into a dazzling spectacle of lights as decorated boats parade for charity. It's a festive tradition that brings the...

Join the community for the beloved Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in downtown Smithfield. This festive event marks the official start of the holiday season, bringing friends and family together to witness the magical illumination of the town's Christmas tree....

Lace up for the BayPort Credit Union Surf N Santa 5 Miler, a unique holiday race along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Participants choose between 'Team Naughty' or 'Team Nice' before embarking on a twilight 5-mile run. The event culminates in...

Get into the holiday spirit with 'Hurrah for the Holidays,' a vibrant celebration featuring all the best music of the season. This joyful production includes dancing elves, a dazzling holiday kick line, and special appearances by Frosty and Santa Claus....

Great Bridge Baptist Church presents their 2025 Community Christmas Celebration, a spectacular event featuring over 300 participants, including choirs, dancers, actors, and live animals. Experience 'The Greatest Story Ever Told' with four performances. They also offer a special Christmas Eve...

Discover the ingenuity of the Great Dismal Swamp's timbering history through edible art at The Great Gingerbread Train Competition. Participants craft gingerbread trains, engines, and cabooses, incorporating elements of the region's past. This event offers categories for all ages and...

Join Liberty Live Church for 'Christmas at Liberty,' a special Christmas Eve celebration themed 'A Child Is Born.' This event focuses on the birth of Jesus Christ, offering a message of peace, joy, and salvation. Gather with loved ones for...

Lace up your skates for a magical holiday experience at the Liberty Ice Pavilion on historic Duke of Gloucester Street. This family-friendly attraction offers a chance to glide on the ice amidst the festive atmosphere of the season. Enjoy warm...