Get ready for an exhilarating holiday season in Norfolk! Our guide features all the exciting events and activities. Whether Norfolk is your home or your holiday stop, our guide highlights the top seasonal events.
One of the standout attractions this season is the Norfolk Botanical Gardens Annual Garden of Lights, where dazzling light displays transform the gardens into a winter wonderland. In addition to this, the beloved performance of A Christmas Carol brings Charles Dickens' classic tale to life, inviting audiences to experience the spirit of the season. And the musical Hamilton offers a unique twist to holiday entertainment, blending history and celebration seamlessly. For more details on these and other fun events and activities, check out the rest of the page below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Norfolk
- Hamilton
- Norfolk Botanical Gardens Annual Garden of Lights
- A Christmas Carol
- Handel’s Messiah
- Holiday Yule Log Bonfire & Christmas market
- Grand Illumination Parade and Signature Dinner Cruise
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
- Hurrah for the Holidays
- The Santaland Diaries
- Holiday Lights at the Beach (Virginia Beach)
See these and even more events listed below!
Norfolk Holiday Light Displays
Norfolk Botanical Gardens Annual Garden of Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light display with interactive features and festive food options.
Description:
Norfolk Botanical Garden's Dominion Energy Garden of Lights features over 1.5 million twinkling lights, festive food vendors, and special events like Barks and Bulbs nights for canine companions.
Where: Norfolk | More Info: Norfolk Botanical Gardens Annual Garden of Lights
Grand Illumination Parade and Signature Dinner Cruise
What to Expect:
Scenic views of the U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet and festive holiday decorations.
Description:
Embark on a luxurious dinner cruise along the Elizabeth River, featuring a delicious buffet menu, live DJ entertainment, and breathtaking views of the U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet. Enjoy climate-controlled interiors and open-air roof decks while marveling at Norfolk's spectacular architecture.
Where: Norfolk | More Info: Grand Illumination Parade and Signature Dinner Cruise
Holiday Wonder Walk
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays and themed props along a scenic trail.
Description:
The Holiday Wonder Walk at Coliseum Central features dazzling lights and seasonal decorations along Hampton's Water Walk Trail. Stroll through the trail and enjoy lighted displays, themed props, food vendors, and holiday crafters.
Where: Hampton | More Info: Holiday Wonder Walk
Deck the Hall
What to Expect:
Interactive drive-through holiday light display with festive themes.
Description:
Drive through a spectacular holiday light display featuring over 50,000 lights, creating a festive atmosphere in the comfort of your car.
Where: Chesapeake | More Info: Deck the Hall
Holiday Lights at the Beach
What to Expect:
Largest and longest curved LED Light Tunnel in the U.S.
Description:
Drive through a spectacular light display featuring jumping fish, musical crabs, and a 40-foot dancing-light Christmas tree along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
Where: Virginia Beach | More Info: Holiday Lights at the Beach
Winter Wonderland – The Coleman Nursery Collection
What to Expect:
Animated holiday scenes with diverse global elements.
Description:
Winter Wonderland – The Coleman Nursery Collection is a holiday-themed exhibit featuring animated scenes with Christmas trees, lights, ice skaters, children sledding, and more. The display includes a Victorian chalet and caroling villagers, offering a nostalgic visual treat for all ages.
Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Winter Wonderland – The Coleman Nursery Collection
Norfolk Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Yule Log Bonfire & Christmas market
What to Expect:
Cozy Yule Log Bonfire with seasonal cocktails and warm beverages.
Description:
The Holiday Yule Log Bonfire & Christmas Market at Town Point Park in Downtown Norfolk features a towering Yule Log Bonfire, local artisans market, Christmas caroling, hot chocolate, and whiskey tastings. Visit Santa while shopping for seasonal items and enjoying warm beverages.
Where: Norfolk | More Info: Holiday Yule Log Bonfire & Christmas market
Norfolk Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
New music, sets, and costumes in a classic holiday production.
Description:
A family-friendly adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic holiday story, featuring original music by Chip Gallagher and lyrics by Jeff Meredith. This production includes new music, sets, and costumes, bringing the enduring tale to life for a new generation.
Where: Norfolk | More Info: A Christmas Carol
Hamilton
What to Expect:
Hip-hop history lesson with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Hamilton is a Tony Award-winning musical that tells the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, with a blend of hip-hop, jazz, blues, and R&B music. The show features Lin-Manuel Miranda's innovative storytelling and explores themes of ambition, love, and legacy.
Where: Norfolk | More Info: Hamilton
The Santaland Diaries
What to Expect:
Comedic retelling of working as a Santa's Elf.
Description:
Based on the memoir of award-winning comedic author David Sedaris, this one-man show recounts his days as a struggling writer working to make ends meet as one Santa’s Elves at Macy’s Department Store.
Where: Norfolk | More Info: The Santaland Diaries
Hurrah for the Holidays
What to Expect:
Annual holiday show with a variety of festive music and performances.
Description:
Hurrah for the Holidays is a joyful celebration featuring all the best music of the season, from classic favorites to modern hits, with dancing elves, a holiday kick line, Frosty, and more.
Where: Norfolk | More Info: Hurrah for the Holidays
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
What to Expect:
Hijacked church play by mischievous kids.
Description:
Based on the popular children's book by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a funny and heartwarming story about what happens when a church play is hijacked by six of the 'absolutely worst kids in the history of the world.' This holiday tradition features a short program celebrating the Festival of Lights.
Where: Norfolk | More Info: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Handel’s Messiah
What to Expect:
Iconic music and the Hallelujah chorus.
Description:
Handel's Messiah is a timeless masterpiece featuring iconic music, including the Hallelujah chorus, which portrays one of the greatest stories ever told. This performance will include the full Christmas portion and selections from the second and third parts of the sacred masterpiece, sure to inspire.
Where: Norfolk | More Info: Handel’s Messiah
Snowglobe Spectacular
What to Expect:
Live performances inside life-size snow globes.
Description:
Snowglobe Spectacular at Town Center features life-size snow globes with artistic, unique, and whimsical Christmas scenes. Enjoy live performances by ballerinas, elves, violinists, and royal musicians in the Fountain Plaza each weekend in December. Santa appears live in his North Pole Snow Globe, and the Holiday Fountain Plaza Tree bursts into a mesmerizing dancing light display.
Where: Virginia Beach | More Info: Snowglobe Spectacular
Norfolk Other Holiday Activities
Elf Door Discovery
What to Expect:
Scavenger hunt for tiny elf doors in Downtown Norfolk.
Description:
Explore Downtown Norfolk by searching for 50 tiny, colorful elf doors installed by Santa's elves. These hidden entrances are scattered near theaters, restaurants, parks, and other places elves might gather. The doors are not lit, so it's best to search during the day while enjoying Downtown Norfolk's restaurants, shopping, and other holiday activities.
Where: Norfolk | More Info: Elf Door Discovery
Snow Wonders
What to Expect:
Free outdoor event with snowfall and live music.
Description:
Snow Wonders is a free seasonal event at the Children's Museum Virginia, featuring snowfall and music, creating nostalgic memories for families.
Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Snow Wonders
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Portsmouth (1 miles)
- Chesapeake (2 miles)
- Portsmouth Heights (5 miles)
- Newport News (12 miles)
- Hampton (13 miles)
- East Hampton (13 miles)
- Virginia Beach (17 miles)
- Suffolk (18 miles)
- South Suffolk (19 miles)