2022 Hampton Roads Holidays: Get a List of Events, Light Displays, and More!

Phoebus Holiday Illumination and Craft Market: Beautiful, historic Phoebus will turn into a holiday wonderland Saturday, December 3 from 10 AM -6 PM. This street fest will feature local food vendors, handmade works from 50+ local artisans, raffle, DJ, kids’ activities, ugly sweater contest, and tree lighting. Free and open to the public. For information visit, https://phoebusholiday.eventbrite.com

Portsmouth

Old Towne Holiday Music Festival: Dec. 10. Live entertainment, strolling carolers, roving costumed characters, marshmallow roasting stations, children’s activities and more during this city holiday tradition.

Coleman Collection Nativity Scene: Come visit Monumental United Methodist Church and witness this amazing Nativity Scene for yourself! The Nativity Scene is free to view and will be open on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and on Sundays from 12:30 – 5 p.m. until December 18th.

Snow Wonders: Nov. 25th- Dec. 31.  On Fridays and Saturdays beginning November 26 – December 31, snow will fall from the sky, music will fill the air, and we hope that it brings nostalgic memories of the past. Enjoy this magical holiday experience.

Winter Wonderland: Nov. 25th- Dec. 31. The Coleman Collection continues to offer a visual treat for all ages young alike who come to visit the animated scenes of ice skaters and children sledding and more. Various times offered.

Norfolk

Great Hot Cocoa War: Beginning the day of Downtown Norfolk’s Grand Illumination celebration, there will be a magical contest of the hottest and chocolatiest proportions. Downtown Norfolk will rain with marshmallows of fantastical sizes! Get your cup and choose your side. JUST LIKE LAST YEAR – THE CONTEST RUNS FOR A FULL WEEK! Vote online at www.hotcocoawar.com starting at NOON on SAT. 11.19! (voting link will not work until the vote time begins)

A Merry Little Christmas Carol : Nov. 30th- Dec. 31st- Virginia Stage’s most popular production continues its tradition at the Wells Theatre. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey through time with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future as he learns about redemption, kindness, and compassion. Filled with music and mirth, this timeless play is recommended for all ages and is fun for the whole family to enjoy. Adapted by Patrick Mullins, Directed by MARIANNE SAVELL

Mistelow Market: Virginia Stage Company is proud to partner with local artists, artisans, and crafters for its second Seasonal Mistletoe Market to be held during Norfolk’s Grand Illumination Parade on November 19th! If you’re looking for a warm and wonderful place, full of holiday cheer and historical theatre history to enjoy while observing the Grand Norfolk Parade then look no further!

Norfolk Botanical Garden’s Million Bulb Walk:  The Norfolk Botanical Garden’s Million Bulb Walk is back for another year! Reserve tickets online. This event runs from November 11 through January 1st from 5 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. each night. 

Winterfest on the Wisconsin at Nauticus: Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin. Nauticus’ WinterFest on the Wisconsin returns to the Downtown Norfolk waterfront this holiday season! With more nights and lights to enjoy, you’re bound to be dazzled by this magical winter experience. Bring the whole family!

Newport News:

Celebration in Lights: Celebration in Lights is returning to Newport News for its 30th season. One million lights will take over Newport News Park and transform it into an animated Christmas drive-thru display. The event runs November 24 through January 1 from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Lights at the Fountain: Experience this strolling state-of-the-art holiday light show featuring falling snow!  Delighting all ages, this animated light show plays every half hour and incorporates a 50′ animated holiday tree, 55 pixel-wrapped perimeter trees, a festive soundtrack and holiday decor that surrounds the five-acre fountain plaza. Free Admission.  Free Parking.

Suffolk:

Christmas in Driver:  come and join us for our first Christmas Market! It will be held on Small Business Saturday, November 26, 2022, from 9am-2pm. Shop local! Free and open to the public.

Festival of Lights:  Welcome in the holidays with the 3rd Annual Suffolk Festival of Lights at Sleepy Hole Park! This FREE drive-through holiday light display runs for 1.2 miles and has over 35,000 bulbs—sure to put you in the festive spirit! The display is available November 25 through December 30, nightly, from 5:30 to 9:30pm. Please note that it will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Gingerbread Extravaganza at The Pinner House: Sunday, December 4th. Step into a Winter Wonderland at The Pinner House! Let’s continue the holiday festivities at the market! Enjoy an afternoon of holiday-inspired cheer as you create a beautiful gingerbread house. Space is limited, so secure your spot today! There are two sittings, 11am-12pm, and 1-2:30pm. 

Suffolk Grand Illumination: The 2022 Holiday Season officially begins in Suffolk on Friday, November 18, 2022, with a hometown kickoff. The Grand Illumination Ceremony at Market Park (next to the Seaboard Station Railroad Museum) in Downtown Suffolk will ring in the holidays with the park opening at 6pm.

Suffolk Holiday Parade: “Home For the Holidays”: December 10th. View the sights and sounds of the 2022 Suffolk Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 7pm. Find the best spot to watch the floats, equestrian units, marching bands, and festive vehicles as they make their way down W. Washington Street and turn up N. Main Street, with the parade route ending at Finney Avenue. The Grandstand will be in front of the old SunTrust Building in the 100 block of N. Main Street. Be sure to grab a seat to catch all the great performances! This year’s theme is “Lights, Camera, Holiday!”

Pet Photos with Santa at the Suffolk Visitor Center: December 18th. Bring your pet to meet jolly ol’ St. Nick, at the Suffolk Visitor Center, from 1-4pm on Sunday, December 18, 2022! Holiday décor makes this the ideal place to snap a photo with Santa. Free and open to the public. We welcome all friendly, well-behaved critters. Dogs must be leashed.

Pet owners are encouraged to bring a donation for the homeless pets at the Suffolk Animal Shelter. The following items are encouraged: kitty litter, cat food/kitten chow, dog food/puppy chow, leashes and collars, grooming supplies, toys, crates, towels, blankets, bleach, hand sanitizer & wipes, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, trash bags, and carriers.