(Get out and enjoy the spectacular Million Bulb Walk at Norfolk Botanical Garden through January 2. )
HOLIDAY LIGHTS & PARADES
Million Bulb Walk
Norfolk Botanical Garden
November 12 through January 2
5-9:30 PM Nightly
Get out and enjoy the spectacular Million Bulb Walk at Norfolk Botanical Garden through January 2.
Winterfest
November 11 through January 2
USS Wisconsin/Nauticus
The deck of the battleships becomes adorn with holiday lights. Below deck, tour rooms of holiday exhibits.
Holiday Lights at The Beach
November 19 through January 2
A magical car journey down the Virginia Beach Boardwalk provides a memorable light show for the family or on date night.
ZooLumination
November 19 through January 9
Virginia Zoo
Some 28 large inflatable animals can be viewed during the day by foot or dramatically illuminated at night during a unique driving tour.
Ghent Holiday Tree Lighting
December 3, 6:30 PM
Blair Middle School/Colley Ave.
Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade
December 11, 6-9 PM
Downtown Hampton Waterfront
Boats of all sizes are covered in holiday lights.
Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illumination
Every Friday-Sunday in December, 3-7:30 PM
Yuletide entertainment will include favorite holiday traditions, as well as heartwarming new additions to the festivities. On Friday evenings, join the new Procession of the Yule Log and enjoy holiday songs and stories on Market Square. Saturday evenings will include a dramatic presentation of an original holiday story, glorious music, and a joyful appearance by Father Christmas, culminating in simultaneous Grand Illumination fireworks displays over the Governor’s Palace and Capitol building.
HOLIDAY CHILDREN/FAMILY
“The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical”
November 30
Chrysler Hall
“The Elf on the Shelf: The Musical” is the thrilling spectacle of music and dance that transports audiences to the North Pole to glimpse the magical lives of Santa’s Scout Elves. Featuring an original story and score, dazzling sets and costumes, and heartfelt moments that will bring the family together, this joyous and uplifting celebration will leave audiences captivated by the splendor of the season.
“A Storybook Christmas”
December 4
Harrison Opera House
Familiar nursery rhyme and storybook characters must deal with the constant negativity from “The Crooked Man” (Mayor Miserly) who despises Holiday Cheer. Join Old Mother Hubbard and her children as they journey from the Storybook Village, to the Sweet Shop & all the way to the Toy Shop on a delightful adventure to show Mayor Miserly the wonders of Christmas.
Hurrah for the Holidays
Presented by Hurrah Players
December 10-12
MacArthur Center
Hurrah Players will perform its annual holiday musical theater production.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
Presented by Hurrah Players
December 17-19
Hugh R. Copeland Center
Based on the popular book by Barbara Robinson, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is the funny, heartwarming, and mildly irreverent story of what happens when a church play is hijacked by six of the ‘absolutely worst kids in the history of the world’. A holiday tradition for 27 years, this event is presented with Happy Hanukkah, My Friend; a short program celebrating the Festival of Lights.
HOLIDAY THEATER & DANCE
“A Drag Queen Christmas”
November 19
Harrison Opera House
Hosted by Trinity The Tuck and Peppermint. It’s a magical night of fun with holiday classics and naughty shenanigans – with our all-new production.
“A Merry Little Christmas Carol”
Presented by Virginia Stage Company
December 2-24
Wells Theatre
This re-imagining of Dickens’ timeless classic brings to life the spirits of Christmas on the historic Wells Theatre stage. Watch Ebenezer Scrooge’s haunting journey unfold with inventive theatricality incorporating traditional holiday music harmonizing to produce a tour de force of laughter, hope, and the magic of the season. Don’t miss this heartwarming tale that reminds us that it is never too late to become our best selves.
Harambe for the Holidays: Birds of a Feather
Presented by Atumpan Dance Theatre
December 4
Zeiders American Dream Theater
Set the Kwanzaa table and light the kinara, it’s time to celebrate Kwanzaa. Atumpan Dance Theatre brings folklore to life through a story about two different birds.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
December 7
Ferguson Center
A thrilling light show, music, an acrobatic feats with a holiday theme.
Holidivas
December 9-11
Zeiders American Dream Theater
A holiday themed cabaret.
A Soulful Christmas: A Groovy Musical Revue
December 16-19
Zeiders American Dream Theater
Created by Anthony Wayne and Kendrell Bowman, this holiday musical featuring soul, R&B and gospel is inspired by the TV show, Soul Train.
“The Nutcracker”
Presented by Ballet Virginia International
With Symphonicity
December 17-19
Sandler Center
Tchaikovsky’s breathtaking score will be performed live by Symphonicity, the symphony orchestra of Virginia Beach. Waltzing flowers, tiny mice, and a delightful Sugar Plum Fairy will make treasured memories and send you away with joy in your heart.
“The Nutcracker”
Presented by Virginia Regional Ballet
With Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra
December 18-19
Ferguson Center
This sparkling holiday classic returns to Hampton Roads with swirling snowflakes, sword fights, the wondrous Land of Sweets, waltzing flowers and an enchanted Nutcracker. Virginia Regional Ballet presents this spectacular production with Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra, members of the Pennsylvania Regional Ballet, and nationally acclaimed soloists Nicole Graniero and Simon Wexler.
Hip Hop Nutcracker
December 29
Chrysler Hall
Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovksy’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set.
HOLIDAY CONCERTS
Jake Shimabukuro: Christmas in Hawaii
November 20
Ferguson Center
Ukulele master and jolly ambassador of aloha, Jake Shimabukuro, will bring joy to the world this upcoming season by delivering a special gift for all with the debut of his highly anticipated holiday show, Jake Shimabukuro – Christmas in Hawaii.
Mannheim Steamroller: Christmas by Chip Davis
November 30
Ferguson Center
An enormous production blending the best of Christmas songs through orchestration, modern rock, and even some English Renaissance flair.
Virginia Voices International
December 3
Sandler Center
A holiday fundraiser featuring Virginia Voices International and the Bella Dancers.
’Tis the Season to Swing
Presented by Virginia Arts Festival
December 4
Sandler Center
A trio of Broadway stars—Nadia DiGiallonardo (Waitress), Christine DiGiallonardo (Guys and Dolls), and conductor Rob Fisher (Chicago, An American in Paris)—will deliver an unforgettable holiday party. These fan favorites from public radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion” swing with fresh arrangements of the holiday songs you know and love, from Broadway to country to classics from old-time radio.
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour
December 4
Ferguson Center
Smooth jazz saxophonist brings Jonathan Butler, Rick Braun, Richard Elliot and Rebecca Jade along for the ride through the many great holiday season classic melodies.
Sing We Nowell
Presented by Virginia Chorale
December 4, Susan Goode Performing Arts Center
December 5, Royster Memorial Presbyterian Church
Welcome the holiday season with favorite songs and carols. Prize-winning guitarist Dr. Todd Holcomb joins the Virginia Chorale in intimate works for chorus and guitar including Alf Houkom’s The Rune of Hospitality, and Jeffrey Van’s Fourteen Angels. And to mark the 200th anniversary of his birth, the Chorale performs Hanerot Halalu, the Chanukah classic by Louis Lewandowski.
Hot Chocolate & Cinema Sticks
Presented by Virginia Beach Chorale
December 5
Sandler Center
A fun-filled vocal performance of holiday movie music.
CNU Holiday Happening
December 5
Ferguson Center
The university’s musical schools gather to perform at 4 PM with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 PM.
Santa Swings!
Presented by Tidewater Winds
December 6
Sandler Center
The delightful sound of brass and wind instruments performing your favorite Hanukkah and Christmas classics.
Holiday Pops
Presented by Virginia Symphony Orchestra
December 10, Ferguson Center
December 11, Harrison Opera House
December 12, Sandler Center
A symphonic concert of all your favorite holiday tunes.
Jingle Bell Jam
Presented by Virginia Symphony Orchestra
December 12, Sandler Center
Thing classical holidays for the kids — songs like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” A fun for the family event at 3 PM.
Marie Osmond: A Symphonic Christmas
Presented by Virginia Arts Festival
December 13
Chrysler Hall
Iconic entertainer Marie Osmond, backed by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, performs an array of holiday classics.
Holiday Brass
Presented by Virginia Symphony Orchestra
December 15, St. Bede, Williamsburg
December 16, Chesapeake Conference Center
December 17, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
December 18, Historic Palace Theater, Cape Charles
The Symphony’s dynamic brass section steps out for a series of holiday music.
Hallelujah: Handel’s Messiah
Presented by Virginia Symphony Orchestra
December 16, Sandler Center
December 17, Ferguson Center
December 18, Harrison Opera House
Guest conductor Don McCullough leads the Symphony and its Chorus through memorable, sing-along excerpts from this Baroque masterpiece.
VARIOUS HOLIDAY EVENTS
Hot Cocoa War
November 20-27
Downtown Norfolk Restaurants
Downtown restaurants compete for the most chocolatey and hot winter drinks.
Winter Wonderland
Through December 28
Portsmouth Art Center
See the famous Coleman Collection during the holiday season.
Holler-Day Party at O’Connor Brewing Co.
November 26 & 27
O’Connor Brewing Co
Day 1 of O’Connor Reserve Series Holler-Day party features Imperial Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout 11.5%. Receive 50% off your first pint with any donation of a nonperishable goods. Live music by Anothony Rosano & The Conquerors from 7pm-10pm.
Black Friday Super Sale at Mermaid Winery
November 26, 12-8pm
$5 glasses of wine! Huge selection of wines, $8 – $25.
Dark Journey Bottle Release at Big Ugly Brewing
November 26, 12-10pm
Big Ugly Brewing
Dark Journey (Barrel Aged Porter) bottles will be available for sale with a 2 bottle per person limit and on tap as well as tap-only exclusive variants along with dark journey flights. Live music by Jesse Chong 2pm-5pm and Bennett Wales 6:30pm-9:30pm. Food trucks. Axe-throwing.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Williamsburg Christmas Market
Colonial Williamsburg adjacent to Merchants Square
Nov. 26-28, Dec 2-5, 9-12, 16-23
A traditional European-style Christmas market.
5th Annual Yule Log Bonfire & Christmas Market
December 4, Noon to 8 PM
Town Point Park
Holiday retail items, entertainment, food, drinks and more.
Ghent Holiday Farmer’s Market
December 5, 11am-4pm
60+ vendors – local food & farm, art, handmade jewelry, wood crafts, hand woven items, artisan soaps, and more!
Green space of Blair Middle School, Colley Avenue, Norfolk
COVA Brewing Winter Market
December 11
Featuring local craft vendors, Baby Goats w/ Santa Pictures, Food Trucks, & Live Music.
9529 Shore Drive, Norfolk
