It’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday season in Coastal Virginia! From Christmas parades and waterfront celebrations to dazzling light displays and holiday markets, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season.
Here’s your guide to holiday events happening throughout the region.
CHESAPEAKE
15th Annual Chick-fil-A Christmas Parade
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM
Theme: A Storybook Christmas
Christmas in the Country at Triple R Ranch
Dates: December 4–19, 2026
Location: Triple R Ranch
Admission: Free
Enjoy a free drive-through holiday light experience featuring glowing displays and the charm of the countryside—more info.
43rd Annual Chesapeake Rotary Christmas Parade
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Theme: America250: A Christmas Celebration
This year’s patriotic theme honors our nation’s 250th anniversary while celebrating the joy, traditions, and spirit of the holiday season. More info
Chesapeake Rotary Holly Jolly Jog
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Time: 30 minutes before the Christmas parade
Presented by the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, this family-friendly 1-mile fun run takes place before the Chesapeake Rotary Christmas Parade. Lace up your shoes and run, jog, or walk the route under the lights while thousands of friends and family cheer you on! More info
Holiday Brass Concert – Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Date: Thursday, December 10, 2026
Location: Chesapeake Conference Center
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Concert: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free
The bold sounds of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s brass section will help you ring in the holidays! Enjoy a variety of musical styles, from classical to contemporary, celebrating the sounds of the season. More info
Christmas Past & Present
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways
Visit with Santa and discover holiday traditions from the past. All activities are included with museum admission. More info
HAMPTON
Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Enjoy a waterfront holiday tradition featuring beautifully decorated boats, followed by a chance for families to visit with Santa dockside. More info
Admission: Free
Hampton Holly Days Parade
The Hampton Holly Days holiday events and parade are scheduled to return in December. Check the Hampton Holly Days website for event updates and details.
NORFOLK
Miracle on Waterside Drive
Dates: November 21–December 27, 2026
A holiday cocktail pop-up experience returns for another spirited season. More info
Norfolk Grand Illumination Parade
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Theme: Ruby Radiance
The beloved regional tradition celebrates its 40th anniversary with the theme Ruby Radiance, inspired by the brilliance, warmth, and energy of illuminated streets. Participants are encouraged to showcase their creativity through color, movement, texture, and light. More info.
The Great Hot Cocoa War
Dates: November 21–28, 2026
Warm up your holiday season with Downtown Norfolk’s coziest competition! Participating restaurants will serve their best hot cocoa creations. Sip, savor, and vote for your favorite to help crown this year’s Best Hot Cocoa in Downtown Norfolk! More info
Million Bulb Walk & Garden of Lights – Norfolk Botanical Garden
Dates: November 6, 2026–January 3, 2027
Walk through millions of holiday lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden. You can even bring your four-legged friend to select Barks & Bulbs nights! More info
Winterfest on the Wisconsin – Nauticus
Dates: November 13, 2026–January 2, 2027
Experience holiday magic aboard the Battleship Wisconsin with themed displays and walk-through experiences. New displays, new lights, new memories. More info
Skate the Riverwalk
Enjoy a magical waterfront ice-skating experience as part of Winterfest Riverwalk. More info
A Merry Little Christmas Carol & A Sherlock Carol – Virginia Stage Company
Dates: December 3–23 and December 3–27, 2026, respectively
Location: Wells Theatre
Enjoy two holiday productions at the Wells Theatre, including a local holiday favorite. More info
Christmas on Granby Holiday Market
Dates: December 4–6, 2026
Location: 271 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA
Enjoy a three-day holiday shopping experience featuring local makers, artists, small businesses, festive food, and unique gifts you won’t find at the mall. More info
Holiday Yule Log & Bonfire Marketplace
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Time: 12:00–6:00 PM
Location: Town Point Park
Town Point Park transforms into a festive outdoor wonderland featuring a towering Yule Log Bonfire, local artisan vendors, Christmas caroling, hot chocolate and whiskey tastings, and a visit from Santa! More info
Admission: Free, including Santa visits.
Winter Twilight at Hermitage Museum
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Time: 4:00–7:00 PM
Location: Hermitage Museum, Norfolk
Admission: Free; donations welcome.
Explore special objects from the museum’s collection, enjoy a piano open mic, and participate in activities with the Norfolk Public Library. More info
NEWPORT NEWS
Port Warwick Holiday Tree Lighting
Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Admission: Free
Enjoy a family-friendly community celebration to kick off the holiday season. More info
Celebration in Lights
Dates: November 26, 2026–January 1, 2027
Location: Newport News Park
Virginia’s original drive-through holiday light display returns with festive scenes and dazzling decorations.
Lights at the Fountain
Dates: December 6, 2026–January 1, 2027
Location: City Center
Enjoy a synchronized light-and-music show at City Center. More info
German Christmas Market
Dates: December 11–12, 2026
Time: 3:00–9:00 PM
Experience a traditional German Christmas market featuring vendors, food trucks, Glühwein mugs, and holiday entertainment.
Let It Glow
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time: 5:00–9:00 PM
A new community celebration featuring a glow roller-skating rink, festive hayrides, a s’mores station, and free hot chocolate and donuts while supplies last. Enjoy children’s activities, games, food trucks, and a special visit from Santa!
Admission & Parking: Free.
PORTSMOUTH
Snow Wonders – Children’s Museum of Virginia
Dates: Every Saturday during the holiday season
Time: 6:00–6:30 PM
Location: Children’s Museum of Virginia
The Museum Mall transforms into a magical winter wonderland with falling snow, festive music, and plenty of holiday spirit.
SUFFOLK
Suffolk Grand Illumination
Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
Celebrate the season with dazzling lights, carriage rides, music, Santa, and more!
7th Annual Festival of Lights
Opening Date: Friday, November 27, 2026
Time: 5:00–9:00 PM
Location: Sleepy Hole Park
Enjoy a free drive-through holiday light display! The festival operates Thursday through Sunday, with lights shining nightly from December 10–30.
Suffolk Holiday Parade
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Downtown Suffolk
Enjoy a festive holiday parade through downtown Suffolk.
VIRGINIA BEACH
Winterfest on the Beach – Holiday Trail of Lights
Dates: November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027
Location: Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
After 31 years of lighting up the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the iconic drive-through Holiday Lights at the Beach is transforming into something new! The inaugural Holiday Trail of Lights invites visitors to leave the car behind and experience a walk-through trail filled with light, sound, movement, and holiday magic.
CBN & Regent University Christmas Village
Dates: December 3–5 and December 10–12, 2026
Location: Regent University
For two magical weekends, the campus transforms into an enchanting Christmas village featuring stunning light displays, exciting rides and attractions, Santa photo opportunities, and more. More info
FaLaLaLaLa Holiday Festival
Dates: November 28–29, 2026
Time: 4:00–11:00 PM
Location: 2044 Landstown Centre Way, Virginia Beach
Enjoy vendors, food trucks, a gingerbread house competition, photos with The Grinch, and more! More info
Snow Globe Spectacular – Town Center
Dates: November 26–December 31, 2026
Celebrate the season with a festive holiday experience at Virginia Beach Town Center. More info
Holiday Parade at the Beach
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Virginia Beach Oceanfront
A Virginia Beach holiday tradition returns with giant balloons, lighted floats, marching bands, and, of course, Santa Claus! The parade begins at 15th Street and travels north along Atlantic Avenue to 25th Street. More info
Santa’s Seaside Cinema
Dates: Check event listings for the holiday schedule.
Location: Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Holiday movie magic returns to the Oceanfront with free outdoor movies, visits with Santa, live entertainment, holiday shopping, hot cocoa, and more. Get details.
Santa, S’mores & More – Hunt Club Farm
Dates: December 13 and 19th
Location: Hunt Club Farm
Meet Santa, enjoy s’mores and crafts, explore the TreeWalk Adventure, and visit the petting farm. Get details.
7th Annual Lynnhaven Inlet Christmas Boat Parade
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Location: Lynnhaven Inlet
Bring your boat or find a spot on dry land to enjoy the holiday boat parade!
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Date: To be announced.
Check back for updates about this year’s Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.
WILLIAMSBURG
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Dates: Select nights, November 13, 2026–January 3, 2027
Location: Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Experience one of the region’s favorite holiday traditions with spectacular light displays, festive entertainment, seasonal treats, and holiday attractions. More info
Grand Illumination – Colonial Williamsburg
Dates: December 5, 12, and 19, 2026
Location: Colonial Williamsburg
Celebrate the holiday season with fireworks, music, and dazzling holiday décor throughout historic Colonial Williamsburg. More info
YORKTOWN
Winter Lantern Festival – Jamestown Settlement
Dates: November 6, 2026–January 3, 2027
Hours: 5:30–10:00 PM
Last Entry: 9:00 PM
Location: Jamestown Settlement
The Winter Lantern Festival returns to Jamestown Settlement, illuminating the museum after dark with spectacular displays of light for the whole family. More info
The festival begins Friday, November 6, with additional dates running Thursday through Sunday evenings from November 13–December 10, followed by nightly displays December 17–January 3.
Make the Most of the Holiday Season!
From sparkling light displays and festive parades to holiday markets and family-friendly celebrations, Coastal Virginia has plenty of ways to make memories this season.
Event dates, times, admission fees, and schedules are subject to change. Check the event organizer’s website or social media before heading out.
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