Christmas season in Hampton Roads is built for family memories. From Downtown Norfolk’s sparkling parades to the Virginia Beach oceanfront glowing with lights, there’s something happening almost every night that feels like a real-life holiday movie. Norfolk City Government+2DowntownNorfolk.org+2
That’s why we’re starting “30 Days of Christmas Fun.” Every day until December 25th, we’ll highlight one local event in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or Portsmouth—holiday-themed, family-friendly, and often faith-friendly too. You’ll see Christmas markets, concerts, plays, skating nights, neighborhood light displays, and more. VisitNorfolk+2Nauticus+2
Here’s the best part: we’re not just posting these events—we’re going. And we’d love for friends, family, and neighbors to come with us. Keep checking back daily (and on our social pages) for updates, last-minute pop-ups, and “what we loved most” recaps after each outing.
For holiday fun check out our holiday shopping picks. Our first picks holiday hats to get you looking and feeling good for the season!
30 Days of Christmas Fun (Hampton Roads)
Nov 22 – Dec 25, 2025
Norfolk • Virginia Beach • Chesapeake • Portsmouth
Week 1
Sat, Nov 22 — Grand Illumination Parade (Norfolk)
Downtown parade kickoff with floats, bands, and big holiday energy.
More info: MyActiveChild.com
Sun, Nov 23 — WinterFest on the Wisconsin (Norfolk)
Walk the Battleship courtyard covered in lights, music, and seasonal displays.
More info: Winterfest On The Wisconsin+1
Mon, Nov 24 — Dominion Energy Garden of Lights (Norfolk Botanical Garden)
Million-light stroll through the garden. Cozy and beautiful.
More info: Norfolk Botanical Garden+1
Tue, Nov 25 — Holiday Lights at the Beach (Virginia Beach Oceanfront)
Drive the boardwalk tunnel of lights with holiday music on the radio.
More info: Beach Events+2Visit Virginia Beach+2
Wed, Nov 26 — WinterFest on the Wisconsin (Norfolk)
Second visit hits different — take pics and enjoy the riverfront glow.
More info: Winterfest On The Wisconsin+1
Thu, Nov 27 (Thanksgiving) — Garden of Lights “Thankful Night” (Norfolk)
A peaceful holiday walk after dinner.
More info: Norfolk Botanical Garden
Fri, Nov 28 — Holiday Lights at the Beach (VB)
Go later for fewer crowds and a chill family ride.
More info: Beach Events+1
Week 2
Sat, Nov 29 — WinterFest on the Wisconsin (Norfolk)
Weekend version includes more live performers and bigger buzz.
More info: DowntownNorfolk.org
Sun, Nov 30 — Chesapeake “Deck the Hall” lights drive-through (City Hall)
A hometown light drive with 50k+ lights.
More info: Chesapeake+1
Mon, Dec 1 — Garden of Lights (Norfolk)
Weeknight = easy parking and a smoother walk.
More info: Norfolk Botanical Garden+1
Tue, Dec 2 — Holiday Lights at the Beach (VB)
Perfect “school night” outing that still feels big-time festive.
More info: Visit Virginia Beach
Wed, Dec 3 — A Merry Little Christmas Carol (Wells Theatre, Norfolk)
Virginia Stage’s crowd-pleasing Scrooge story begins its run.
More info: SevenVenues
Thu, Dec 4 — WinterFest on the Wisconsin (Norfolk)
Lights + harbor air = instant Christmas mode.
More info: Winterfest On The Wisconsin
Fri, Dec 5 — Christmas in the Country (Triple R Ranch, Chesapeake)
Free drive-through light experience with classic Christmas scenes.
More info: 97.3 The Eagle (WGH FM)
Sat, Dec 6 — Pick-a-Parade Night!
Choose one:
- Holiday Parade at the Beach (Virginia Beach) MyActiveChild.com
- Chesapeake Rotary Christmas Parade (Chesapeake) MyActiveChild.com
Sun, Dec 7 — WinterFest on the Wisconsin (Norfolk)
A relaxed Sunday glow-walk to reset your week.
More info: Winterfest On The Wisconsin
Week 3
Mon, Dec 8 — Garden of Lights (Norfolk)
Try a new route through the displays this time.
More info: Norfolk Botanical Garden
Tue, Dec 9 — Holiday Lights at the Beach (VB)
A repeat worth repeating — bring snacks for the ride.
More info: Beach Events+1
Wed, Dec 10 — A Merry Little Christmas Carol (Norfolk)
Mid-run show night — great for families and teens.
More info: SevenVenues
Thu, Dec 11 — The Nutcracker (Chrysler Hall, Norfolk)
Virginia National Ballet on the big stage.
More info: SevenVenues
Fri, Dec 12 — Community Christmas Celebration (Great Bridge Baptist, Chesapeake)
Choirs/orchestra + live nativity + family atmosphere.
More info: 97.3 The Eagle (WGH FM)
Sat, Dec 13 — Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival (Portsmouth)
High Street turns into a holiday party with music, shops, and carolers.
More info: Portsmouth Parks+1
Sun, Dec 14 — Fa La La Land (Chesapeake City Hall)
Outdoor wonderland with lights, characters, food trucks, and “goats in sweaters.”
More info: Chesapeake+1
Week 4
Mon, Dec 15 — WinterFest on the Wisconsin (Norfolk)
Another riverfront night to keep momentum strong.
More info: Winterfest On The Wisconsin+1
Tue, Dec 16 — Garden of Lights (Norfolk)
A calm midweek stroll with holiday music in the air.
More info: Norfolk Botanical Garden
Wed, Dec 17 — Holiday Lights at the Beach (VB)
Ride through the tunnel again — it’s different every time.
More info: Visit Virginia Beach
Thu, Dec 18 — A Sherlock Carol (Norfolk)
A Dickens-meets-Sherlock holiday mystery running in rep.
More info: VisitNorfolk
Fri, Dec 19 — Deck the Hall lights (Chesapeake City Hall)
Quick family drive to keep things festive without a late night.
More info: Chesapeake
Sat, Dec 20 — Fa La La Land (Chesapeake City Hall)
Second date of the big outdoor holiday festival.
More info: Chesapeake+1
Sun, Dec 21 — WinterFest on the Wisconsin (Norfolk)
Sunday tradition night before the final week.
More info: Winterfest On The Wisconsin
Christmas Week
Mon, Dec 22 — The Nutcracker (World Ballet Company, Chrysler Hall)
Touring production opens — very “wow” for the kids.
More info: SevenVenues+1
Tue, Dec 23 — A Merry Little Christmas Carol (Norfolk)
Final stretch — a perfect pre-Christmas Eve outing.
More info: SevenVenues
Wed, Dec 24 (Christmas Eve) — Family church service + lights cruise
After worship, finish the night with either:
- Holiday Lights at the Beach (VB) Beach Events+1
- Garden of Lights (Norfolk) Norfolk Botanical Garden
Thu, Dec 25 (Christmas Day) — Pick your Christmas Day glow
If you want fresh air after gifts, do a daylight walk or an evening lights visit:
- WinterFest on the Wisconsin (Norfolk) DowntownNorfolk.org
- Garden of Lights (Norfolk) Norfolk Botanical Garden
