The holiday season shines brightly throughout our neighborhoods, and within our hearts, so I am sharing these ‘illuminating’ events located throughout Hampton Roads, the Virginia Peninsula, and Northeastern North Carolina with you. Many are recurring throughout December, which makes them easy, spur of the moment ways to gather the family together for some festive fun!
Chesapeake
Deck The Hall & Fa La La Land | Chesapeake City Hall
Through January 2, 2022 | 6-9pm
Experience this dazzling winter wonderland drive-thru lighted display with the entire family. Plus, there are special walk-through dates of December 11th and 18th.
Elizabeth City, NC
Lighted Boat Parade | Mariners’ Wharf Park
December 3 | 7pm
Enjoy the parade of festively lighted and decorated boats circle the harbor along the waterfront of downtown Elizabeth City. Holiday music, free glow sticks, a wandering Santa, cookies, and hot cocoa can be enjoyed by all. The First Friday Christmas ArtWalk begins at 4pm too!
Newport News
NlightN | Brooks Crossing, City Center at Oyster Point, and Newport News Park
Various Events Through January 1, 2022
The NlightN Holiday Event Series includes the classic Celebration of Lights, Magical Lights at The Fountain, and ARTech Lights to ‘enlighten’ your holidays!
Norfolk
WinterFest on the Wisconsin | Nauticus
Through January 2, 2022 | Wed/Thur 5-9pm, Fri/Sat 5-10pm, Sun 5-9pm
Uniquely Norfolk! The USS Wisconsin is decorated with holiday-themed lights, live music and entertainment to enjoy. Plus, an all-new Santa Experience, and a new restaurant inside Battleship Wisconsin’s historic wardroom.
Norfolk
Million Bulb Walk 2021 | Norfolk Botanical Garden
Through January 2, 2022 | 5-9:30pm Nightly
New route, and many,many MORE lights! Enjoy this magical experience.
Portsmouth
Winter Wonderland – Coleman Collection | Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center
December 1-31 | Wed/Thur 9am-4:30pm, Fri/Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-4:30pm
Great for the kids! This exhibit offers a visual treat of holiday lights, animated scenes, busy elves and enchanted forest with woodland animals.
Virginia Beach
Holiday Lights At The Beach | Oceanfront (15th to 25th Street)
Through January 2, 2022 | 5:30-10:00pm
Navigate your vehicle through holiday, nautical, and adventure themed light displays ON the Virginia Beach Boardwalk!
Williamsburg
Grand Illumination Weekends | Colonial Williamsburg
Weekends December 3-5, 10-12, and 17-19
A Colonial Virginia yuletide celebration with entertainment, traditional holiday festivities, lighting of the cressets along Duke of Gloucester Street, food, and traditions. Friday evenings feature the Procession of The Yule Log, holiday songs, and stories on Market Square. Saturday evenings will include an appearance by Father Christmas, and Grand Illumination fireworks over the Capitol building and Governor’s Palace.
I hope this helps to ‘lighten up’ your holidays, and I wish you and your family a terrific holiday season and happiest new year!
