Newport News Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Step into a world of enchantment at NlightN – Lights at the Fountain. This magical holiday experience transforms the City Center at Oyster Point's fountain plaza into a dazzling spectacle of lights and decorations. Be mesmerized by a synchronized light show on a towering 50-foot tree, featuring 15 minutes of...

Experience the magic of the season at Winter Nature Nights! Wander along a beautifully illuminated outdoor trail, where nature's beauty comes alive after dark with sparkling displays. Enjoy festive activities like cookie decorating, holiday games, and a special story walk. Capture memories with a photo with Santa and be captivated...

Join the Sparkle Night celebration for a heartwarming holiday family fun event and a special tribute to veterans. The festivities include a visit with Santa, live carols, and complimentary hot cocoa and candy canes. The highlight of the evening is the tree lighting ceremony at dusk, accompanied by a patriotic...

Experience the magic of the Holiday Wonder Walk at Coliseum Central, where Hampton's Water Walk Trail is illuminated with dazzling lights and festive décor. This enchanting event transforms the path into a winter wonderland, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Discover a variety of themed lighted displays and props that bring...

Step into a winter wonderland at Virginia's longest-running holiday drive-through light show. This spectacular event features two miles of enchanting displays, brought to life with over a million lights. Journey through whimsical scenes, including light tunnels and simulated snowfall, all set within the scenic Newport News Park. It's a beloved...

Busch Gardens Christmas Town transforms into a winter wonderland with over ten million twinkling lights, making it one of North America's largest holiday light displays. Visitors can enjoy festive shows, meet Santa Claus and his elves, and ride over 25 attractions, including coasters lit up for the season. Indulge in...

Step back in time for Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination, a dazzling holiday celebration. Experience the magic of the colonial capital as it comes alive with festive decorations, live music, and breathtaking fireworks displays. This event captures the spirit of 18th-century celebrations, offering a unique glimpse into historical traditions.

Experience the enchantment of the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights, where over 1.5 million twinkling lights illuminate Norfolk Botanical Garden. This award-winning holiday display offers a magical walk through dazzling landscapes, with special 'Barks and Bulbs' nights for dog lovers. Enjoy festive food and warm drinks from local vendors, making...

Step into a magical winter wonderland at Winterfest on The Wisconsin, featuring over two million lights and the spectacular new 'Kingdom of the Snow Queen' indoor experience. Explore the historic Battleship Wisconsin, enjoy nightly entertainment, and participate in unique themed events like 'Winterfest After Dark' and 'Grinch Family Night'.

Step into a magical European-style Christmas market at CBN and Regent University Campus. This beloved holiday festival transforms the grounds into a winter wonderland with dazzling light displays, a spectacular 40-foot Christmas tree, and a charming Christmas Marketplace offering unique gifts and festive treats. Families can enjoy live Nativity scenes,...

Experience the magic of the "Fanta-Sea" of lights at Holiday Lights at the Beach in Virginia Beach. Drive your vehicle along the iconic boardwalk, illuminated by nautical, holiday, and adventure-themed displays. Tune into a special radio frequency to hear holiday music perfectly synchronized with the dazzling light show, featuring festive...

Experience the magic of the holidays on two wheels at the Virginia Beach Holiday Lights Bike Night. This unique event invites families to pedal along the boardwalk, surrounded by dazzling light displays. Glide through a spectacular LED Light Tunnel and past whimsical figures like jumping fish and musical crabs, all...

Experience Coastal Virginia's only German Christmas Market, a festive celebration honoring Newport News' sister city, Greifswald. Over 30 vendors offer unique handmade crafts and gifts, while German food trucks provide delicious culinary delights. Don't miss the chance to purchase a collectible Gluhwein pottery mug and enjoy the vibrant holiday atmosphere.

Get ready for the ultimate fall shopping experience at the Bodacious Bazaar Fall 2025! This 3-day extravaganza at the Hampton Roads Convention Center is the perfect place to start checking off your Christmas list. Discover unique treasures from over 100 artisans and vendors, offering everything from handmade crafts to festive...

Discover unique, handmade treasures at the 5th annual Hampton Holiday Fine Arts Bazaar. This two-day event showcases original works from talented regional artists, perfect for finding special holiday gifts. Meet the artists and explore the accompanying Small Works Exhibition for a delightful festive shopping experience.

Journey back in time for Christmastide in Virginia, a festive celebration of 17th and 18th-century holiday traditions. Experience carols, music, and interpretive programs at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Discover how colonists and soldiers celebrated the season through cooking demonstrations, historical reenactments, and hands-on activities like...

Experience the charm of the annual Mistletoe Marketplace in downtown Smithfield. This festive evening event features over 75 vendors offering unique handmade crafts and gifts. Enjoy live music, captivating dance performances, and a special cocktail garden. Santa Claus will be on hand for photos, making it a perfect holiday outing...

Step into a truly historic holiday season at Colonial Williamsburg. Experience the magic of the 18th century with candlelit windows, festive decorations, and the enchanting sounds of Madrigals. They delve into the diverse holiday traditions of enslaved Virginians and indigenous peoples, offering a unique perspective. Witness the spectacular Grand Illumination...

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Chesapeake Holiday Craft Show. Browse unique, handmade gifts and decorations from over 90 talented artisans. Kids can enjoy Santa's Workshop with craft activities and watch the Kids Run Trains. Santa Claus will be available for photos, along with the Parks,...

Discover unique holiday treasures at the Annual Artisan Gift Fair. This festive outdoor market showcases over 30 vendors offering everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to delicious jams and holiday decorations. Enjoy live holiday music, face painting, balloon animals, and a special visit from Santa Claus, making it the perfect...

Get into the holiday spirit with the Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour. This special performance promises an evening of smooth jazz and festive cheer, perfect for a memorable night out during the holiday season.

Prepare to be astounded by the Champions Of Magic: Holiday Spectacular! This enchanting show delivers dazzling illusions, breathtaking grand-scale magic, and festive surprises. It's a high-energy, interactive experience blending their signature humor with jaw-dropping tricks and holiday cheer, creating a one-of-a-kind celebration filled with wonder and joy.

Virginia Musical Theatre presents a beloved adaptation of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.' This timeless classic of redemption is brought to life with sumptuous costumes, captivating special effects, and a gorgeous score performed by a full orchestra. It's the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit with a show...

Get ready to groove this holiday season with 'A Soulful Christmas – A Groovy Musical Review.' This electrifying production, inspired by the legendary Soul Train, features dazzling performances of classic Soul, R&B, and Gospel hits. Celebrate the season with timeless music and infectious rhythms that will have you singing and...

Join the community for the enchanting Port Warwick Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. This festive evening features Santa's arrival to light the Majestic Tree, accompanied by live music from The Yorktown Chorale and The Commodore Chorus, and captivating dance performances. Families can enjoy train rides, games, face painting, and a special...

Hampton's Holly Days brings a series of festive events to the community. The celebration includes the vibrant Holly Days Parade, a dazzling Lighted Boat Parade on the Hampton River, and the enchanting Holiday Wonder Walk with lights and decor. Shoppers can find unique gifts at Santa's Attic, an arts and...

Experience the enchanting Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade, a beloved holiday tradition. Witness a breathtaking procession of boats adorned with dazzling lights, creating a magical spectacle on the water. This family-friendly event offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all ages, with festive treats from local vendors and the Boy Scouts'...

Join the community for the beloved Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in downtown Smithfield. This festive event marks the official start of the holiday season, bringing friends and family together to witness the magical illumination of the town's Christmas tree. Attendees can look forward to complimentary refreshments, making it a...

Get ready to rock and rewind the clock at the 2025 Williamsburg Christmas Parade! This beloved annual tradition, themed 'Rockin Retro Christmas,' invites participants to showcase their favorite decades with dazzling, illuminated floats. Spectators can expect a nostalgic journey through the 50s to the 90s, lighting up the streets with...

Join the festive spirit at the 14th Annual Chick-fil-A Christmas Parade, celebrating 'A Christmas Tradition' on December 6, 2025. This beloved event invites businesses and organizations to register floats and showcase their holiday cheer. Spectators can enjoy a vibrant procession and view photos from past parades, making it a memorable...

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival. This event transforms High Street into a lively stage for a variety of musical performances. Beyond the main festivities, discover additional entertainment scattered throughout businesses, restaurants, and churches, extending the celebration until late afternoon. Don't miss the...

Experience the magic of the season at the 39th Annual Grand Illumination Parade in Downtown Norfolk. This beloved holiday tradition illuminates the city with shimmering lights and festive cheer, officially kicking off the holiday season. Thousands gather to witness the grand illumination of the skyline and enjoy a spectacular parade.

Experience the magic of the 38th Annual Grand Illumination Parade, a cherished holiday tradition in Downtown Norfolk. This spectacular event kicks off the festive season with a synchronized countdown and the grand illumination of the city skyline. Watch as illuminated floats and marching bands parade through the streets, creating a...

Experience the Olde Towne Scottish Walk, a New Year's Eve tradition inspired by Scotland's Hogmanay Festival. This vibrant community event features a lively procession led by pipe-and-drum bands, inviting locals and visitors alike to march through historic streets. The walk concludes at High Street Landing, where participants join hands to...

Discover a city transformed by holiday cheer in Portsmouth, Virginia. From late November through December, they host a series of enchanting events. Experience the dazzling Winter Wonderland, the magical Snow Wonders, and festive Holiday Nights at the Park, complete with a charming train ride. Explore unique shops during Small Business...

Lace up your running shoes for the 31st Annual Santa Claus Shuffle, a festive 5K race and 1-mile fun run in Portsmouth. This family-friendly event supports the Tidewater Youth Services Foundation, providing essential resources and opportunities for at-risk youth. Participants are encouraged to wear holiday costumes for a chance to...

Step into a festive wonderland with the Historic Suffolk Holiday Tour. This event offers a charming glimpse into the holiday spirit of Suffolk, showcasing its historic beauty adorned for the season. It's a perfect opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere and seasonal decorations that make this town special during the...

Get ready for the 42nd annual Chesapeake Rotary Christmas Parade on December 6, 2025! This beloved community event kicks off with the Holly Jolly Jog Fun Run at 5:30 p.m., followed by the main parade at 6:00 p.m. This year's theme, 'Golden Christmas: A Legacy of Light!', promises a dazzling...

Discover the ingenuity of the Great Dismal Swamp's timbering history through edible art at The Great Gingerbread Train Competition. Participants craft gingerbread trains, engines, and cabooses, incorporating elements of the region's past. This event offers categories for all ages and a chance to vote for your favorite creation.

Get ready for a spectacular evening as Atlantic Avenue transforms into a winter wonderland for the annual BayPort Credit Union Holiday Parade at the Beach. Over 100 units, including vibrant floats, energetic marching bands, and dazzling light displays, will march from 15th to 25th Streets. The highlight of the night...