Portsmouth Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Experience the magic of Olde Towne Holiday Lights, a progressive celebration that illuminates the city. Festivities kick off with music, face painting, and holiday characters. Witness the official tree lighting ceremony, complete with falling snow and a dazzling pyrotechnic display. Follow bagpipers to discover more festive stops, including Santa's grand...

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 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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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, 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.

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 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...

Discover unique, handcrafted treasures at the 44th Annual Virginia Beach Christmas Market. This highly-rated event showcases over 175 artisans from across the nation, offering everything from fine art and jewelry to thousands of Christmas collectibles. Indulge in festive gourmet treats and support local charities by donating food or blood for...

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...

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...

Step into a magical winter wonderland at The Children's Museum of Virginia's 'Snow Wonders' event. This delightful indoor experience transforms the museum into a playful, snowy landscape, offering a unique opportunity for families to enjoy the magic of winter without the cold. It's a perfect escape for imaginative play and...

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 and don your most festive Santa suit for the Santa Claus Shuffle! This exciting event invites participants of all ages to enjoy a fun 5K run or walk, spreading holiday cheer throughout the community. It's a perfect way to embrace the festive season with friends...

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...

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...

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 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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Step into a magical holiday wonderland at Santa's Workshop, hosted at the charming Historic Greenbrier Farms. This event offers a delightful opportunity to experience the festive spirit and visit with Santa himself. Immerse yourself in the holiday cheer and create lasting memories at this special seasonal gathering.

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 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...

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...