Ultimate Guide to 2024 Christmas Events in Norfolk, VA

Make this year’s holiday spectacular by taking advantage of the many Norfolk events that are happening this year plus our favorite Christmas lights in Hampton Roads and beyond.

You can make it an all-day event by participating in the daily happenings at local malls, town centers, and parks, followed by evening tree lightings and parades. Wrap it all up with an evening of scenic drives through Christmas lights galore.

Below you will find a list of many of the best Christmas events in Norfolk and light displays as well. Create a schedule for yourself, check their websites for any last-minute changes, and be dazzled by these holiday events.

Events in Norfolk, VA

Grand Illumination Celebration and Holiday Kick-off

Address: Downtown Norfolk – Granby Street
Date: weekend before Thanksgiving, 4pm-7pm
Website

Come out and watch the Norfolk skyline light up with festive lights and holiday magic. Head to Granby Street for a perfect family outing, catching the falling snowflakes on your tongue as you stroll through the festive season, enjoying Christmas in downtown Norfolk.

This year’s parade celebrates the whimsical theme of “Gingerbread Dreams,” transforming the streets into a festive wonderland filled with delightful holiday sights. Prepare for an enchanting display of gingerbread-inspired floats, sweet treats, and joyful holiday spirit as the community comes together to welcome the season in a truly magical way.

Dominion Energy Garden of Lights

Address: Norfolk Botanical Gardens, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518
Dates: Mid-November through the first weekend in January, 5:30pm-10pm
Website
Cost: Must pre-purchase tickets online. Walk-up tickets incur an additional $5 fee per ticket, all nights.
- Value Nights (Nov. 8 – Jan. 5)
  - Members: $15/Adult, $10/Child (ages 3-12)
  - Not-Yet-Members: $20/Adult, $18/Military, $12/Child (ages 3-12)
- Premium Nights (Nov. 8 – Jan. 5)
  - Members: $20/Adult, $12/Child (ages 3-12)
  - Not-Yet-Members: $25/Adult, $15/Child (ages 3-12)

Drive through the dazzling light displays that set the gardens into a twinkling frenzy of delight. Experience the Christmas spectacular as you watch the dolphins leap, flowers grow, and the battleship fire its cannons. Don’t miss the cheery displays or the moon and starlight over the bridge, our favorite spot to soak in the electric holiday spirit during the festive season in Norfolk, VA.

The Adams Family Lights

Address: 2061 Colane Road, Norfolk, VA 23502
Dates: throughout the holiday season
Website

Bring your chair or sit in your car and watch this nightly syncopated light display in one of Norfolk’s neighborhoods. It’s a Christmas spectacular, bringing thousands to both the streets for a magical time. This family-friendly event is a true joy, so please respect the private property, decor, and lawn while you enjoy the festive spirit they love to share each season.

MacArthur on Ice

Address: 300 Monticello Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510
Dates: Weekend before Thanksgiving through mid-January, 10am-10pm
Website

Go ice skating in downtown Norfolk among the festive holiday lights at MacArthur Center Green. Reservations are required. Tickets include ice skate rentals.

Santa at MacArthur Center!

Address: 300 Monticello Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510
Dates: weekend before Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, 11am-7pm
Website

Santa visits will look a little different this year at MacArthur Center, but it still takes place in downtown Norfolk and promises to be no less magical. This contactless, in-person Santa experience offers a perfect family outing, where children can chat with Santa and share their wishes, all while maintaining a little extra space. It’s a magical time for families to enjoy the holiday season together.

Ornament Spectacular at the Chrysler Museum of Art

Address: 1 Memorial Pl, Norfolk, VA 23510
Dates: November to December on select days
Website
Cost: $60 – members $75 – non-members

Make your own colorful blown-glass heirloom with the help of the Perry Glass Studio Team this holiday season. Create a unique ornament when you mix colors with the help of the instructor. You even get to inflate your ornament with a special compressed air device. There is no better way to make a personalized gift for the ones you love.

Grab more things to do in Norfolk, Virginia

Hunter House Victorian Museum

Address: 240 W Freemason St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Dates: now through December 19th
Website

Jump back in time when you visit this historic Victorian house/museum that tells the story of life in the late 19th and early 20th century through the lens of the everyday experiences and artifacts left by the Hunter Family. The Hunter House Victorian Museum is decorated for the holidays throughout the season, with holiday tours and special tea events on select dates.

The Great Hermitage Holiday

Address: Hermitage Museum and Gardens, 7637 N Shore Rd, Norfolk, VA 23505
Date: Friday, December 4, 2020 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Cost: $10 – members, $12 – nonmembers
Website

The Hermitage Museum & Gardens in Norfolk, VA, hosts its annual Holiday Village. This festive event offers a delightful mix of activities for all ages, including artist-decorated holiday tree displays, holiday photo sessions with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a mini-gift market–perfect for the holiday season! Guests can also enjoy seasonal treats, a silent auction, and live music. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to support the museum’s mission.

Town Point Holiday Market

Address: Town Point Park, Waterside Drive
Date: First Saturday in December, 12pm – 8pm
Website

Head to downtown Norfolk for a festive holiday event, taking place at Town Point Park and featuring the Town Point Holiday Market. Explore themed events and shop for unique, local crafts from regional makers. Don’t forget to visit Santa’s elves for a festive photo op, and enjoy free hot chocolate. For a special treat, enjoy seasonal craft beer, mulled wine, and other holiday delights. Stick around for a free movie screening as the sun sets, making this a perfect gift for the whole family.

NEON Holiday Market

Address: The Plot, 776 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Date: December 14, 12pm – 4pm
Website

Enjoy the live music of local acoustic musicians, and shop for handmade art and wares from local artisans. There is no better way to shop local and support the community than when you check out the NEON Holiday Market.

Winterfest on the Wisconsin

Address: 1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510
Dates: Weekend before Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve
Website

Celebrate the holiday season aboard the Battleship Wisconsin at WinterFest, featuring over a million dazzling lights, a walk-through light trail, and festive holiday displays. Enjoy themed experiences like the Mistletoe Marina with seasonal treats, live entertainment, and a holiday market. Don’t miss the nightly tree lighting ceremonies, photos with Santa, and the exciting new holiday movie-themed attractions. WinterFest is the perfect family outing, offering something for everyone in a magical setting.

Norfolk Senior Holiday Lunch Cruise

Address: Departs from Nauticus, Norfolk
Date: Various dates in December
Website

Join fellow seniors for a festive holiday cruise along the Elizabeth River, complete with a delicious lunch, scenic views, and holiday cheer. Enjoy a warm, inviting atmosphere as you sail past Norfolk’s waterfront, all while savoring seasonal dishes. This family-friendly event offers a unique way to celebrate the season, perfect for seniors looking for a joyful and relaxing holiday outing.

Train Rides with Santa at the Zoo

Address: 3500 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23504
Dates: Saturdays in December, 11am-2pm
Website

Santa takes over as the Train Engineer every Saturday until Christmas when you hop aboard Train Rides with Santa at the Virginia Zoo. Every rider will receive a holiday treat, and photos are highly recommended.

Start planning how to get from DC to Norfolk this holiday season

Looking for a Norfolk hotel? Check out a few of our favorites!

Hilton Norfolk THE MAIN: #1 rated on TripAdvisor
Norfolk Waterside Marriott hotel: indoor pool, great Marriott Club amenities and close to everything
Residence Inn Norfolk Downtown: perfect for families who need a full kitchen
The Inn at Four Eleven York: Cute B&B with free parking and Wi-Fi
Courtyard Norfolk Downtown:Budget-friendly hotel right downtown
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel:outdoor pool, bike rentals and pet-friendly

Still need more options? Search for a great deal on Booking.com!

Our Favorite Airbnbs in Norfolk, VA

While you may not get the pool, these Airbnbs give you plenty of space for the whole family. You can also save money by making meals in your full kitchen at these Superhost properties.