NORFOLK, Va. — Winter festivities are underway across Hampton Roads as we near the end of the year.
There is no shortage of events happening in the area. From holiday lights to ballet performances and even a festive bar crawl, there's something for everyone.
Here's a breakdown of some holiday events coming to each of the seven cities in Hampton Roads:
Chesapeake:
Fa La La Land at Chesapeake City Hall on Dec. 16
This outdoor winter wonderland is sure to entertain the whole family. Fa La La Land runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16.
The highlight of the event is the chance to pet baby goats dressed head to hoof for the festive occasion. Visitors can also catch performances from carolers and ballerinas that will be on stage. Holiday characters, including Santa Claus, will be roaming around the grounds as guests treat themselves to face painting and holiday-themed treats from the food trucks.
From 6 to 9 p.m. every day until the new year, Chesapeake's drive-through light display will be illuminating outside city hall. Attendees can enjoy the lights all in the comfort of their car.
If you're burnt out on the traditional holiday lights, Triple R Ranch has just the display to corral you in. With some western flare, the ranch is holding its Christmas In The Country. The annual display is a free, drive-through event that families can visit at any time until Dec. 23.
"Get ready to jingle all the way to Triple R Ranch! 🎅🌟 Christmas in the Country is back, and we're bringing the festive vibes, farm-style! 🚜✨," organizers posted online.
From 5 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16, attendees will have a chance to purchase a Dine-in Meal with Hayride. Reservations are encouraged and can be made online here. Then on Dec. 15, 16, 22 and 23 between 5 and 8 p.m., visitors can get cozy with Drive-thru Hot Drinks and Snack.
Hampton:
Lighted Boat Parade on Dec. 16
Festive ships will illuminate the Hampton River during the Lighted Boat Parade from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. It wraps up with an awards ceremony at 8 p.m. and a special visit from Santa who will be at the Downtown Hampton docks off Settlers Landing Road. The Doorway Singers and Melody and Co. DJ will be playing tunes at 2 p.m. before the ships set sail. There will also be a Hampton Queen cruise running from 11 to 1 p.m. before docking and welcoming people to tour the vessel during an open house from 2 to 9 p.m.
Holiday Cookie Decorating on Dec. 16
Willow Woods Equine Sanctuary in Hampton is inviting families to an "enchanting experience" at 3 p.m. on Dec. 16. It will include cookie decorating with Santa Claus, photo-ops with horses and a cozy movie viewing of everyone's favorite green scoundrel -- the Grinch. For more details on the event and to purchase a ticket, visit the event's online page here.
Holiday Wonder Walk on Dec. 18
From 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 18, animated displays, large-scale props and lights will line the Hampton's Water Walk Trail near the Coliseum. While strolling on the trail, attendees will pass lighted bridges, several activities for kids, some grub and "other surprises along the way," the event's page reads.
Newport News:
Cirque Dreams Holidaze on Dec. 19
Prepare to be dazzled with the Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Christopher Newport University's Ferguson Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. The show fuses a Broadway-style production and contemporary circus arts for a whimsical performance. "With an original musical score, twists on holiday classics sung live, and with new sets, scenery, and storylines, this ultimate holiday gift for the entire family is sure to put a twinkle in your eye," organizers said. Tickets can be purchased online here.
For a unique experience, Newport News welcomes residents inside two historic homes for a blast to the past. Through Dec. 30, the Newport News Parks and Recreation Department is offering special seasonal tours of the historic residences.
The Virginia Living Museum is spreading holiday cheer through its planetarium shows. Daytime shows will be available through Dec. 31, while evening shows are only offered until Dec. 23. For more details on the shows, visit the museum's website here.
"Holiday Magic laser show brings your favorite seasonal songs to life or you can unravel the mystery of the Christmas Star in Star Of Wonder," according to the city's website.
Norfolk:
Watch the haunting story of Ebenezer Scrooge told on stage during Norfolk's A Merry Christmas Carol. The musical performance at Wells Theater features "inventive theatricality incorporating traditional holiday music harmonizing to produce a tour de force of laughter, hope, and the magic of the season." Tickets for the show running until Dec. 24 can be purchased online.
Hip Hop Nutcracker on Dec. 28
A holiday classic is getting a twist in Norfolk this season. Tchaikovsky’s beloved "The Nutcracker" is "re-mixed and re-imagined" in "The Hip Hop Nutrcracker." The family-friendly show will feature a dozen dancers, a violinst, a DJ and hip-hop star and rapper Kurtis Blow who will open the show at Chrysler Hall.
Many families cozy up on their couch and watch their favorite seasonal classic ahead of Christmas. This year, Norfolk's Naro Expanded Cinema will be showing several holiday favorites leading up to Christmas. The films being shown on the big screen include A Christmas Story, Home Alone, Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol, White Chrismas and the beloved It's a Wonderful Life. For exact showtimes, check out the theater's website here.
Portsmouth
Take a stroll through Norfolk Country Feed & Seed and feel the magic of Christmas. The store is "decorated head to toe in memorabilia from 1940s through present day," according to the event's website. Beyond the decor, Santa Claus will be making a visit on some Fridays and Saturdays between 3 and 7 p.m. leading up to Dec. 22. If you don't make it to the shop before Christmas, don't worry as organizers say the "unique experience" will be up until Dec. 29.
The past and present of Christmas come together in the Winter Wonderland: The Coleman Nursery Collection at the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center. From animated scenes of Christmas trees and lights to ice skaters and caroling villagers, the display is "a nostalgic, holiday-themed visual treat for young and old alike," the event's page reads. It runs until New Year's Eve day.
Climb aboard the Pokey Smokey and take a spin around Portsmouth City Park to see the lights glowing during the Holiday Nights at City Park. Lights will illuminate the playground while holiday activities and food vendors are on-site. The event runs Saturdays and Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 30.
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Suffolk:
Virginia Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Brass on Dec. 15
Join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra on Dec. 15 for their holiday spectacular at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. The performance features seasonal songs and traditional carols. Adult tickets range from $35 to $40 while tickets for anyone 15 and younger are $18.
"Experience the festive sounds of the season in a concert filled with wit, virtuosity, and the glorious music of the holidays—featuring the VSO brass and percussion sections in an all-new program," according to the city's website.
For the next several weeks, the Suffolk Art Gallery will be hosting its Winter Exhibit: Stories in Stitches where many quilts will be on display. All the quilts were created by the 54-40 African American Quilters Guild -- the only African-American guild in the state. The gallery is open until Jan. 26, 2024.
Suffolk's Sleepy Hole Park is once again glowing with the return of the annual Festival of Lights. The drive-thru event that spans 1.2 miles of the park is open every evening leading up to Christmas. "This free, festive, drive-thru light show is sure to spark your holiday spirit!" according to organizers.
Virginia Beach:
Ballet Virginia's The Nutcracker on Dec. 15
From Dec. 15-17, ballet lovers will get a chance to see the "The Nutcracker" come to life at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. Over 100 dancers from Ballet Virginia will be performing the "dreamy and entertaining holiday production." Tickets can be purchased online and range from $45 to $65 for adults and $25 for children.
The Christmas Bar Crawl on Dec. 16
Virginia Beach's Harpoon Larry's Oyster Bar and Crawl With Us is leading a festive bar crawl on Saturday, Dec. 16 that will venture to six-plus venues. Organizers expect more than 200 people to participate in the crawl, which includes two to three drinks or shots with the purchase of a ticket. The brewpub is donating a percentage of the proceeds to Toys For Tots. For more information, visit the event's website.
Holiday Tale for Two on Dec. 18
The Virginia Beach SPCA will be holding a special reading dubbed "Holiday Tale for Two" where attendees will have a chance to not only hear a holiday story but to interact with some of the shelter animals. Plus, visitors will help make treats for the animals. "During this magical time, get to know a few animals up close before listening to a holiday tale read by our festive host," according to event organizers. It is all happening at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18. Tickets can be purchased online here.
