Here is our BIG LIST of Holiday Light Displays in Hampton Roads! Daily Light Displays, Grand Illuminations, Christmas Tree Lightings and more:
If we don't have it listed it is because we don't know about it! Please submit event information for this FREE Listing On This Link!
Featured Event:
Repeating Events
MILLION BULB WALK AT NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN (NORFOLK)
Dates: November 9 - December 15, 2018, daily from 4-9pm
Where: Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd., Norfolk, VA
What: Enjoy a festive and healthy way to kick off the holidays. Walk through 2 miles of spectacular lighted displays.
Cost: Tickets are $17 (not yet members); $15 (military); $13 (Garden members); $10 (children 3 to 17); children 2 & younger are FREE.
Christmas Town™ at Busch Gardens (Williamsburg)
Dates: Opening Day for Christmas Town is November 17, 2018 and the festivities are open select dates until January 5, 2019.
Where: Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg VA
Where: Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg VA
What: The world’s most beautiful theme park is one of the largest Christmas light displays in North America. Festive food and drink, holiday shopping and heart-warming shows make the spirit of the season come alive.
Cost: Prices vary by day and promotion. Included in current membership options. Click HERE for Current Prices.
LASER LIGHT SHOW AT ABBITT PLANETARIUM (NEWPORT NEWS)
Dates: Please check schedule for all days and times. Holiday light shows run on varying dates from November 21 - December 31, 2018. Closed November 22, December 24 & 25, 2018.
Where: The Virginia Living Museum, 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601
What: From Randy Travis and James Galway to The Jackson 5 and Burl Ives we’ve got everyone’s favorite holiday classics – and even a few that might just become your favorite! Celebrate the season with the music and magic of Laser Holidays.
Cost: Daytime shows: $4 plus Museum admission/free for members. Evening shows $6 non-members, $3+ museum admission for members.
BAYPORT CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY LIGHTS MERRY MILE (VIRGINIA BEACH)
Dates: November 22, 2018 - December 30, 2018. Hours of operation are 5:30pm-10pm Sunday through Thursday, and 5:30pm-11pm Friday-Saturday.
Where: On the boardwalk beginning at 2nd Street, Virginia Beach VA
What: The lights will be turning on at the Bayport Credit Union Holiday Lights Merry Mile, bringing joy and wonder to Hampton Roads this holiday season! From November 22 through December 30, take a shiny journey into nautical, holiday, and adventure lands – all along the beautiful Virginia Beach boardwalk. Festive fish, musical crabs, and hard-working elves – all in bright, colored lights against the clear night-time sky, are the stars of The Bayport Credit Union Holiday Lights Merry Mile. They are joined by Santa, elves, and a 40-foot tall Christmas tree erected on the beach and in the beautiful parks along the Virginia Beach boardwalk. This intimate holiday light display presents fish swimming above your car, a giant castle, snow globes, and spectacular RGB light tunnels to drive through. We’ve hand-picked some of our most popular displays to feature in this “boutique” family-friendly experience.
Cost: Cars, $10 nightly. Limos: $25. Motor coaches: $45. Mini buses: $25. On “Military Mondays,” presented by Bayport Credit Union, activemilitaryreceive a 50% discount each Monday night. Military Monday tickets are $5 per car. All vehicles enter through the main entrance at 2nd Street. Cash only is accepted at the gate.
NEWPORT NEWS CELEBRATION IN LIGHTS (NEWPORT NEWS)
Dates: November 22, 2018 - January 1, 2019. The event will be open each evening, 5:30 - 10pm
Where: Newport News Park at the intersection of Ft. Eustis Blvd. and Jefferson Ave. in Newport News, VA
What: Newport News Park will be transformed by over a million individual lights, creating animated holiday and fanciful scenes. For its 26th year, the event will add special effects snow that will fall on the cars as they drive into the Winter Wonderland area on special nights. The event will also add a new Gingerbread House display and new scenes on its two giant 25’ x 16’ screens of color-changing LED lights. The Forest of Lights display area will have upgraded color-changing LED bulbs to create more complex colors and patterns on the trees. The event will be open each evening, 5:30 - 10:00 p.m., through January 1, 2019.
Cost: $12.00 per car and $60.00 per bus (cash, credit cards, and checks made payable to the City of Newport News are accepted; advance/gift tickets may be purchased at the Newport News Visitors Center)
Snow and Light Show - formerly Snow Wonders (Portsmouth)
Dates: Fridays/Saturdays, November 23, 24, 30; December 1,7,8,14,15,22,28 & 29, 2018 at 5:30pm
Where: Children's Museum of VA, High Street, Portsmouth VA
What: Bring the kids down to the Children’s Museum Friday and Saturday and plan to stay for the
magical music and light show accompanied by snow.
Cost: There is no cost for the light show as it takes place outside of the museum.
BAYPORT CREDIT UNION 25 Nights of Northern Lights (NEWPORT NEWS)
Dates: December 1 - 25, 2018 from 6-10pm. The city will host three themed North Pole Nights on December 1, 8 and 15 from 5 – 8pm with entertainment, free activities and food vendors.
Where: City Center at Oyster Point, Newport News VA
What: This holiday season City Center at Oyster Point will transform into the North Pole with a new, state-of-the-art, synchronized music and light show for the BayPort Credit Union 25 Nights of Northern Lights. On each of the 25 nights, December 1-25, visitors can enjoy a five minute, theatrical Holiday Magic Light Show, happening at the top of each hour from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This show includes the Larry King Law Holiday Show Tree, a 42’ intelligent, color/pattern changing tree unlike anything seen before in the Hampton Roads area, along with a synchronized show where lights dance around the fountain to a festive soundtrack. City Center restaurant patios will become “Jingle and Mingle” lounges with food and beverage specials, and windows throughout the venue will be filled with special holiday displays.
Special Events: The city will host three themed North Pole Nights on December 1, 8 and 15 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with entertainment, free activities and food vendors. Each of the North Pole Nights will feature Santa’s Workshop, sponsored by City Center at Oyster Point, where children can meet Mr. & Mrs. Claus and see elves at work. North Pole Nights also offer guests the opportunity to take a short trolley ride to the new Holiday Inn for photo ops in the lobby with a beautifully decorated sleigh and special gifts for kids and adults – a stuffed animal for children 5 and younger, and sweet treats for older guests.
Cost: Admission each night is free and free parking is available in the three City Center parking garages.
CBN Christmas Village (Virginia Beach)
Dates: December 6-9 and 13-15, 2018. Thursdays and Fridays 6-9pm. Saturdays 12-9pm
Where: 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23463
What: Christmas Marketplace, Rides and Attractions, Special Christmas Performances, Area's Largest, Most Spectacular Christmas Tree, Live Nativity, Santa's Cottage, Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Antique Cars & More.
Cost: Free admission
TINSEL TRAM AT DOMINION GARDEN OF LIGHTS AT NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN (Norfolk)
Dates: December 16-20, 2018
Where: Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd., Norfolk, VA 23518
Tinsel Tram Only: Ride our open-air tram through the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights. Tickets only include a tram ride. Plan to check in at the Visitor Center Front Desk before boarding. $10/person for NBG Members, $13/person for not-yet-members.
Tinsel Tram Deluxe: Visit with Santa, make a keepsake holiday ornament, and ride our open-air tram through the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights. $20/person for NBG Members, $25/person for not-yet-members.
Tinsel Tram Deluxe: Visit with Santa, make a keepsake holiday ornament, and ride our open-air tram through the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights. $20/person for NBG Members, $25/person for not-yet-members.
DOMINION GARDEN OF LIGHTS AT NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN (Norfolk)
Dates: December 16-31, 2018 from 5:30-10pm
Where: Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd., Norfolk, VA 23518
What: The garden is transformed into a winter wonderland where you can enjoy a 2-mile drive through a million sparkling lights bringing the four seasons to life.
Cost: General Admission is $25 Per Car (Monday – Thursday) and $30 Per Car (Friday, Saturday & Sunday). Members receive $5 off nightly. Limo & Multipassenger vans: $50. Specials include Military Appreciation Discount (save $1 any night of the week), City of Norfolk Employees is Monday-Thursday only ($24 per car with current employee ID Monday-Thursday only). Payment can be cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover & American Express.
Single Day Events
SPARKLE NIGHT (Newport News)
Date: Friday, November 9, 2018 from 5-7pm
Where: Marketplace at Tech Center 638 Oyster Point Rd, Newport News, VA
What: On the Green and in the Center Courtyard. Tree Lighting at Dusk, Carolers, Candy Canes, Local Dignitaries, National Anthem and Tribute to Veterans and First Responders, Hot Cocoa, Samples from Select Restaurants. Rain Date: November 10, 2018 While supplies last. Weather permitting. Events subject to change without notice.
Cost: Free
Grand Illumination at Lynnhaven Mall (Virginia Beach)
Date: Friday, November 9, 2018 from 6-8pm (Free light up item will be distributed starting at 5:30pm)
Where: Lynnhaven Mall 701 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach VA
What: Bring the whole family to Lynnhaven Mall for one of Hampton Roads beloved annual holiday traditions - the Grand Illumination. Kids and adults alike will be filled with the holiday spirit featuring live entertainment from acrobatics and stilt walkers. Children 12 & under will receive a FREE exclusive mystery light up holiday item (while supplies last) that will create enough holiday magic to welcome Santa's during his grand entrance! Santa will be available for photos and meet & greet's after from 8-9pm. Get there early for the best view.
Cost: Free
2nd Annual Tree Lighting Event (Norfolk)
Date: Friday, November 9, 2018 from 5 PM - 7 PM
Where: Center Court at Norfolk Premium Outlets, 1600 Premium Outlets Blvd Norfolk, Virginia 23502
What: Bring your family and friends as we launch the Holiday Season with Family Fun, Entertainment and the lighting of our 36' Christmas Tree! - Musical Entertainment by the Tidewater Winds Concert Band - Facepainting Elves -Holiday Stiltwalkers LED Giveaways for the kids - SANTA will need everyone's help to light our 36' Christmas Tree at 7PM -SANTA will stay for a Meet & Greet with the kids immediately following the Tree Lighting: 7 PM - 8PM
PENINSULA TOWN CENTER'S TREE LIGHTING (HAMPTON)
Dates: Saturday, November 10, 2018 from 4-7pm
Where: Peninsula Town Center, 4410 E. Claiborne Square, Hampton, VA, 23666
What: Ring in the holiday season at Peninsula Town Center with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event will take place in Town Square from 4-7PM and feature trackless train rides, live music, a military luminary ceremony, a visit from Santa and much more! Our Military Luminary Ceremony is to honor those who are currently serving or have served our country. Light a luminary in memory of or in honor of someone special to you. Visit the Peninsula Town Center tent in Town Square between4PM and5PM to register. Luminaries are available on a first come/first serve basis.
Cost: Free
Olde Town Holiday Market & Tree Lighting Ceremony (Portsmouth)
Date: Friday, November 16, 2018 from 4-8pm
Where: Children's Museum of Virginia 221 High Street, Portsmouth VA
What: Join us for our tree lighting in the mall area adjacent to the Children's Museum of Virginia. We will have music and snow from Snow Wonders as we kick off the holiday season for the Portsmouth Museums. There will be pretend snowballs on hand for snowball fights and creative play.
SUFFOLK GRAND ILLUMINATION (SUFFOLK)
Date: Friday, November 16, 2018 from 6-8pm
Where: Market Park at Seaboard Station Railroad Museum, 326 North Main Street, Suffolk, VA
What: The 2018 Holiday Season officially begins in Suffolk on Friday, November 16, with the Suffolk Grand Illumination Ceremony at Market Park in Downtown Suffolk. The event rings in the holidays with the park opening at 6 p.m. Watch the 32' tree light up when the switch is flipped at 6:15 p.m., illuminating Suffolk for the holiday season. Be there when Santa arrives in style (around 6:30 p.m.), and enjoy seasonal music courtesy of local choirs. Be sure to bring along your camera to capture your children's smiling faces as they whisper their Christmas wishes to Santa Claus. Stick around to purchase tasty treats from local vendors, as your children decorate their letter to Santa and visit the Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum. There will also be horse and carriage rides available for purchase!
Cost: Free
Grand Illumination Parade (Norfolk)
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018 from 7-8pm
Where: Downtown Norfolk VA
What: The 34th Annual Grand Illumination Parade, "The Lights Are Bright On Broadway,” will take place in Downtown Norfolk on Saturday, November 17 at7pm, bringing thousands of spectators out to take in the beauty, magic, and electric holiday spirit.
Cost: Attendance is free, VIP seating is available
CHARITY HOLIDAY LIGHT STROLL (NEWPORT NEWS) - SOLD OUT
Dates: Tuesday, November 20, 20178 from 5-7:30pm
Where: Newport News Park at the intersection of Ft. Eustis Blvd. and Jefferson Ave. in Newport News, VA
What: The Center for Child & Family Services Holiday Light Stroll presented by Langley Federal Credit Union will be held on Tuesday, November 20th from 5 to 7:30pm at Newport News Celebration in Lights (over 1 million colorful Holiday Lights is a 2 mile leisurely walk through the lights). Participants meet at Woodside High School in Newport News for a short bus ride (2 miles) to the entrance of the park, where you will walk 2 miles through the wonderful holiday displays, where a short return walk trip to the High School. There are vendors, live music and Santa and his friends! What a way to kick off the Holiday Season!
Cost: SOLD OUT
FOUNDERS INN ANNUAL ILLUMINATION (Virginia Beach)
Dates: Sunday, November 25, 2018 from 2-6:30pm
Where: The Founders Inn and Spa, 5641 Indian River Rd, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464
What: Start the Holiday Season Off Right by Attending Founders Annual Illumination Event! Activities to include: Puppet Caravan, Cultural Dancers, Christmas Choirs in the Atrium, Pictures with Santa, Strolling Entertainment, Face-Painting and Balloon Artistry, Horse-drawn Carriage (weather permitting). At 6pm, don't miss a reading of "The Christmas Story" followed by the "Illumination" of the English Gardens. This event is one you won't want to miss and is fun for the whole family! Free and Open to the public.
Cost: Free and open to the public
Rockefeller In Ocean View (Norfolk)
Date: Sunday, November 25, 2018 from 4-6pm
Where: Ocean View Park, 100 W Ocean View Ave, Norfolk VA 23503
What: Santa will be coming to the OV Park Gazebo.....Entire event is FREE. Civic Leagues, WHRO and businesses are providing books, treats and fun. It is a perfect way to start the holidays.
Cost: Free
THE PORT WARWICK HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING (Newport News)
Dates: Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 5:30pm
Where: Port Warwick, 3100 William Styron Square North, Newport News VA
What: The kids will love visiting with Santa after he lights up the holiday tree! Enjoy live entertainment, face painting, enjoy free hot pretzels while they last, and other goodies!
Cost: Free
TOWN OF SMITHFIELD CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING (Smithfield)
Date: Friday, November 30, 3018 at 5:30pm
Where: Smithfield Times Gazebo, 228 Main Street, Smithfield VA
What: This magical holiday evening begins with the Womens Club of Smithfield’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Smithfield Times Gazebo featuring music by local children’s choruses and the official tree lighting followed by light refreshments of cookies and hot chocolate. Immediately afterwards downtown merchants will illuminate their shops as a drum corps marches by. The shops will stay open until 8:00 p.m. so visitors can vote for their favorite light display and be sure to stop by the Isle of Wight Museum to meet Old St. Nick himself between 6-8pm.
Cost: Free
Yorktown Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Yorktown)
Date: Friday, November 30, 2018 at 6:30pm. Tree lighting begins at 8:30
Where: Yorktown Victory Monument 331 Water Street Yorktown, VA 23690
Where: Yorktown Victory Monument 331 Water Street Yorktown, VA 23690
What: This community tradition goes all the way back to 1945. That's the year that Reverend Claud G. Barkley, Pastor of Yorktown Baptist Church, and staff from the County Clerk’s office, decorated a cedar tree that stood at the corner of Main and Ballard Streets. The York County Historical Committee works hard to keep this ritual going! The tree that is used today is a 20-foot artificial commercial “Giant Everest Fir” tree placed down in Riverwalk Landing. Everyone is invited to gather at the Yorktown Victory Monument by 6:30 p.m. for live music including a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town. From there, the procession will make its way from the Victory Monument to Riverwalk Landing, where the tree lighting ceremony will begin. Make sure you stay for a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus who will visit with children to hear all those wish lists!
Cost: Free
Cost: Free
GHENT ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING (Norfolk)
Date: Friday, November 30, 2018
Where: Blair Middle School, Colley & Spotswood Avenues, Norfolk VA
What: Ghent’s Holiday Open House Weekend starts with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in front of Blair Middle School on Colley Avenue. Join your friends from the Ghent Business Association for a family-friendly event to help spread the holiday spirit throughout Ghent. Enjoy music and caroling from area school groups. Warm up with hot chocolate and cookies. And, there will be a special appearance by Santa Claus as he helps light the tree.
Cost: Free
Christmas in Cradock (Portsmouth)
Date: December 1, 2018 2-5pm
Where: Afton Square Park, 45 Afton Square Portsmouth, VA
What: Join the Cradock community, celebrating its centennial anniversary, in bringing in the holidays with joyful tidings. Bring the kiddies to see Santa Claus and for the lighting of the Christmas Tree. For more information, contact David Somers at 757-613-8254.
12TH ANNUAL PUNGO VILLAGE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING (Virginia Beach)
Date: Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 4-6pm (Rain date December 2, 2018 4-6pm)
Where: Corner of Indian River Rd and Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach VA
What: Music, Singing, Hot Chocolate & Goodies Special Appearance by Santa! Bring your blankets and chairs.
Cost: Free
YORKTOWN LIGHTED BOAT PARADE (Yorktown)
Dates: Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 6-8pm. The Boat Parade starts at7pm
Where: Yorktown, VA Waterfront
What: Following the Christmas Market on Main, the waterfront will light up with a spectacular community tradition - the Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade! Pre-parade festivities start at 6 and include caroling around a beach bonfire, a musical performance by the Fifes & Drums of York Town, and complimentary hot cider..... As an added safety precaution, families are encouraged to bring flashlights to assist in navigation around town at night.
Cost: Free
Lights On- Illumination of Historic Hilton Village (Newport News)
Date: Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 6-9pm
Address: Hilton Village, Warwick Blvd and Main Street, Newport News VA
What: Once you get them untangled, holiday lights set the perfect scene for a community-wide Winter Wonderland! Join us December 1st as we illuminate Historic Hilton Village, including the Business District- That’s right, everyone is encouraged to spread the HOLIDAY CHEER!
Cost: Free
PHOEBUS ANNUAL ILLUMINATION (Hampton)
Date: Friday, December 7, 2018 at 5-9pm
Where: Sly Clyde Ciderworks 207 E Mellen St, Hampton, Virginia 23663
What: Join us for the 7th Annual Phoebus Holiday Illumination Friday, December 7, 2018, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a special holiday tree lighting at 8 p.m. Phoebus will be filled with a variety of holiday-themed crafts, food and music. Santa and Lucky the Dinosaur will be in attendance and the weather forecast is calling for SNOW on Mellen Street! The first 250 kids will receive FREE “The Night Before Christmas” coloring books. Also, Paul Richardson from MAX Media’s 92.9 The WAVE will be onsite with giveaways and more! Don't miss a special reading of "The Night Before Christmas," by Mayor Tuck! Also, for those 21 and over adult beverages will be available for purchase.
Cost: Free
DOWNTOWN HAMPTON LIGHTED BOAT PARADE (Hampton)
Dates: Friday, December 7, 2018 from 6-9pm. Boats sail at7pm.
Where: on the Downtown Hampton Oceanfront.
What: Cruise into the spirit of the holiday season. This highly anticipated parade of illuminated power and sail boats will be visible from anywhere along the Hampton River, however spectators wanting to hear the narration will want to find a spot near the Hampton Maritime Center.
Cost: Free
Neighborhood Light Displays
2018 Fallen Hero's Tree
Dates: The tree will be lit on the evening of November 25, 2018
Where: Located at 2000 Brians Lane in Suffolk. Will be lit November 25th and stay lit until January 2019.
What: Each ornament on the tree has a name of a firefighter or police officer who died in the line of duty in 2018. Everyone is welcome.
Christmas on Mansion Cross Light
Dates: 2018 TBA but the Facebook page says to stay tuned
Where: 2221 Mansion Cross Lane in Virginia Beach (Just off of London Bridge Rd., across from Hunt Club Farm).
What: This year they will be adding more lights this year and DOUBLING the number of houses. That brings us to a total of 6 houses synced to music for your enjoyment.
Cost: Free
Holt Family Lights
Dates: No Update yet for 2018
Where: 705 Tallahassee Dr, Chesapeake VA
What: Holiday Light Display
Piazza Family Christmas Lights
Dates: This display is happening in 2018, dates TBA
Where: 913 Pleasant Ridge Drive Chesapeake, VA 23322
What: Holiday Light Display
Priest Family Christmas
Dates: This display is happening in 2018, dates TBA
Where: 820 Sydenham Blvd Chesapeake, Virginia
What: ChristmasPalooza featuring thousands of bright lights and characters--synchronized to music which can be heard on your radio or out on the sidewalks.Watch out for the Grinch--he's always trying to swipe our lights!
Scroggins Family Christmas Light Show
Dates: This display is happening in 2018, dates TBA
Where: 905 Deer Crossing Chesapeake, VA
What: We are a family in Chesapeake who put on a Christmas Light show from the day after Thanksgiving to December 31st.
Sheeley Family Lights
Dates: Thanksgiving through New Year's Day!
Where: 703 Ava Ct, Chesapeake VA
What: Holiday Light Display. Grand Illumination November 22, 2018 at 6:30pm
Cost: Free - donations will be accepted for the Eliza Hope Foundation
Stern Family Holiday Light Show
Dates: This display is happening in 2018, dates TBA
Where: 108 Sheffield Way, Newport News VA
What: Holiday light display
Woodland Christmas Wonderland
Dates: November 23, through the holiday season
Where: 4028 Woodland Drive, Chesapeake VA
What: light display runs throughout the holiday season and is free to the public. Donations for the Portsmouth Humane Society are accepted on site.
Looking for your local neighborhood light displays? Check out www.tackylighttour.com
Looking for local family fun? Be sure to check out our lists of Activities, Athletics, Resources and of course our Daily Calendar of FUN in Hampton Roads!
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