2026 Holiday Experiences Gift Guide for Hampton Roads

Give experiences, not stuff! Our 2026 Holiday Experiences Gift Guide rounds up local, giftable experiences for the whole season: memberships, classes, camps, tickets and outings from Hampton Roads businesses and attractions. Check back through December, because we add new ideas as they come in.

Featured Gift Experiences

SponsoredHoliday Featured Gift IdeaStorybook StudiosHoliday Mini Sessions Nov. 22nd1320 Kempsville Rd., Ste 108Three unique sets, each with its own rustic Christmas charm! Our 15-minute mini sessions include portraits of the whole family & individual portraits. Very limited slots.Register Now

SponsoredHoliday Featured Gift IdeaThe Hermitage Museum & GardensGive the gift of art & nature!7637 North Shore Road, Norfolk VA 23505Purchase a Hermitage Museum gift membership by December 15 & your recipient will receive two bonus months of membership (14 months total) plus a Holiday print & postcard bundle.Learn More

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More Gift Experiences

Experiences outlast toys. Each idea below links to a category in our local directory or to one of our guides, so you can compare options near you.

Editorial pickGift DirectoryMusic Classes & LessonsGive Music LessonsLessons and classes for kids and teens: a gift of music that keeps going long after the holidays.Browse music lessons

Editorial pickGift DirectoryArt ClassesGive Art ClassesGive time to create: classes where kids make something of their own, not something more to store.Browse art classes

Editorial pickGift DirectoryAnimals & NatureGive Nature ExperiencesAnimals, outdoors and hands-on nature programs: time outside in place of another gadget.Browse animals & nature

Editorial pickGift DirectoryScouting ProgramsGive the Adventure of ScoutingTroops and youth programs bring friends, new skills and outdoor adventure all year long.Browse scouting programs

Editorial pickGift DirectoryDance ClassesGive Dance ClassesA season of dance builds confidence, coordination and friendships.Browse dance classes

Editorial pickGift DirectoryBasketballGive a Season of BasketballTeamwork, fitness and a gym full of friends.Browse basketball programs

Editorial pickGift DirectorySoccerGive a Season of SoccerA season on the pitch means fresh air, practice and teammates.Browse soccer programs

Editorial pickGift DirectoryFootballGive a Season of FootballPractice, game days and teammates: a season of football builds teamwork and confidence.Browse football programs

Editorial pickGift DirectoryBaseball & SoftballGive a Season of Baseball or SoftballBatting practice, team spirit and a whole season to look forward to.Browse baseball & softball

Editorial pickGift DirectoryGymnasticsGive Gymnastics ClassesStrength, balance and tumbling skills with a coach nearby.Browse gymnastics programs

Editorial pickGift DirectorySwimming & DivingGive Swimming LessonsA skill that lasts a lifetime, and a confidence builder in the water.Browse swimming lessons

Editorial pickGift DirectoryMuseums & Historical PlacesGive the Gift of History & LearningMuseums, historic sites and hands-on exhibits turn a gift into a day out, or a membership that lasts all year.Browse museums & historical places

Editorial pickGift DirectoryGaming Fun in Hampton RoadsGive the Gift of GamingVideo games, board games, arcades and more: our guide covers places to play and upcoming gaming events.Read the gaming guide

Editorial pickGift DirectoryIndoor PlaygroundsGive the Gift of Indoor PlayRoom to climb, crawl and burn off energy when the weather will not cooperate.Browse indoor playgrounds

Editorial pickGift DirectoryUpcoming PerformancesGive Tickets to an Upcoming ShowAn evening out at a local performance is a gift kids remember long after the holidays.See upcoming performances

Editorial pickGift DirectorySummer CampsGive the Gift of Camp!Give the Gift of Summer Camp and New Experiences! Farm Camp, STEM Camp, Art Camp, and so much more.Learn More

Gift Ideas by Interest

Classes, lessons and programs make gifts that last past January. Browse local options by interest:

• Museums & historical places (memberships make great gifts)
• Art classes
• Acting & theater programs
• Music classes & lessons
• Animals & nature programs
• Horseback riding
• Just for fun: play spaces and activities
• Infant & toddler programs
• Local athletic programs for kids

Plan the Fun Around the Gift

Pair a gift with a day out. Browse the Daily Events Calendar, see holiday performances, or open the 2026 Holiday Event Guide for lights, Santa visits, crafts and parades.

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