Grand Illumination, Hot Cocoa Wars and More This Weekend

On Saturday, Nov. 23, Downtown Norfolk welcomes thousands of visitors to its 38th Annual Grand Illumination Parade and 10th Annual Hot Cocoa Wars.

CHART YOUR COURSE

Our city is your city. Use the menu below to customize your Norfolk experience.

How Do You Say Norfolk?

Nor-FOLK? NOR-fik? NAW-fik? NOR-FUK? Here’s the verdict.

Norfolk, VA

Norfolk, Virginia is a city on the water, but never watered down. Built on character, by characters, we’re a melting pot of people, cultures, and ideas.

Downtown

Norfolk’s walkable, waterfront downtown is the urban hub of the city full of shopping, entertainment, restaurants and excitement!

Historic Freemason District

The city’s oldest standing neighborhood, Historic Freemason features beautiful tree-lined cobblestone streets, manicured gardens, historic homes and water views.

NEON DISTRICT

The creative center of the city, NEON’s 80+ pieces of public art, live performances and eclectic restaurants are destined to inspire.

GHENT

Ghent is filled with character, culture and delicious cuisine — not to mention tons of eclectic eateries, unique shops, art galleries and antique stores.

Chelsea

Chelsea is one of the most walkable and bikeable neighborhoods in the city, with the celebrated Elizabeth River Trail (ERT) passing through the center.

park place / Railroad district

Lined with local breweries, eateries and street murals, the industrial neighborhoods of Park Place/Railroad District are sure to get any visit on the right track.

Riverview

From zoo animals to wildly delicious restaurants, the LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood of Riverview truly has something for everyone.

Larchmont / lochhaven

Next door to Old Dominion University, Larchmont and Lochhaven are home to history, local restaurants, outdoor fun and perfect water views.

Oceanview

The relaxing beachside communities of Ocean View and East Beach are the perfect place to unwind with fresh seafood, sand and sun!

Military Highway

Ideal for people on the move, Military Highway plays host to Norfolk International Airport and an abundance of shopping options.

What’s happening

What’s Happening This Week

Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon, Grand Illumination Parade, Desi Banks, ODU football and more events happening this week in Norfolk, VA.
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What to Do This November in Norfolk

Norfolk has an amazing lineup of events for November 2024! The city is filled with festive events, live music, markets and more!
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Norfolk’s Brew Hop Pass

With the NFK Brew Hop pass, it is easier than ever to explore our local craft beer scene and taste your way through our city. Passes are delivered through text and email and are instantly redeemable!
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Events

Every season is event season in Norfolk. See what’s on deck.

Oct182024
Apr122025

Admirals Hockey

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Nov152024
Jan012025

Winterfest on the Wisconsin

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Nov212024

A Very Merry Musical Market

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Mar142024
Dec192024

Trivia Thursdays

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Oct182024
Apr122025

Norfolk Admirals Hockey 2024-25

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Sep272024
May102025

MAMA-Girl! Retrospective Exhibit

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Feb082024
Dec052024

Thursday Open Mic Night

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Aug272024
Jan252025

dollhaus: Reimagining the Domestic Space

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Nov182024
Dec312024

Elf Door Discovery

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Nov082024
Jan052025

Dominion Energy Garden of Lights – 30th Anniversary

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Apr132024
Jan052025

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE: PICTURING MARITIME CULTURE IN HAMPTON ROADS

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Nov222024

Monica with Special Guest 112

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Nov152024
Dec012024

A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes

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Mar082024
Dec272024

Friday Night Live Music at COVA

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Nov222024

Monica with special guest 112

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Nov232024

38th Annual Grand Illumination Parade

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Nov232024

Downtown Norfolk Tours

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Nov232024

Mistletoe Market at Wells Theater

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Nov232024

Toddler Yoga

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Nov232024

Desi Banks The Purpose Chaser Tour

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Nov232024

ODU vs. Marshall

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Nov232024
Nov302024

The 10th Annual Great Hot Cocoa War in Downtown Norfolk

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Nov232024
Nov242024

Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon

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Nov232024

Desi Banks

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Jun012024
Nov232024

East Beach Farmers Market (Weekly)

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Nov232024
Nov242024

Chartway Norfolk Harbor Race Weekend

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May052024
Dec212024

Board Game Sunday’s at COVA

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Jul212024
Jun152025

Industry Night at COVA

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Mar032024
Dec012024

Sunday Dog Day at Botanical Gardens

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Nov242024

Thanksgiving Market at Afterglow Brewing

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Nov242024

High Wire Act (Comedy without a Net)

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Jul152024
Dec302024

Beat the Monday Blues with Brews (and pizza)!

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Mar182024
Dec232024

Music Bingo

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Apr152024
Apr152025

Tidewater Blues Monday Night Blues Dancing

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Jul152024
Dec162024

Downtown Norfolk Civic League

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Jun182024
Dec172024

Trivia Night Hosted by Beach Trivia

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Nov262024

Yoga At Maker’s Craft Brewery

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Nov272024

Pierce The Veil

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Mar062024
Dec042024

Klassic Doughnut Wednesday’s

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Nov272024

Pierce The Veil

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Nov282024

A Yogi Thanksgiving

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Nov292024
Dec292024

Miracle Pop-Up!

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Nov292024

The Improv Riot All-Star Comedy Show

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Nov302024

Norfolk Candle Small Business Saturday

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Nov302024

THREE Year Birthday Par-tay!

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Nov302024

VSO: A Gospel Christmas

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Dec012024

History Speaks: Let’s Have a Ball

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Dec022024

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

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Dec032024

Prenatal

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Dec032024

The Kingdom Choir

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Dec032024

STL Book Club – Living Tidal

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Dec042024

Oyster Ornament Workshop

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Dec042024
Dec292024

A Sherlock Carol

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Dec052024

DISNEY ON ICE

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Dec052024
Dec082024

Disney on Ice: Let’s Dance

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Dec052024

The Nutcracker World Ballet Company

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Dec062024
Dec142024

Holiday Cabaret: The Eras Show

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Dec062024
Dec082024

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

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Dec062024
Dec242024

Naro Cinema Festive Features for the Holidays

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Dec062024

Ghent Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

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Dec062024

CECE WINANS CHRISTMAS

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The Latest

Read our blog for the latest — and greatest — happenings in the city.

2024 December Events

The final month of 2024 is packed with holiday fests, concerts, happenings and more. @nofolkadmirals Norfolk…
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One Grand Weekend: Hot Cocoa Wars and a Parade

@cityofnorfolkva What are you doing the weekend before Thanksgiving –…
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CHRYSLER MUSEUM Heats up with Ignite: Ooh, La La, More Events

The Chrysler Museum of Art announces an…
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Norfolk 2024-25 Cruise Schedule

As renovations continue at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center this fall, we’re eagerly…
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Reimagine Nauticus Opens Nov. 9

After a comprehensive redesign of all its exhibit and visitor experience areas, Nauticus invites the…
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Norfolk’s Holiday Gift Guide

Norfolk is a one-stop shop for all your holiday gift-buying needs this season. From the locally-focused Selden…
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Festivals in Norfolk

Norfolk plays host to plenty of extraordinary festivals and special events, providing entertaining and culturally enriched…
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Experience Military History and Pageantry in Prince William and Norfolk, Virginia

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