The holiday season is here, and with it brings a whole host of fun activities! Norfolk is known for its unique holiday events, from dazzling light displays to parades on both the streets and water. Here are some unique activities and events to spice up your holiday season.
WinterFest on the Wisconsin
Celebrate the holidays at Nauticus! This season will shine even brighter as WinterFest on the Wisconsin returns with more than 1 million lights! WinterFest on the Wisconsin is celebrating this season with an all-new holiday movie theme. A towering 35-foot-tall leg lamp, a larger-than-life Ralphie (complete with his pink bunny suit), two Grinch “takeover” nights, and an elaborate new train display featuring everyone’s favorite elf are just some of the additions that make this season’s WinterFest bigger and brighter than ever! WinterFest opens Nov. 15, 2024 and runs through Jan. 1, 2025.
Downtown Norfolk
Downtown Norfolk is illuminated for the holiday season! Buildings are decked with holiday lights, big, red bows adorn streetlamps, windows glow with cheery displays (check out VisitNorfolk’s Visitor Center window!), giant Christmas trees tower over passersby in city squares, and festive art lines historic Granby Street.
Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden
If you thought the Norfolk Botanical Garden was magical during the daytime, just wait until you see it at night during the holidays. Twinkling lights transform the garden into a holiday wonderful complete with various themes, configurations and even some familiar characters along the way. The magically designed route is sure to please with new lighting features including a spectacular lighting display highlighting our NATO Tower. The path will take you through portions of the Garden for an immersive experience that will lead back to the main parking lot. This year, check out the display between Nov. 8, 2024 and Jan. 5, 2025.
Grand Illumination Parade
Norfolk’s Grand Illumination Parade that takes place every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, bringing thousands of spectators out to the streets of Downtown Norfolk to take in the beauty, magic, and electric holiday spirit to kick off the season. This year, the 38th Annual Grand Illumination Parade takes place in Downtown Norfolk on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 7 p.m. The theme of this year’s parade is “Retro Wonderland,” so get ready to see the streets filled with all things holiday!
Holiday Yule Log Bonfire & Christmas Marketplace
Shop local, visit Santa, and welcome in the holiday season at the 9th Annual Holiday Yule Log Bonfire & Christmas Marketplace on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from noon to 8 p.m. at Town Point Park along the Downtown Waterfront Norfolk. The free event features an expansive shopping experience showcasing local small businesses and artisans, a cozy bonfire, a live ice carving demonstration, seasonal cocktails and warm beverages, plus free Santa Claus visits, all in a beautiful, snowy winter wonderland along the Elizabeth River.
This year, the event also presents even more specialty, family-friendly entertainment. Look for the Santa Express train rides, fun and games with DJ Melody, holiday-themed arts and crafts, meet and greets with Disney princesses and much more. Last year, the event added a Sensory Inclusive Zone, a dedicated area for those wanting a break from the noise, action and crowds. The area will be staffed and be designated for families with special needs.
Miracle Pop-Up Bar at Waterside
A Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar offering seasonal drinks in a festive setting. Featuring over-the-top decor, holiday-inspired cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the BEST office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle on Waterside Drive is the place to imbibe this season.
This year, enjoy a new mug and more Instagram-able moments for even more holiday cheer all season long!
Miracle on Waterside Drive will have a soft opening with very limited reservations on Saturday, November 23, during the Grand Illumination Parade. The bar will officially open Friday, November 29 running until Sunday, December 29. Reservations are first come-first served. Book your experience here.
