Step into a musical time machine with Holiday Cabaret: The Era Show! This festive cabaret will take you through the decades, featuring a mix of classic holiday tunes and modern pop hits. It’s a celebration of music, joy, and the spirit of the season, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair. Whether you’re singing along to timeless carols or dancing to today’s holiday anthems, this show is packed with heartwarming moments and plenty of holiday cheer.
Based on the beloved popular children’s book by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER is the funny, heartwarming, and mildly irreverent story of what happens when a church play is hijacked by six of the ‘absolutely worst kids in the history of the world’. A holiday tradition, this event is presented with Happy Hanukkah, My Friend; a short program celebrating the Festival of Lights.
In addition to our line up of new theatrical releases, we’ve put together a “Festive Features” series of popular seasonal classics for running from December 6th through 24th, including our perennial audience favorite It’s A Wonderful Life showing as a double-feature with A Christmas Story.
Elf
Friday, December 6th at 8:15pm
Saturday, December 7th at 1pm
Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results. Directed by Jon Favreau. (1Hr, 37Min)
Love Actually
Saturday, December 7th at 8:15pm!
20th Anniversary 4K Restoration!
Nine intertwined stories examine the complexities of the one emotion that connects us all: Love. Among the characters explored are David (Hugh Grant), the handsome newly elected British prime minister who falls for a young junior staffer (Martine McCutcheon), Sarah (Laura Linney), a graphic designer whose devotion to her mentally ill brother complicates her love life, and Harry (Alan Rickman), a married man tempted by his attractive new secretary. Also starring Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson and more. (2003, R, 135mins)
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
Thursday, December 12th at 8pm!
A young boy named Pietari (Onni Tommila) and his friend Juuso (Ilmari Järvenpää) think a secret mountain drilling project near their home in northern Finland has uncovered the tomb of Santa Claus. However, this a monstrous, evil Santa, much unlike the cheery St. Nick of legend. When Pietari’s father (Jorma Tommila) captures a feral old man (Peeter Jakobi) in his wolf trap, the man may hold the key to why reindeer are being slaughtered and children are disappearing. This darkly comic gem quickly became required perennial holiday viewing. In English and Finnish. (2010, R, 85mins)
Trading Places
Friday, December 13th at 8:15pm!
Upper-crust executive Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd) and down-and-out hustler (and broken-down Santa Claus) Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) are the subjects of a bet by successful brokers Mortimer (Don Ameche) and Randolph Duke (Ralph Bellamy). An employee of the Dukes, Winthorpe is framed by the brothers for a crime he didn’t commit, with the siblings then installing the street-smart Valentine in his position. When Winthorpe and Valentine uncover the scheme, they set out to turn the tables on the Dukes. (1983, R, 1h 56m)
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Saturday, Dec. 14th at and Sunday, Dec. 15th at 1pm!
The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Other Muppets — Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear and Sam the Eagle — weave in and out of the story, while Scrooge receives visits from spirits of three Christmases — past, present and future. They show him the error of his self-serving ways, but the miserable old man seems to be past any hope of redemption and happiness. Directed by Brian Henson. (1992, 1h, 25m)
Home Alone
Saturday, December 14th at 8:15pm!
When bratty 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) acts out the night before a family trip to Paris, his mother (Catherine O’Hara) makes him sleep in the attic. After the McCallisters mistakenly leave for the airport without Kevin, he awakens to an empty house and assumes his wish to have no family has come true. But his excitement sours when he realizes that two con men (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) plan to rob the McCallister residence, and that he alone must protect the family home. Directed by John Hughes. (1Hr,42 Min)
Die Hard
Friday, December 20th at 9:15pm!
Enjoy some holiday excitement watching this iconic thriller starring Bruce Willis as a NYPD officer trying to save his wife (Bonnie Bedelia) and others taken hostage at a Christmas party by a band of terrorists led by the late great actor Alan Rickman. Die Hard won two Academy Awards (Best Sound, Best Film Editing) and was a nominee for two more for visual and sound effects. (1988, R, 132m)
Gremlins
Saturday, December 21st at 9:15pm!
Seeking a unique gift for his son, an erstwhile inventor and gadget salesman purchases a cute and fuzzy little “Mogwai” from a Chinatown shop with the warning “Don’t expose him to bright light. Don’t ever get him wet. And don’t ever, ever feed him after midnight.” This Christmas favorite directed by Joe Dante stars Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates and is chock-full of cameo appearances from pop-culture icons. (1985, PG, 107mins)
A Christmas Story
Friday, Dec. 20th through Dec. 24th – see calendar for showtimes!
There’s never been a Yuletide movie as funny as this 1983 Bob Clark classic. Based on humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the 1940s, In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash, the story is full of wonderful glimmers of nostalgia unhampered by sentimentality. With Peter Billingsley and Darren McGavin. (PG, 95 mins)
It’s a Wonderful Life
Friday, Dec. 20th through Dec. 24th – see calendar for showtimes!
Jimmy Stewart plays small-town good guy George Bailey, who is confronted by his guardian angel (the jolly Henry Travers) while attempting suicide on Christmas Eve. It just isn’t Christmas without seeing Frank Capra’s heartwarming holiday classic on the big Naro screen with a crowd, and shown in its original full-cut and screen format. With Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore. (1946, G, 129 mins)
The tree lighting will kick off the Holidays in Ghent weekend and is a memorable experience for the whole family. The Tree Lighting Ceremony includes entertainment and rumor has it that Santa Claus is going to make it into town just for this event to light the tree! Grab the family and gather around the tree in front of Blair Middle School (730 Spotswood) for live music and a little festive fun.
The Ghent Business Association is bringing Restaurant Week (with a twist) to the Ghent area! Instead of a traditional Restaurant Week, we’ll be featuring several themed weeks throughout the year.
This December, we’ll be featuring Ghent Cocktail Week — December 9-15. Sip your way through a week of delectable holiday cocktail creations by participating Ghent area restaurants.
Vote for your favorite and help us award the “Best Cocktail” in town!
The raucous energy of heavy metal rock meets the strength and athleticism of ballet in this spectacular new work from Birmingham Royal Ballet, presented in its U.S. premiere by Virginia Arts Festival. With eight classic Black Sabbath hits arranged for orchestra and rock band, and a live guitarist onstage with the dancers, the pulsing light show frames the action in an unforgettable experience.
Step back in time and celebrate the season in true “Retro Wonderland” flavor with Virginia Stage Company as we proudly partner with local artists, artisans, and crafters for our annual Mistletoe Market!
Happening just before Norfolk’s beloved Grand Illumination Parade, the market will be filled with handmade treasures, a cozy bar serving warm drinks and snacks, and fun activities for the little ones—including photos with Santa himself!
Nestled in the heart of downtown Norfolk, The Wells Theatre is a true hidden gem. This National Historic building still dazzles with its restored original structure—dressed to the nines for the holidays.
And no holiday event would be complete without the sweet sounds of The Doorway Singers! They’ll be spreading cheer as they carol down Tazewell and Granby Streets.
Arrive early to snag a great parking spot and explore our local artisan market—no tickets needed! If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one of our most infamous holiday guests: The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come!
The VSC Costumers’ Collection
Crystal Liora Designs (Facebook) (Instagram), A collection of unique fluid art paintings and jewelry, where vivid colors blend into expressive, eye-catching pieces that are sure to be a conversation piece.
Ryan Clemens’ Christmassy Creature Portraits (Instagram) Playful, one-of-a-kind, miniature portraits of all sorts of charming characters. From alligator to zebra, Ryan’s menagerie is full of spirit animals with Christmas spirit!
Noonday Collection (Facebook) (Instagram), Noonday Collection is a people first lifestyle brand that collaborates with artisans in underserved communities to create our selection of soulful goods one handcrafted piece at a time.
Spring’s Geeky Crafts (Instagram), Geeky crafts of all kinds, 3D prints, crochet toys, and more.
Tinseltown 757 (Facebook) (Instagram), Sparkle like a star! Fairy Mary has dozens of hair tinsel colors to choose from! Get ready for the sparkly fairy hair of your dreams! 💖
LA NEIGE HOME DECOR (Facebook) (website), One-of-a-kind coastal themed ornaments and holiday decor
Kymela’s Dabblings (online store) Unique items for unique people.
Loose Leaf Lettering (Instagram), a wide variety of art prints, flower crowns, stickers, and keychains from across several fandoms and niches.
and more!
The Grand Illumination Parade takes place every year, 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. The theme of this year’s parade is Gingerbread Dreams, so get ready to see the streets filled with all things holiday sweets!
You are cordially invited to join us at the Myers House to discuss the importance of the “Social Season” and discover what went into planning and hosting an 18th Century Ball.
Free for Museum members, $10 for non-members.
Registration is required. Space is limited.
Your member discount will apply at checkout once you sign into your account. Not a member? Join today to receive exclusive membership discounts and benefits right away!
Come one, come all, come see standup comedy… unscripted. Comics will amaze you with their impromptu abilities. Veterans and newbies will take the same stage one after another. You’ll give them a topic and watch them make magic right before your eyes. We will take your ideas and make them FUNNY! Whether you’re a die-hard standup fan or new to the scene, this night will keep you entertained and on your toes.
Hosted by Anthony Nobles.
