Every winter, Norfolk’s waterfront glows brightly, signalling the start of holiday season. But this year, WinterFest is expanding, and the results will be visible all along the waterfront. Beginning Nov. 14, Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin will anchor an expanded celebration that spills out onto the river walk and into Town Point Park, turning the Elizabeth River into a wonderland of light.
The new riverfront experience stretches from the Pagoda to Nauticus with nearly two million lights, weaving through nearby condominiums and Trex decks before drawing guests into Town Point Park. Tall Christmas trees will line the water, with programmable lights glowing in blue with red and green accents. Music will drift through the park, inviting visitors to take a wintry stroll. And best of all, it’s free to enjoy, no ticket required.
Indoors, the story draws visitors into a new world. The Kingdom of the Snow Queen takes over 30,000 square feet of Nauticus, creating a wintry palace complete with an ice throne, theatrical performances and family-friendly photo opps.
According to organizers, “Winterfest features nearly 300 live entertainment performances over the holiday season, including award-winning magicians, jugglers, and aerialists. In the Kingdom of the Snow Queen, you’ll also encounter new friends including a talking polar bear, a wise snow owl, and the Snow Queen herself!”
From there, guests board the Battleship Wisconsin, where the front deck transforms into a harbor-themed marina with a bar, s’mores and even a snowball challenge.
The end result is a WinterFest that spans the city’s public spaces while also drawing people inside for warmth, performance and story.
Key dates to know:
- Opening Night – Friday, Nov. 14
- Holiday Sip & Shop Nights – Nov. 19, Dec. 3 & 10 (free and open to the public)
- Grand Illumination Parade Special – Saturday, Nov. 22 ($12 admission, $9 in advance)
- Great Hot Chocolate War – Parade night through Thanksgiving week
- Holiday Yule Log Bonfire & Market – Saturday, Dec. 6
The season also brings the WinterFest Harbor Lights Cruise, a 30-minute journey aboard the Victory Rover, offered on select dates in November and December. WinterFest will remain open on both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Learn more about Norfolk’s holiday celebrations, from the Garden of Lights at the Norfolk Botanical Garden to the Miracle on the Waterside pop-up experience here.
From the Pagoda to the battleship, Norfolk’s waterfront is ready to glow brighter than ever.
