The holidays are in full swing as we enter this final – and often busiest – month of the year. Norfolk, Virginia is home to not one but two jaw-dropping festivals of light, a bevy of stage performances, a multitude of markets and plenty of shows to help you send off 2025. Here’s a look at some of our favorite happenings this month.
WinterFest on the Wisconsin
Nauticus
Through Dec. 31, 2025
This season will shine even brighter as WinterFest on the Wisconsin returns with more than 2 million lights! WinterFest on the Wisconsin is celebrating this season with 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! WinterFest opens Nov. 14, 2025 and runs through Dec. 31, 2025.
Downtown Riverwalk
Town Point Park
Through Dec. 31, 2025
Downtown Norfolk’s first-ever mile-long light walk, free and open nightly along the Elizabeth River. Millions of lights will be strung along the river from Town Point Park to the Pagoda, offering festive sights and sounds for a wintry stroll.
Victory Rover Lights Tour
Waterside
Through Dec. 20
Set sail into a sea of sparkle with the Battleship Wisconsin as your shining star. A festive, 30-minute waterfront cruise aboard the Victory Rover, offering panoramic views of the Battleship Wisconsin and downtown Norfolk aglow with holiday lights, followed by exclusive admission to WinterFest on the Wisconsin. One unforgettable night, two incredible experiences. Cruises will depart at 6 and 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays Nov. 28 through Dec. 20. Cost is $40 per person with limited capacity. Tickets and info: https://www.navalbasecruises.com/cruises/winterfest-harbor-lights-cruise/
Go Ice Skating along the Riverwalk
Riverwalk Near Nauticus
All Month
Skate the Riverwalk brings a brand-new way to celebrate the season in Downtown Norfolk. Located within the illuminated Winterfest Riverwalk at TowneBank Fountain Park, this 4,400-square-foot real ice rink offers a festive open-air experience surrounded by fire pits, holiday music and seasonal favorites like hot chocolate. Perfect for date nights, family outings or creating new holiday traditions, Skate the Riverwalk includes rental skates for all ages and will host themed events throughout the season, including Skate & Send: Letters to Santa on Ice and Skate with Santa nights. Details, hours and tickets here.
Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Through Jan. 4, 2026
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, 2025 and Jan. 4 2026.
& Juliet
Chrysler Hall
Dec. 3-7, 2025
Created by the Emmy®-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. Run time: 2 hours and 30 minutes including intermission.
A Merry Little Christmas Carol
The Wells Theatre
Dec. 3-23, 2025
Virginia Stage company Presents: A Merry Little Christmas Carol by Mark Shanahan Adapted from the novella by Charles Dickens
Hampton Roads’ most heartfelt holiday celebration! Come along with this charming ensemble as they follow the story of Scrooge’s life, accompanied by the Christmas spirits of past, present, and future, to find the real Christmas spirit that he’s always been missing…his own. Directed by Maryanne Kiley
A Sherlock Carol
The Wells Theatre
Dec. 4-5, 2025
Virginia Stage Company presents a Sherlock Carol by Mark Shanahan. The merry, mysterious hit returns! In Mark Shanahan’s joyful and clever play, Moriarty is dead, and Sherlock is a haunted man. But when a grown Tiny Tim comes knocking on Sherlock’s door asking for an investigation into the untimely death of Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his gifts to solve a Dickens of a Christmas case! Directed by Steve Pacek
Swamp Dogg at The Annex
The Annex
Dec. 5, 2025
Jerry Williams, Jr. (born July 12, 1942), generally credited under the pseudonym Swamp Dogg after 1970, is an American soul and R&B singer, musician, songwriter and record producer described as “one of the great cult figures of 20th century American music.” After recording as Little Jerry and Little Jerry Williams in the 1950s and 1960s, he reinvented himself as Swamp Dogg, releasing a series of satirical, offbeat, and eccentric recordings, as well as continuing to write and produce for other musicians. He debuted his new sound on the Total Destruction To Your Mind album in 1970. In the 1980s, he helped to develop Alonzo Williams’ World Class Wreckin’ CRU, which produced Dr. Dre among others. He continues to make music, releasing Love, Loss & Autotune on Joyful Noise Recordings in 2018.
Holiday Yule Log Bonfire & Christmas Marketplace
Town Point Park
Dec. 6, 2025
Shop local, visit Santa and welcome in the holiday season at the 10th Annual Holiday Yule Log Bonfire & Christmas Marketplace on Saturday, December 6, 2025, 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.
Hermitage Holiday Village
Hermitage Museum & Garden
Dec. 6, 2025
The Hermitage Museum & Gardens will host a holiday-themed market from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 7637 North Shore Road. There will be holiday photo sessions, live music, a winter garden tour, caroling, a mini gift market, food/drink and activities for children.
Miracle Pop-Up Bar at Waterside
Waterside District
Through December 2025
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.
Virginia National Ballet The Nutcracker
Chrysler Hall
Dec. 11, 2025
Celebrate the holidays with this gorgeous production featuring world-class dancers, wonderful choreography, and beautiful sets and costumes!
Virginia National Ballet performs regularly in Northern Virginia at Capital One Hall and the Hylton Performing Arts Center, as well as tours throughout VA and in NYC. Entering its 13th season in 2025-26, Virginia National Ballet is thrilled to be making its debut at Chrysler Hall in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.
Champions Of Magic: Holiday Spectacular
Harrison Opera House
Dec. 12, 2025
Celebrate the season with the Champions Of Magic: Holiday Spectacular featuring dazzling illusions, breathtaking, grand-scale magic, and festive surprises for the whole family. This high-energy, interactive show blends their signature humor, jaw-dropping magic and holiday cheer, creating a one-of-a-kind experience perfect for the season.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Hugh R. Copeland Center
Dec. 12, 2025
The Hurrah Players present: Best Christmas Pageant. Based on the classic book “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” follow the Herdman kids through all of their shenanigans to discover the true meaning of Christmas.
Killers of Kill Tony
Chrysler Hall
Dec. 12, 2025
Regulars and fan favorites from “Kill Tony”, the #1 live podcast in the world, bring their standup show on the road with “Killers of Kill Tony.” Building upon the success and energy of “Kill Tony,” “Killers of Kill Tony” showcases the diverse talent pool of comedians who have graced the stage of the original podcast with their wit, humor and unique comedic styles. “Killers of Kill Tony” will feature your favorite characters doing their longer standup sets, all in one night. The current “Killers of Kill Tony” lineup includes Ari Matti, David Lucas, Hans Kim, Martin Phillips, and Harland Williams. This lineup is subject to change.
Holiday POPs!
Chrysler Hall
Dec. 13, 2025
The acclaimed holiday tradition continues – Holiday POPS! Showcasing the best that the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Chorus have to offer, this concert will shine like the brightest star on top of the tree! Get cozy with classic carols and dazzle in the holiday hits of today. No Holiday POPS! is ever alike so, come embrace the sounds of the season and celebrate the 2025 holiday season with the VSO.
A Storyland Christmas
Harrison Opera House
Dec. 13, 2025
Back by popular demand, Masterworks is presenting “A Storyland Christmas” at the Harrison Opera House for the Holiday season! A Hampton Roads tradition since 2007, this heartwarming story brings characters to life through acting and dance. Classical ballet of the sugarplum fairy and her friends, as well as tap dancing and precision dancing is sure to please all ages.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Attucks Theatre
Dec. 14, 2025
Celebrate the season with the R4ND4ZZO BIGB4ND as they bring fresh energy to Vince Guaraldi’s timeless A Charlie Brown Christmas score. Hailing from Richmond, VA, the BIGB4ND reimagines this beloved music with modern big band arrangements, rich harmonies and infectious swing—a perfect mix of nostalgia and innovation, and a holiday tradition with a bold new sound.
VOCES8
Christ and Saint Luke’s Church
Dec. 16, 2025
This internationally acclaimed British vocal ensemble has toured the world, thrilling audiences with impeccably curated and gloriously performed repertoire. Their inspired collaborations include working with iconic GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Paul Simon and performances with the great orchestras of the world. This holiday season, VOCES8 brings joy-infused performances of holiday music from across centuries to three churches rich in architectural beauty and history. An occasion you will gladly want to share with family and friends!
Disney On Ice
Scope Arena
Dec. 18-23, 2025
Join Mickey Mouse and his friends at Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, an adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts. Look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell through immersive, fantastic worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco, sail away with Moana as she bravely saves her island, see Belle in the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life, and sing-along with Elsa in the icy world of Frozen. Make memories during Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration.
Handel’s Messiah with Eric Jacobsen
Harrison Opera House
Dec. 19, 2025
Conducted this year by Music Director Eric Jacobsen, Handel’s most famous work comes to life with the full Christmas section along with selections from the second and third parts, including the iconic Hallelujah chorus. This sacred masterpiece will hearten and warm the spirit this holiday season.
Sins of A Father
Attucks Theatre
Dec. 20, 2025
Every family has its shadows, and every secret comes with a price. Meet Eddy Price, a young man on the brink of life-changing choices—military or college—while wrestling with a heavy burden lurking beneath the surface. As family pressures build within the home, a hidden truth is unveiled in an unexpected way, turning their world upside down.
Christmas Fest
Locals Marketplace
Dec. 21, 2025
Join this night full of holiday magic at Locals Marketplace (271 Granby St, Norfolk, VA) and stroll through a festive market filled with unique vendors, holiday treats and handmade gifts perfect for the season. The event will also feature raffle prizes, candy cane scavenger hunt, local vendors, music, lights and more.
World Ballet Company The Nutcracker
Chrysler Hall
Dec. 22, 2025
Celebrate the season with The Nutcracker—a festive, family-friendly ballet full of holiday magic, whimsical characters, and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music to sweep you up in the moment. Featuring 40 international dancers, over 150 hand-crafted costumes and enchanting sets.
Fortune Feimster Takin’ Care of Biscuits Comedy Tour
Harrison Opera House
Dec. 27, 2025
Known for her confessional comedy, Southern charm, and larger-than-life personality, Fortune has won over audiences worldwide with her Netflix specials Sweet & Salty and Good Fortune, both Critics’ Choice–nominated, and her starring role in Netflix’s hit series FUBAR alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. She’s also appeared on beloved shows like The Mindy Project and Life in Pieces, voiced characters in The Simpsons and Pixar’s Soul, and is a regular favorite on late-night television.
REBIRTH BRASS BAND AT THE ANNEX
The Annex
Dec. 29, 2025
For almost 4 decades, the Grammy winning Rebirth Brass Band has been “stunning” fans with a fiery live show and a rich musical catalog. Their trademark sound pays homage to the New Orleans brass band tradition while weaving a tapestry that combines elements of jazz, funk, soul, R&B and the sounds from the streets they grew up on. From their legendary 25+ year run of Tuesday nights at the Maple Leaf to stages all over the world, Rebirth is the soundtrack of the Crescent City and her premier musical ambassador.
Noon Year’s Eve- The Virginia Zoo
The Virginia Zoo
Dec. 31, 2025
Celebrate the new year without losing any sleep. Noon Year’s Eve is a kid-friendly celebration that allows youngsters to experience all the fun of welcoming a new year while keeping bedtime in mind – including a dance party, sparkling juice “toast,” countdown, and ball drop at noon.
The festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. with a dance party and fun photo ops. At 11:45 a.m. in the Fountain Plaza, children will receive their free sparkling juice (while supplies last), and parents can purchase their own celebratory beverage for an additional cost. Together, families can ring in the “Noon Year” while watching our mirrorball drop countdown. Guests are free to explore the Zoo after the party.
New Year’s Eve Live!
Waterside District
Dec. 31, 2025
Get ready for Norfolk’s most anticipated New Year’s Eve party of the year featuring Live! entertainment and the best of vibes. Enjoy an electrifying extravaganza featuring multiple DJs, mesmerizing live performers, champagne toast and balloon drops filled with cash.
