If you haven’t yet spent a holiday weekend in Norfolk, you’re in for a festive treat. There’s many ways to get in the spirit of the season, whether watching colorful sparkles bounce on the water from a historic battleship, nostalgically gazing at decorations from cobblestone streets or getting cozy by a fire. Plus, we’ve got some local sips to help put you in the jolly spirit as well. Here are the ultimate Norfolk holiday bucket list items to get you started.
Go Ice Skating along the Riverwalk
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.
See The Lights from the Water
There’s nothing like seeing our city aglow, and quite frankly, there’s no better view of Norfolk’s illuminated skyline than from the water.
This year brings a little something extra special as the WinterFest Harbor Lights Cruise, a 30-minute journey aboard the Victory Rover, will be offered on select dates in November and December. 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 p.m. and 7p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 28 through Dec. 20, 2025. Cost is $40 per person with limited capacity. Tickets and info.
Winterfest on the Wisconsin
Step aboard the historic Battleship Wisconsin, decked out in more than two million lights, and enjoy live entertainment, festive bites and drinks, and holiday shopping along the waterfront. This beloved Hampton Roads tradition is doubling in size for 2025 with unforgettable new experiences:
The Kingdom of the Snow Queen – a 30,000 sq. ft. indoor wonderland where families will journey through snowy landscapes, meet magical characters, and encounter the Snow Queen herself.
New Below-Deck Adventure – discover all-new holiday fun aboard the Battleship Wisconsin. Select evenings, Nov. 14 – Dec. 31, 2025. Tickets: winterfestonthewisconsin.com
Bask in the Glow of the Lights at the Riverwalk
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.
Sip Libations at the 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!
Catch a Holiday Show at the Wells Theatre
The historic Wells Theatre in Downtown Norfolk offers not one — but two — stagings of holiday classics this season. First up is “A Merry Little Christmas Carol,” performed Dec. 3-23. This version is written by Mark Shanahan and is adapted from the novella by Charles Dickens. The story follows 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. The second play is “A Sherlock Carol,” which was also penned by Shanahan. In this 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. Don’t miss these two great Norfolk traditions on stage this season.
Stroll the cobblestone streets of Freemason District
Rebuilt shortly after the destruction of the Revolutionary War, Norfolk’s Freemason District features cobblestone streets and beautiful historic homes with colonial architecture. Located along the waterfront, the area’s charm provides a perfect location for a festive stroll after a big family meal.
Wave to Santa in the Grand Illumination pArade
Get your Santa sighting in early this year at Norfolk’s Grand Illumination Parade, held the Saturday before Thanksgiving. You’ll have an extra pep in your step with the music from talented marching bands as you watch a creative show of vibrantly colored and brightly lit floats pass by. Stay until the very end to get a glimpse of the big guy in red. This year, the 39th Annual Grand Illumination Parade takes place in Downtown Norfolk on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 7 p.m. get ready to see the streets filled with all things holiday!
Get Cozy By a Yule Log BonFire
Shop local, visit Santa, and welcome in the holiday season at the Annual Holiday Yule Log Bonfire & Christmas Marketplace on 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.
This year, the event also presents even more specialty, family-friendly entertainment. Look for the Santa Express train rides, fun and games with , holiday-themed arts and crafts, meet and greets with Disney princesses and much more.
Snuggle up at an outdoor fire pit
Baby, it’s cold outside in Norfolk during the winter! Snuggle up at one of our many outdoor fire pits and grab a snack, cocktail or glass of wine.
See the lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden
The Dominion Energy Garden of Lights at the Norfolk Botanical Garden was named one of the “best botanical garden holiday light shows in the country” by USA TODAY. Walking through this dazzling display is a magical experience for the whole family. This year, check out the display between Nov. 8, 2025 and Jan. 4 2026.
Finish your shopping Early
Norfolk is a one-stop shop for all your holiday gift-buying needs this season. From the locally-focused Selden Market to Norfolk Premium Outlets and all the small businesses in between, Norfolk has plenty of options.
Enjoy Festive Treats at The Birch
Holiday desserts are delicious, but they’re even better when you don’t have to make them for yourself. Norfolk’s Chelsea neighborhood stays abuzz year-round, but the vibe is electric during the holiday season. Delight in The Birch’s cider or mead while you devour a delectable Apple & Peach Cobbler, Virginia peaches and apples soaked in spiced cider, topped with a brown sugar cinnamon walnut crumble and served with house-made gelato.
Admire the giant tree at Townebank Fountain Park
The massive Christmas tree located on the waterfront in Townebank Fountain Park provides a great location to snap cute holiday photos. Afterward, stop by Waterside District next door for yummy food, or walk through the park to Nauticus where you can explore Winterfest.
View Holiday Decor at The Main
Marvel at the Hilton Norfolk the Main’s holiday decor as all corners of the hotel will be decked out in Christmas trees, poinsettias and their larger-than-life gingerbread house. This scrumptious holiday gingerbread house is constructed of 10 gallons of syrup, 500 pieces of gumdrops and 100 pounds of butter! Wander the levels of the hotel, grab a brew at the outdoor rooftop restaurant, Grain and you’ll be living the life like Kevin from “Home Alone 2” at the Plaza!
Search for tiny elf doors. No, really.
Magic is around every corner in Downtown Norfolk, as 100 tiny elf doors have appeared all around the city! This seasonal scavenger hunt will take you on a fun journey all throughout Downtown Norfolk. You can find these magical doors near theaters, restaurants, parks and any other places elves may gather throughout Downtown. At WinterFest on the Wisconsin, 15 cheeky elves have also hidden doors with waterfront views!
