December is here and brings a bunch of holiday cheer to Norfolk! Check out these events and more.
Elf Door Discovery
Now Through December 26
Downtown Norfolk
Magic is around every corner in Downtown Norfolk, as 50 tiny elf doors have appeared all around Downtown! This seasonal scavenger hunt will take you on a fun journey all throughout Downtown Norfolk. Elves have installed 50 tiny, colorful entrances decked out for the holidays.
You can find these magical doors near theaters, restaurants, parks and any other places elves may gather throughout Downtown Norfolk. The doors are not lit, so do this scavenger hunt during the day!
Will you find them all?
Winterfest on the Wisconsin
Now Through January 1
NAUTICUS AND THE BATTLESHIP WISCONSIN
Celebrate the holidays at Nauticus! This season will shine even brighter as WinterFest on the Wisconsin returns with more than 1 million lights! Explore nine dazzling light trails throughout the Battleship Wisconsin, and experience Mistletoe Marina—an immersive, all-new waterfront wonderland. Explore all-new interior spaces aboard the battleship, enjoy two new shows nightly by the mischievous Grinch, come aboard a polar train journey, and enjoy sweets and treats.
Norfolk Botanical garden Dominion Energy Garden of lights
Now Through January 1
NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN
Experience the holiday enchantment at the Norfolk Botanical Garden’s Dominion Energy Garden, where themed landscapes come alive with a mesmerizing display of twinkling lights. As you meander through the illuminated pathways, immerse yourself in the festive ambiance created by countless lights, transforming the gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Perfect for a romantic evening stroll or a family outing, this dazzling spectacle captures the essence of the holiday season, offering a radiant and joyous escape for all to enjoy. Embrace the magic, share the warmth with loved ones, and make the Dominion Energy Garden’s holiday lights a highlight of your seasonal traditions.
Miracle pop-up!
Now Through January 1
WATERSIDE DISTRICT
A Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar offering seasonal drinks in a festive setting.
Norfolk Admirals
All month long
Join us in cheering for the Admirals as they take on their opponents!
A merry christmas carol
November 25–December 24
Virginia Stage company
Hampton Roads’ favorite holiday tradition returns with a larger-than-life production. See Ebenezer Scrooge’s haunting journey unfold with inventive theatricality incorporating traditional holiday music harmonizing to produce a tour de force of laughter, hope, and the magic of the season. Don’t miss this heartwarming tale that reminds us that it is never too late to become our best selves. Beatty Barnes returns to reprise his role as Ebenezer Scrooge.
Gamer Rave
December 1
The Norva
Prepare for an epic night at the Gamer Rave: Dress as Your Favorite Game Character! This 18 and over-event invites you to transform into your beloved game characters. Get ready for gaming-inspired music, challenges, and an electrifying atmosphere. Join us for a night of gaming passion, dance to game soundtracks, and make unforgettable memories at this legendary event!
HOLIDAY POPS!
December 2
chrysler hall
Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Wilkins returns alongside the beloved Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus to perform Brahms’ hauntingly beautiful Song of Destiny. Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7 is his most dramatic and austere, written with high aspirations. Of its composition, he wrote “my new symphony must be as such to make a stir in the world.”
ELF IN CONCERT
December 8-9
Chrysler Hall
Buddy 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. This holiday season relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture in: Elf in Concert!
THE NUTCRACKER
December 20
Chrysler Hall
The Christmas classic is coming to Chrysler Hall this holiday season and you are invited to the show! The Nutcracker, a mesmerizing part of the World Ballet Series, showcases a diverse cast of 50 professional ballet dancers, who come together to breathe new life into this classic holiday tradition.
Experience the excitement of the World Ballet in this family-friendly performance, featuring Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music, over 150 radiant hand-crafted costumes, lavish hand-painted sets, and the iconic Lev Ivanov choreography.
Join Clara and the Nutcracker on a thrilling Christmas night adventure to the Land of Sweets, where you’ll marvel at the famous Waltz of Flowers, the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and encounter intriguing characters like Mother Ginger and Drosselmeyer.
THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER
December 28
Chrysler hall
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker” is a family-friendly holiday spectacle, directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, blending hip hop dance with Tchaikovsky’s music for a unique holiday event. It features a talented cast of dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s pioneers. The show follows Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince on an adventure mirroring the classic tale, with a contemporary New York City twist. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the story’s setting, offering a celebration of love, community, and the magic of the holiday season.
SNOW WHITE
December 19
Harrison Opera House
This is a two-act ballet with one intermission. This beloved fairy tale, originally from the Brothers Grimm, is reimagined through dance and staging by the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine, highlighting themes of love, friendship, witchcraft, and the battle of good versus evil. It’s a perfect family outing to introduce children to the world of classical ballet, featuring a unique production, vibrant characters, virtuoso solo performances, comical dwarfs, and dynamic music that will delight both adults and kids.
disney on ice
December 28 – january 1
Scope arena
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!
See Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and stars from Moana, Coco, Frozen, Toy Story, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid.
JAMES “MURR” MURRAY
December 17
Harrison opera house
James Murray is a writer, executive producer, and comedian, best known as “Murr” on the hit TV show Impractical Jokers on truTV and The Misery Index on TBS. For more than a decade, Murr and his lifelong friends Sal, Joe & Q have been making audiences laugh across the country—and now he’s bringing the laughs to you!
A JAZZY CHRISTMAS SHOW
December 16
attucks theatre
Joyner and saxophonist Paul Taylor, with our local favorites Stephanie Sanders and the Fuzz Band.
This show will electrify you and is sure to put you in the holiday groove. Come ready to jam to Jackiem’s and Paul’s classics and crank up the holiday season!
Handel’s Messiah
December 16
harrison Opera house
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus returns for the time-honored tradition of Handel’s Messiah. This year will feature the full Christmas portion in addition to selections from the second and third parts of this sacred masterpiece which are sure to inspire.