Norfolk turns a corner with November, passing from the early days of fall to the full-blown holiday season. With that comes plenty of things to do indoors. Here’s a look at some of our favorite November 2025 events in Norfolk, Virginia.
Paul Bielatowicz’s Nosferatu Live
Nov. 1, 2025
Attucks Theatre
Paul Bielatowicz’s Nosferatu Live is a multimedia musical experience that breathes new life into the iconic 1922 silent horror film. Bielatowicz, an accomplished English composer and musician, has recorded and toured with some of the biggest names in progressive rock, including Carl Palmer, Dream Theater, Yes, and more. Intentionally embracing the Halloween season, the all-ages audience is encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes.
The Wiz
Nov. 4-9, 2025
Chrysler Hall
This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. With direction by Schele Williams (The Notebook, revival of Disney’s Aida), choreography by JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” Black Is King) and additional material by Tony-nominated and Emmy-nominated writer and TV host Amber Ruffin (The Amber Ruffin Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers), this dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road. Everybody rejoice!
Emma at Wells Theatre
Nov. 5-7, 2025
Wells Theatre
Emma Woodhouse is clever, educated, and energetic… and about to go mad with idleness. In a time when respectable ladies are expected to sit quietly at home, Emma desperately longs for projects—and prides herself on matchmaking, much to the chagrin of her friend Mr. Knightley. But where Emma’s considerable energies focus, screwball comedy follows! A fresh and funny new take on a treasured classic.
Opera: Cinderella
Nov. 7-9, 2025
Harrison Opera House
You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. They’ll live happily ever after. Cinderella embarks on an enchanting journey the entire family will enjoy! Amidst the glimmering splendor of 18th-century Italy, a kind-hearted dreamer rises above her misfortunes in search of love and her rightful place in the world. This timeless tale of rags to riches will captivate you with its sparkling music and timeless charm!
Admirals vs. Thunder Hockey
Nov. 7-8, 2025
Scope Arena
The Norfolk Admirals hockey team faces off against the Adirondack Thunder at Scope Arena, with puck drop at 7:05 p.m.
Dominion Energy Garden of Lights
Nov. 8, 2025
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Enjoy a magical walk through the Garden’s Award-Winning holiday lights. This season immerse yourself in more than 1.5 million twinkling lights. Value Nights are from 5–8 p.m. and Premium Nights are from 5–9 p.m.
ERT Glow Party
Nov. 8, 2025
Jeff Robertson Park
Join the ERT community from 4 to 6 PM at Jeff Robertson Park for an evening of glowing fun, music, food, games, and trail magic as we celebrate The Glowline together. Bring your friends, your glow gear, and your love for the trail; this party is for everyone! New this year: Teeny Tiny Farm will be bringing their baby animal petting zoo! Cuddle up with some cute baby animals and support the ERT’s free events and programs. Tickets are $10 per person, ages 2 and under are free, and the petting zoo will only be available for the first hour! Tickets will be available at the ERT table.
Bubble Fest
Nov. 7-8, 2025
Barry Art Museum
The Fifth Annual Public Arts Festival at Old Dominion University — a celebration of the campus’s remarkable research, creative talent and synergistic collaboration. The festival serves as a platform for the intersection of art and science, while inviting attendees to engage with innovative projects and enjoy immersive experiences. At its heart is our belief in fostering community engagement and dialogue through the transformative power of art in public spaces.
Veterans Day in Norfolk
Nov. 11, 2025
Various locations
Veterans Day is an opportunity to pause, reflect and pay tribute to those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. In Norfolk—a city deeply tied to military heritage, with the nation’s largest naval base and storied maritime traditions—there are meaningful ways to celebrate, remember and engage. Events this year range from a wreath-laying ceremony to free train rides at the Virginia Zoo and a sailboat race.
Winterfest kickoff
Nov. 14, 2025
Nauticus/Battleship Wisconsin
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. Learn more here.
Lemonheads in Concert
Nov. 14, 2025
The Annex
The Lemonheads return in 2025 with Love Chant, their first studio album in nearly two decades – a bold, melodic reaffirmation of Evan Dando’s singular songwriting voice. The Lemonheads will perform with Erin Rae at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Annex.
Attucks Jazz series: Ken Peplowski
Nov. 15, 2025
Attucks Theatre
Clarinetist Ken Peplowski returns to the Attucks Jazz Club! “Brilliantly entertaining” (DownBeat), Peplowski has been hailed by the BBC as Ken Peplowski clarinet “arguably the greatest living jazz clarinetist.” Hearing this legendary artist in the intimate, 120-seat Attucks Jazz Club will be a phenomenal treat for area fans.
Ezra Ray HArt IN Concert
Nov. 21, 2025
Location
Ezra Ray Hart will soundtrack the holidays in 2025 like only they can. The trio of multiplatinum iconic rock frontmen—Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra, and Emerson Hart of Tonic—will canvas the United States on the 90s Hits and Xmas Riffs tour, rolling through major markets coast-to-coast for 20 very special shows. It notably marks the collective’s first headline run as Ezra Ray Hart and their first-ever holiday jaunt.
Ali Siddiq live
Nov, 21, 2025
Chrysler Hall
Ali Siddiq is a stand-up comedian and public speaker out of Houston, TX. In 2024, Vulture called him stand-up comedy’s most prolific storyteller. Ali’s unique style of stand-up originated behind the walls of incarceration, an incubator for interesting experiences and good stories. He is the first comedian to ever release a 4-part series of comedy specials, The Domino Effect 1-4, which has over 40 million views combined on YouTube.
Hot Cocoa War
Week of Nov, 22, 2025
Various Locations
Beginning the day of Downtown Norfolk’s Grand Illumination celebration, there will be a magical contest of the hottest and chocolatiest proportions. Downtown Norfolk will rain with marshmallows of fantastical sizes! Get your cup and choose your side. The contest runs for a full week, allowing for more chances to try all the majestic cocoas Norfolk can create.
Gwar In Concert
Nov, 22, 2025
The NorVa
The story of GWAR is carved across the history of this hopeless planet, but GWARthemselves are not of this world…Their story begins far past Uranus, in the deepest reaches of space, where the beings known as GWAR were warriors in the Scumdogs of the Universe, an elite fighting force in the army of the Master of All Reality. If none of this made sense to you, rest assured Gwar are a cultural phenomenon that has shocked and awed audiences for decades and they’ll be bringing some of that musical insanity to Norfolk Nov. 22.
Grand Illumination Parade
Nov. 22, 2025
Downtown Norfolk
Experience the magic of the season as “WINTER’S GLOW” illuminates Downtown Norfolk with shimmering lights, frosted wonder, and the warmth of holiday cheer. The Grand Illumination Parade takes place every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, bringing thousands of spectators together to bask in the beauty of winter’s radiance.
Norfolk Harbor Race Weekend
Nov. 22-23, 2025
Norfolk
Join us in 2025 for the 12th annual Chartway Norfolk Harbor Race Weekend presented by Sentara. Enjoy Norfolk, Virginia’s Downtown, thriving art community, historic neighborhoods, the NEON District and Old Dominion University’s campus as you take on the 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon. Keep an eye out for Norfolk’s iconic mermaids along the course as you experience this flat, fast course! (Hint: there are over 20 along the Half Marathon course.)
Thanksgiving Market at Afterglow
Nov. 23, 2025
Afterglow Brewing
Head over to Afterglow Brewing (next door to the Railyard) for a special holiday market! Shop local produce, baked goods, artisan products, and handmade gifts—perfect for your Thanksgiving table and early holiday shopping.
