The holiday season is here, and with it brings a whole host of fun activities! Norfolk is known for its unique holiday events, from dazzling light displays to parades on both the streets and water. Here are some unique activities and events to spice up your holiday season.
WinterFest on the Wisconsin
Celebrate the holidays at Nauticus! 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 November 14, 2025 and runs through Dec. 31, 2025.
Downtown 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. Opens November 14, 2025 and runs through Dec. 31, 2025.
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.
Victory Rover Lights Tour
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 6pm and 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays 11/28 thru 12/20. Cost is $40 per person with limited capacity. Tickets and info: https://www.navalbasecruises.com/cruises/winterfest-harbor-lights-cruise/
Downtown Norfolk
Downtown Norfolk is illuminated for the holiday season! Buildings are decked with holiday lights, big, red bows adorn streetlamps, windows glow with cheery displays (check out VisitNorfolk’s Visitor Center window!), giant Christmas trees tower over passersby in city squares, and festive art lines historic Granby Street.
Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden
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.
Grand Illumination Parade
Norfolk’s Grand Illumination Parade that takes place every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, bringing thousands of spectators out to the streets of Downtown Norfolk to take in the beauty, magic, and electric holiday spirit to kick off the season. This year, the 39th Annual Grand Illumination Parade takes place in Downtown Norfolk on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Holiday Yule Log Bonfire & Christmas Marketplace
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.
This year, the event also presents even more specialty, family-friendly entertainment. Look for the Santa Express train rides, fun and games with DJ Melody, holiday-themed arts and crafts, meet and greets with Disney princesses and much more. In recent years, the event added a Sensory Inclusive Zone, a dedicated area for those wanting a break from the noise, action and crowds. The area will be staffed and be designated for families with special needs.
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!
