Things to Do in Hampton Roads This Weekend and Beyond

Continental Park, Fort Monroe, 20 Ingalls Rd, Hampton

Fort Monroe and nearby Phoebus mark Veterans Day weekend with a parade that steps off from downtown Phoebus, crosses onto the fort, and ends at Continental Park, where the Veterans Recognition Ceremony starts at 11am with the JBLE Honor Guard, an Armed Forces Salute, and Taps. Live entertainment, food trucks, and living history interpreters round out the day. There is something fitting about honoring veterans inside the walls of one of America’s oldest forts.

Steps off at 16th St & Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Hampton Roads honors our veterans with the region’s biggest Veterans Day parade, presented by the Hampton Roads Council of Veterans Organizations. It rolls up Atlantic Avenue and Virginia Beach Boulevard to the Tidewater Veterans Memorial across from the Convention Center, where the ceremony begins at 11am. As a Marine Corps veteran myself, this one is close to my heart.

Chesapeake Veterans Memorial, Chesapeake City Hall, 306 Cedar Rd

The city gathers at the Veterans Memorial on the City Hall grounds to honor those who served, with remarks, music, and a moment of reflection. A respectful way to spend the middle of Veterans Day before the region’s parades step off.

POW/MIA Park, NSA Hampton Roads Headquarters, Mitscher Ave, Norfolk

A free lunch-hour 5K honoring wounded warriors, run from POW/MIA Park at the Navy’s Hampton Roads headquarters. Registration and bib pickup start at 10am. If you are military or a sponsored guest at NSA Hampton Roads, it is a small way to support the community and squeeze in a workout. Confirm base access with your command before heading over.

Fort Eustis, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Newport News

The 59th annual holiday tree lighting on the Fort Eustis side of the base, with the ceremony typically at Seay Plaza on Washington Blvd. If you are military or a sponsored guest on the installation, this is a warm, family-friendly way to kick off December. Confirm the exact start time and base access with JBLE MWR before heading over.

Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 1500 Atlantic Ave

A fall weekend celebrating everything Jeep at the oceanfront, presented by Hall Jeep of Virginia Beach and listed on the city’s official Beach Events calendar. Expect rows of rigs, a show and shine, and a lively crowd along Atlantic Avenue.

Mount Trashmore Park, 310 Edwin Dr, Virginia Beach

A one-day fall festival at Mount Trashmore put on by Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, with live music and seasonal activities for the family in one of the city’s favorite parks. Free to enjoy, and the hill makes a great spot to watch the sunset after.

The Historic Cavalier Hotel, Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Distillery tastings, live entertainment, and chef-curated bites on the grounds of the legendary Cavalier. Two chances this month, Nov 7 and again Nov 22, so pair one with a walk on the boardwalk while the weather cooperates.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach

The longtime oceanfront holiday light show becomes a walkable 1.1-mile trail between the Virginia Aquarium’s North and South buildings. Seven themed areas of lights, sound, and movement make it a great after-dark outing for the family, with timed entry slots at 5, 6, and 7:30pm.

31st Street Park (King Neptune’s Park), 3100 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach

Santa visits, hot cocoa, and family-friendly holiday movies on the lawn at 31st Street Park, courtesy of the city’s Beach Events program. Free to enjoy, and it returns Dec 12 and Dec 19 for repeat visits.

Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St, Virginia Beach

The 45th annual Christmas Market brings more than 200 fine artisans and crafters to the Convention Center over Thanksgiving weekend. A great place to knock out holiday shopping and support makers from across the country, all indoors and out of the November chill.

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market St, Town Center, Virginia Beach

A full-scale touring production of the classic holiday ballet, complete with a growing Christmas tree and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Two shows the night before Thanksgiving make it a fine way to start the holidays with the family.

Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Beach

The Military Aviation Museum opens its hangars for a holiday morning with Santa, airplanes, and model trains under the wings. A neat double dose of aviation and holiday spirit for curious kids, and an easy stop on a Thanksgiving weekend outing.

Town Center Fountain Plaza, Virginia Beach

The Town Center tree lighting with Santa’s arrival and free hot chocolate on the plaza. A quick, free way to kick off the holidays with the family, right in the middle of the restaurants and shops at Town Center.

CBN & Regent University campus, Virginia Beach

The CBN campus turns into a Christmas village with lights, live entertainment, and holiday activities on select December evenings. A bright, family-friendly way to spend a December evening without leaving Virginia Beach.

Atlantic Avenue, 15th-25th Streets, Virginia Beach Oceanfront

The oceanfront kicks off December with giant balloons, marching bands, lighted floats, horses, fire trucks, and Santa himself rolling up Atlantic Avenue from 15th to 25th Street. Free to watch, and a tradition worth bundling up for.

Starts at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St

A holiday-themed evening run through the oceanfront, presented by Sentara and part of the BayPort race series. Runners get the streets to themselves as the lights come on, and it’s a fun way to earn the holiday cookies.

Mount Trashmore Park, 310 Edwin Dr, Virginia Beach

An immersive illuminated art installation by Skunk Control takes over the southeast corner of Mount Trashmore, lighting up the park after dark through mid-December. Free during regular park hours, and a great way to see a familiar park in a whole new light as the evenings get longer.

43rd St near the Barry Art Museum, Old Dominion University, Norfolk

ODU’s Barry Art Museum hosts the North American debut of Helios, Luke Jerram’s giant inflatable sculpture of the sun at 1:200 million scale, as the centerpiece of this public arts festival on 43rd Street. Walk the campus at dusk, see the glowing sculpture, and watch art and science meet right outside the museum doors. A completely different way to spend a November evening.

Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk

Norfolk Botanical Garden’s annual holiday lights display opens Friday, Nov 6, with light-filled gardens, seasonal treats, and a cozy evening stroll any night of the week. Tickets are required and weekend dates go fast, so book ahead.

Scope Arena, 201 E Brambleton Ave, Norfolk

The Admirals have a busy home stretch at Scope through mid-December, starting with a three-game weekend this week, a Black Friday matchup with Greensboro, and a December homestand to close the calendar year. Hockey is one of the most affordable live-sports nights in Hampton Roads, and downtown Norfolk makes it easy to grab dinner before the puck drops.

Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin, 1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk

More than two million holiday lights across Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin, plus the immersive Christmas in Neverland indoor experience, live entertainment, and festive food and drinks. It won big on ABC’s Great Christmas Light Fight, and advance online tickets save you money, so book ahead.

Downtown Norfolk streets

Norfolk kicks off the holidays with its 40th annual Grand Illumination Parade, themed “Ruby Radiance” this year, with giant balloons, marching bands, and floats rolling through downtown. Free and open to the public, rain or shine, and one of the biggest nights of the year on Granby Street.

Wells Theatre, Downtown Norfolk

Virginia Stage Company hosts a holiday market inside the Wells Theatre on Grand Illumination day, ideal for knocking out thoughtful gifts before the parade steps off at 7pm. Shop local, grab a warm drink, and stay for the lights.

S.B. Ballard Stadium, Old Dominion University, Norfolk

The Monarchs close their regular season at home with Southern Miss on Nov 28. College football is one of the best-value afternoons out in Hampton Roads, and the campus is easy to reach from anywhere in the region.

Wells Theatre, 110 E Tazewell St, Downtown Norfolk

Virginia Stage Company’s beloved holiday tradition brings Scrooge and the ghosts back to the Wells Theatre for its annual run. One of downtown Norfolk’s most-loved holiday traditions, and a warm pick for a family night out on Granby Street.

Town Point Park, 113 Waterside Dr, Downtown Norfolk

Norfolk Festevents wraps its waterfront season with a traditional Yule Log bonfire, holiday marketplace, and family activities at Town Point Park. A cozy way to start December with the Elizabeth River as the backdrop.

Maker's Craft Brewery, 735 E 23rd St, Norfolk

A free, Krampus-themed holiday celebration at a downtown Norfolk brewery, with local vendors and holiday festivities filling the taproom. A quirky, local way to mix up your December weekend plans.

Spotswood Ave in front of James Blair Middle School, Ghent, Norfolk (730 Spotswood Ave)

The Ghent Farmers Market’s annual holiday edition fills the street with roughly 70 local vendors, live music, and Santa himself. Free to stroll, and exactly the kind of neighborhood event that makes Ghent feel like home.

Harrison Opera House, 160 W Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk

Irish fiddle virtuoso Seán Heely pairs with the Virginia Arts Festival for a Celtic Christmas matinee of fiddle, guitar, and seasonal songs. A warm, fiddle-driven way to settle into the holidays with the whole family.

Downtown Norfolk waterfront

See the holiday lights from the water on evening cruises along the Elizabeth River, with heaters on board and the skyline stringing past. Sailings run Fridays and Saturdays from mid-November through New Year’s Eve.

Historic Greenbrier Farms, 225 Sign Pine Rd, Chesapeake

A Celtic festival on a century-old working farm: Highland athletics, pipes and drums, Highland dancing, clans, food, and plenty of Scottish tradition. Presented by the Loch Lomond Initiative, it is a completely different Saturday than your usual Chesapeake routine, and kids love watching the caber toss.

Chesapeake City Park, 900 City Park Dr

The Jubilee’s fall edition fills Chesapeake City Park with local craft vendors and family activities, free to browse. A relaxed Saturday stop, and the farmers market is right there in the same park.

Western Branch High School area, 1968 Bruin Place, Chesapeake

The western side of the city gets its own holiday parade, with bands, floats, and Santa rolling through the streets around Western Branch High School. An early morning start, so grab coffee and a curbside spot.

Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Dr

Local vendors fill the Chesapeake Conference Center for two days of handmade gifts, crafts, and holiday shopping, with free admission and free parking. A low-stress way to scratch several names off your gift list in one stop.

Chesapeake City Hall, 306 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake

Chesapeake’s drive-through holiday light display at City Hall runs nightly from Thanksgiving through New Year’s weekend, with the walkable Fa La La Land village on December Saturdays. A cozy, car-friendly way to see the lights without leaving town.

Route from Mt Pleasant Rd & Battlefield Blvd to City Hall on Cedar Rd

The city’s big holiday parade rolls from the Battlefield area to City Hall, with the Holly Jolly Jog fun run warming up the crowd beforehand. Roads close around 4:15pm, so stake out a spot early and bring the whole family.

Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Dr

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s brass section brings a holiday concert to the Conference Center, all familiar carols and seasonal tunes. A polished, indoors way to get into the spirit mid-week.

Chesapeake City Hall, 306 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake

The walkable part of the Deck the Hall display comes alive with baby goats, carolers, face painting, food trucks, and ballerina performances on two December Saturdays. Park the car, walk the village, and let the kids run the show.

Hill House Museum, 221 North St, Olde Towne Portsmouth

An afternoon tea inside one of Olde Towne’s finest historic homes, with seasonal refreshments and museum docents sharing the house’s story. A gracious, unhurried afternoon and a nice change of pace from the festival circuit.

Portsmouth Public Library Main Branch, Olde Towne Portsmouth

The main branch of the Portsmouth Public Library kicks off the season with a holiday wreath-making morning. A calm way to ease into the holidays with your hands busy. Check the library’s calendar for registration details and what to bring.

Portsmouth City Park, Portsmouth

Portsmouth City Park lights up for the holidays with a ride on the Pokey Smokey train through the seasonal displays, plus music and family fun. Runs Saturday nights through December, so there are several chances to catch it.

Starts near the Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion, 16 Crawford Cir, Portsmouth

The annual holiday race returns with a 5K and a one-mile fun run at the Pavilion, with runners in full Santa regalia and a toy drive to match. A local tradition that has been going for over three decades.

Downtown Festival Park, 215 W Washington St, Suffolk

A Veterans Day weekend 5K through downtown Suffolk, with a course that starts and finishes at Festival Park. A great way to honor our service members and get moving before the holiday ceremonies start.

Participating restaurants across Suffolk

A citywide dining week with fixed-price menus at participating Suffolk restaurants. A great reason to try somewhere new, and it lands right after the election-weekend festivities.

Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W Finney Ave, Suffolk

TADA Productions stages the family musical Seussical Jr. at the Suffolk Center, with young local performers bringing Dr. Seuss’s characters to life. A sweet November matinee-style outing for kids, with two Saturday chances to catch it.

Downtown Festival Park, 215 W Washington St, Suffolk

Suffolk kicks off the holidays with its downtown tree lighting at Festival Park, and the outdoor ice skating rink opens the same week. A free, low-key way to start the season on the western side of Hampton Roads.

Downtown Festival Park, 215 W Washington St, Suffolk

The outdoor Glo Fiber ice rink in the middle of downtown Suffolk runs a full month of public skating, with sessions through the day and evening plus extended hours around New Year’s. A festive, active way to cap an afternoon downtown.

Sleepy Hole Park, 4616 Sleepy Hole Park Rd, Suffolk

A free drive-through holiday light display at Sleepy Hole Park runs on a rotating schedule from the Friday after Thanksgiving through the end of December, with a walk-through event on Dec 19. Check the city calendar for open nights, and bundle the kids up.

Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W Finney Ave, Suffolk

Southside Ballet brings the full Nutcracker to the Suffolk Center stage, a hometown production with the Sugar Plum Fairy, a growing Christmas tree, and local dancers in the spotlight. A classic December night out in downtown Suffolk.

The Dome by Rutter Mills, 400 20th St, Virginia Beach

The Grammy-winning country group plays the beachfront Dome on their For the Art of It Tour. A big-name show in an intimate room.

The NorVa, 317 Monticello Ave, Norfolk

California alt-rock favorites Movements headline the NorVa for a full evening of music downtown. A solid Saturday pick if you want loud, melodic rock in one of Norfolk’s best live rooms.

The NorVa, 317 Monticello Ave, Norfolk

Maryland rock veterans Clutch headline the NorVa with Slomosa and Blood Vulture. A high-energy Tuesday show in one of Norfolk’s best live rooms.

The NorVa, 317 Monticello Ave, Norfolk

French electronic producer Madeon brings his visual, beat-driven show to the NorVa on Veterans Day evening. A good midweek pick after the day’s ceremonies.

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market St, Town Center, Virginia Beach

Clean-comedy favorite John Crist brings his national tour to Town Center for an evening of sharp, self-deprecating stand-up. An easy weeknight pick, and dinner at Town Center is right there afterward.

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market St, Town Center, Virginia Beach

The supergroup of Adrian Belew, Steve Vai, Tony Levin, and Danny Carey revisits the music of King Crimson on the Sandler Center stage. A rare chance for fans of progressive rock to hear those songs played by people who helped write them.

The NorVa, 317 Monticello Ave, Norfolk

Minneapolis rapper Yung Gravy brings his Joyrider Tour to the NorVa with opener Pertinence. An all-ages night of big hooks and high-energy hip-hop in downtown Norfolk.

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market St, Town Center, Virginia Beach

The classic rock trio behind Joy to the World and Mama Told Me brings its hits to the Sandler Center. A nostalgic night out that spans generations, easy to pair with dinner at Town Center.

Funny Bone Comedy Club, Pembroke Square, 4554 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach

The Queen of Comedy brings her sharp, no-filter stand-up to the Funny Bone for two nights of multiple shows at its Pembroke Square home. Pair a show with dinner at one of the restaurants around Pembroke Mall.

Chartway Arena, 4320 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias brings his tour to ODU’s arena. A big comedy night that works for a group outing.

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market St, Town Center, Virginia Beach

Mannheim Steamroller’s holiday concert blends classical and modern takes on Christmas music in a family-friendly matinee. A great way to officially start the season with the whole crew.

The Dome by Rutter Mills, 400 20th St, Virginia Beach

Zach Williams brings the Revival Nights tour to the beachfront Dome with Cochren & Co. and Christian Hohn. A warm, high-energy evening of roots and gospel-tinged rock, and an easy walk from the oceanfront hotels.

The NorVa, 317 Monticello Ave, Norfolk

Two of modern heavy music’s biggest names share the NorVa stage with Varials and Cane Hill the Sunday before Thanksgiving. A loud, cathartic way to close out the holiday weekend for anyone who likes their shows on the heavy side.

Chartway Arena, 4320 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk

The violinist’s Snow Waltz holiday tour lands at Chartway Arena the day after Thanksgiving, a bright way to keep the holiday spirit going.

The Dome by Rutter Mills, 400 20th St, Virginia Beach

The original rockabilly trio plays the Dome on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, a fun way to cap the holiday weekend. Expect big upright bass, slick guitars, and a crowd that has been waiting decades for this one.

The Dome by Rutter Mills, 400 20th St, Virginia Beach

Swedish power-metal storytellers Sabaton bring their war-history anthems to the beachfront Dome with Pop Evil and Wings of Steel. Loud, theatrical, and a perfect match for a Hampton Roads crowd with deep military ties.

The NorVa, 317 Monticello Ave, Norfolk

Richmond’s own GWAR brings its legendary theatrical chaos to the NorVa with Midnight, Mac Sabbath, and X-Cops. Expect the weirdest, messiest, most fun show of the season.

Scope Arena, 201 E Brambleton Ave, Norfolk

Mickey, Minnie, Elsa, and the whole crew skate through favorite Disney stories on ice at Scope. A guaranteed-win family outing for the holiday break, and tickets go fast, so don’t wait.

Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1700 Coliseum Dr, Hampton

Virginia’s longest-running anime and gaming convention fills the Hampton Roads Convention Center with vendors, panels, cosplay, and gaming for three days. Even casual fans enjoy the people-watching, and it is one of the biggest youth-friendly draws of the fall.

Hampton Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Dr, Hampton

Monster trucks return to the Hampton Coliseum for a weekend of racing, freestyle, and big air, from about $35 a ticket. A crowd-pleasing pick for kids who love anything with wheels and noise.

Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1700 Coliseum Dr, Hampton

Five nights of headline jazz and R&B: Leela James and WAR open Wednesday, Boney James and Norman Brown take Thursday, Marcus Miller and Lalah Hathaway hold Friday, Gregory Porter headlines Saturday, and Jeffrey Osborne, Najee, and ZAPP close the Grand Finale on Sunday. Single-night tickets are sold separately, so pick your favorite night or make a week of it.

Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr, Hampton

More than 300 vendors fill the Convention Center with holiday gifts, crafts, and seasonal finds over three days. A one-stop way to knock out a good chunk of your holiday shopping on the Peninsula.

Newport News Park, 13560 Jefferson Ave, Newport News

Virginia’s first drive-through holiday light show wraps two miles of roadway in more than a million lights through Newport News Park. Bundle up, tune the radio, and let the kids watch the displays roll past the windows.

Downtown Hampton streets

The Peninsula’s longest-running illuminated holiday parade rolls through downtown Hampton with floats, lights, and Santa, with the Holly Days series continuing through the month. A free, small-town way to start December.

Jamestown Settlement, 2110 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg

Jamestown Settlement partners with Virginia’s state and federally recognized Indian tribes for a day of music, dance, games, art, and film celebrating Indigenous history and culture. Artist demonstration booths open at 9am and drumming and dancing begin at 10am. A meaningful, family-friendly day out on the Peninsula.

Downtown Urbanna, Urbanna, VA

Virginia’s official oyster festival celebrates its 69th year with more than 50 oyster vendors along the Rappahannock River. It is a full weekend of shucking, live music, and small-town charm that draws crowds from across the state.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg

Christmas Town turns Busch Gardens into the region’s biggest holiday lights destination, with millions of lights, ice shows, a holiday market, and seasonal eats on select nights through early January. Tickets get scarce in December, so plan ahead.