Newport News Holiday Events 

 

November 

CELEBRATION IN LIGHTS   

Newport News Park | Nov. 23 through Jan. 1, 2024; 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Celebration in Lights, Virginia’s first drive-through holiday light event, opens for its 31st season on Thanksgiving night (November 23, 2023). Newport News Park will be transformed by over a million individual lights, creating animated holiday and fanciful scenes. This year, admission on weeknights (Monday – Thursday) will be $15 per car, a savings of $3 off the weekend night (Friday – Sunday) rate of $18 per car. Additionally, advance purchase tickets (good any night) can be purchased for $12 at the Newport News Visitor Center at Newport News Park. 13560 Jefferson Ave. Remember that buying tickets in advance is a great way to save money, plus they make great stocking stuffers, employee incentives, teacher gifts, etc. Call 757-888-3333 for details.

holiday planetarium shows   

Virginia Living Museum | Nov. 24 through Dec. 31 (Closed Dec. 24-25)

Experience the magic of the holiday season with the Virginia Living Museum’s holiday planetarium shows. Holiday Magic laser show brings your favorite seasonal songs to life or you can unravel the mystery of the Christmas Star in Star Of Wonder. Daytime shows are offered at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. Nov. 24 through Dec. 31 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Planetarium shows are $6 plus museum admission and free for museum members

Evening Shows are offered at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-23 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for $8 (and $5 for museum members). Click here for details.

il divo: A new day holiday tour  

Ferguson Center for the Arts | Nov. 29; 7:30 p.m.

Multi-platinum classical crossover group, IL DIVO, will embark on their U.S. “A New Day Holiday Tour” this fall. The group will perform holiday classics that include “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas,” “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and more, in addition to songs from their vast catalog. IL DIVO is the most commercially successful classical crossover group in international music history since they first banded together in 2004. With songs in four languages, their debut album became a worldwide, chart-topping sensation. A leader in their unique pop-opera genre, they’ve achieved incredible success with sales of more than 30 million records and sold-out performances around the globe. Click here for details.

decEMBER

CELEBRATION IN LIGHTS 

Newport News Park | Through Jan. 1; 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Celebration in Lights, Virginia’s first drive-through holiday light event, opens for its 31st season on Thanksgiving night (Nov. 23, 2023). Newport News Park will be transformed by over a million individual lights, creating animated holiday and fanciful scenes. This year, admission on weeknights (Monday – Thursday) will be $15 per car, a savings of $3 off the weekend night (Friday – Sunday) rate of $18 per car. Additionally, advance purchase tickets (good any night) can be purchased for $12 at the Newport News Visitor Center at Newport News Park. 13560 Jefferson Ave. Remember that buying tickets in advance is a great way to save money, plus they make great stocking stuffers, employee incentives, teacher gifts, etc. Call 757-888-3333 for details.

HOLIDAY HISTORIC HOME TOURS

Historic Endview and Lee Hall Mansion | Dec. 1-30; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Thu-Sat only)

Explore historic holiday traditions by visiting the two historic house museums during the month of December for special seasonal tours. Regular admission rates apply.

THE NEWSOME HOUSE HOLIDAY HOME TOURS

Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center | Dec. 1-30; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

(Thu-Sat only)

Visit the 1899 residence of prominent African-American attorney J. Thomas Newsome. In December, the home is decorated with seasonal embellishments. Suggested donation is $2 per person. The Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday only. Call 757-247-2360 for details.

WEIHNACHTSMARKT 2023

City Center at Oyster Point | Dec. 1-2; 3 to 9 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate the 2023 holiday season with an authentic German market in honor of Newport News’ German Sister City of Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Sister Cities Newport News is operating the German Christmas Market in conjunction with the City Center owners. Beer and wine sales on site. Click here for details.

STORYTIME WITH SANTA _{(PRESENTED BY THE BRONZE DOOR SOCIETY)}

The Mariners’ Museum | Dec. 2; 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Join us for holiday fun when Santa Claus comes to The Mariners' Museum! Grab a spot for this special storytime, presented by The Bronze Door Society, and hear jolly St. Nick share one of his favorite stories while everyone indulges on yummy cookies. Be sure to bring your camera to capture all the magical moments with Santa! This casual, family-friendly event is free with $1 Museum admission. Bring joy to a child this season by donating to our Toys for Tots toy drive. Purchase a toy from our Museum Shop, or bring your own new, unwrapped toy to donate. Click here for required registration.

WREATH-MAKING WORKSHOPS 

Historic Endview | Dec. 2; 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

Adorn a grapevine wreath with historically appropriate natural materials and learn about 18th- and 19th-century holiday traditions. $15 per person; includes all supplies and a holiday-themed tour of the house. Click here to register in advance. 

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AND FESTIVITIES 

City Center at Oyster Point | Dec. 2; 5 to 8 p.m.

This holiday tree lighting ceremony and its complementary festivities will fill City Center with live stage entertainment, food vendors, carnival games, strolling entertainers, holiday décor, face painters, a holiday market with seasonal gift vendors, children’s crafts, an ice-sculpting exhibition, and the official lighting of the City Center holiday tree at 6:30 p.m. Click here for details.

dave koz and friends: christmas TOUR 2023  

Ferguson Center for the Arts | Dec. 2; 8 p.m.

Dave Koz and Friends announce the 26^th anniversary edition of the longest-running jazz-based Christmas tour. Beginning the next era of this rich musical tradition, Koz and Friends will perform fresh renditions of timeless Christmas classics – as well as a Chanukah medley – and hits from their respective catalogues. The tour reunites Koz with long-time musical partner, guitarist/singer Jonathan Butler and will feature special guests, saxophonist/flutist Marcus Anderson making his debut, and vocalist Rebecca Jade, marking her third time with the tour. Traversing 25 cities over one month on the road, the tour will also introduce musical prodigy Justin-Lee Schultz, a 16-year old South Africa-born, US-based pianist/guitarist/vocalist and social media sensation. Click here for details.

HO HO HO AT THE DEPOT

Lee Hall Depot | Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 (Saturdays only); 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Enjoy refreshments amidst railroad themed holiday decorations. A model train display and craft activities are offered every Saturday in December as part of regular admission. On Dec. 16, Santa will greet visitors in the Chessie caboose for $5 per child from 1 to 4 p.m. Click here for details.

LIGHTS AT THE FOUNTAIN

City Center at Oyster Point | Dec. 2 through Jan. 1; 5 to 9 p.m.

Lights at the Fountain sets the scene for a relaxing stroll around City Center’s five-acre fountain. Here, the lights and soundtrack from a 50-foot animated tree synchronizes with 55 pixel-wrapped perimeter trees that circle the fountain in a 15-minute show that plays every half hour, from 5 to 9 p.m. daily Dec. 2 through Jan. 1. Click here for details.

ARTECH LIGHTS SHOW

Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center | Dec. 2 through Jan. 1; 5 to 9 p.m.

This oh-so sparkly light show showcases animated holiday shows synchronized to your favorite holiday carols on a 30-foot tall tree nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. every half hour. Seasonal décor – all perfect for selfies and cards – and cheerful light installations complete this festive experience. Click here for details.

cnu's holiday happening concert  

Ferguson Center for the Arts | Dec. 3; 4 p.m.

Don't miss the 32^nd annual Christopher Newport University Holiday Happening concert, with proceeds supporting music scholarships. Please note there is a purchase limit of four tickets per transaction. Immediately following the Holiday Happening performance is the university’s annual tree lighting at 6 p.m. on CNU's beautiful Great Lawn, which is free and open to the public. Click here for details.

a tradoc HOLIDAY  

Ferguson Center for the Arts | Dec. 5; 7 p.m.

This is a free, ticketed concert with general admission seating. Only the first 1,700 ticket holders will be admitted. Enjoy an evening of fun festive music, compliments of the TRADOC Band. The United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Band serves as the premier musical organization for U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command and connects the Army to the American people. Based in Fort Eustis, the TRADOC Band performs locally for public concerts, military ceremonies and educational outreach programs while also maintaining a presence on the national stage. Soldiers assigned to the TRADOC Band are active duty, full-time musicians performing in a wide variety of musical ensembles, having trained and studied music at some of the finest colleges, universities and conservatories in the United States and abroad. Join the talented U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band, featuring top five finalists from America’s Got Talent, Voices of Service, as they perform classic and popular holiday favorites. Special guest, Ashley Smith, 13News Now Daybreak and noon news anchor, will join the Band. Click here for details.

torggler with a twist: holiday edition!   

Torggler Fine Arts Center at CNU | Dec. 7; 5 to 7 p.m.

Join us for an evening of art, wine and creative fun at our holiday Torggler with a Twist! Explore our new exhibitions and enjoy an array of fun, holiday-themed art activities. No admission charge; cash bar. Grab your friends and come unwind with us after work. For details, call 757-594-0800.

HOLIDAY POPS 

Ferguson Center for the Arts | Dec. 7; 7:30 p.m. 

Join us for the must-see holiday tradition of the season – Holiday POPS! There’s no better way to lift your spirits than with seasonal songs and traditional carols delivered in full sound and spectacle by the Virginia Symphony and special guests. Holiday POPS will have all the magical elements you’ve come to expect and more – high energy, familiar carols, and lots of holiday warmth! And we’ll even throw in a surprise or two! We can’t wait to celebrate the 2023 holiday season together! Click here for details.

ST. NICK AT ENDVIEW

Historic Endview | Dec. 7-8; 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Experience the magic of Christmas with an old-fashioned visit with Santa. Please bring a wrapped present for your child and an unwrapped one for Toys for Tots. Call 757-887-1862 to reserve your family’s time.

HOLIDAY FROST Salutes 50 years of hip hop

Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center | Dec. 8; 4 to 8 p.m.

Celebrate the holiday season with a creative nod to “50 years of Hip Hop.” Take a 360-degree photo with Santa in the disco, break dance with elves, all while making a music video.  Enjoy candy and crafts and jam with a host of holiday characters on all three floors of the venue. Click here for details.

Winter Nature Nights   

Virginia Living Museum | Dec. 8-10, Dec. 15-17, Dec. 22-23; 5:30 to 8:15 p.m.

Discover the magic of Winter Nature Nights this holiday season!  Savor hot chocolate in the cozy café, followed by a leisurely walk along the beautifully lighted outdoor boardwalk trail. Kids will love “How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas” on the Dino Trail. Meet Santa at the Goodson House or get creative with cookie decorating! Experience captivating shows in the Abbitt Planetarium: “Star of Wonder” and “Laser Holiday.” Timed tickets are required. Advance tickets are $13 for non-members and $10 for members. Children ages 2 and under are free. Ticket prices increase to $15 for non-members and $12 for members if not bought in advance. A separate ticket is required for Abbitt Planetarium shows. Click here for details.

STORYTIME WITH SANTA

The Mariners’ Museum | Dec. 9; 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Join us for holiday fun when Santa Claus comes to The Mariners' Museum! Grab a spot to hear jolly St. Nick share one of his favorite stories while everyone indulges on yummy cookies. Be sure to bring your camera to capture all the magical moments with Santa! This casual, family-friendly event is free with $1 Museum admission. Bring joy to a child this season by donating to our Toys for Tots toy drive. Purchase a toy from our Museum Shop, or bring your own new, unwrapped toy to donate. Click here for required registration.

A HIP HOP HOLIDAY CAROL

Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center | Dec. 9; 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.

We’re celebrating 50 years of hip hop by putting a rap spin on the beloved classic with an original youth performance. A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley, and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet-To-Come. Click here for details.

Virginia Choral Society Presents angel band with orchestra

Trinity Lutheran Church, 6807 Huntington Ave. | Dec. 9; 4 to 6 p.m.

A holiday concert with Angel Band by Tim Sharp and Timothy Michael Powell, featuring Appalachian, Moravian, and Celtic songs and carols. The concert also includes several carols from 100 Carols for Choirs as well as selections from An A Cappella Christmas. The performance includes an orchestra to make this a truly memorable start to your holiday season. Bring a group, don festive holiday attire, and get in the spirit! Click here for ticket information. 

ARTECH LIGHTS SPECIAL EVENT

Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center | Dec. 9; 5 to 8 p.m.

Guests of all ages will enjoy a fun winter evening filled with holiday-themed games, a silent disco, photo booth, hot chocolate, doughnuts, toy giveaways, children’s activities, strolling entertainers, a snow globe, food vendors, and more! Click here for details.

VILLAGE GINGERBREAD CELEBRATION AND LIGHTED MAIN STREET HOLIDAY PARADE 

Historic Hilton Village | Dec. 9; 4 to 9 p.m.

This nostalgic annual event is great FREE fun for the entire family! Participating business locations will have extended Open House hours and specials for this one-of-a-kind evening. The Hilton Holiday Market, from 4 to 9 p.m., will be filled with artisans and crafters, live blacksmith demonstrations, and gingerbread cookies. Enjoy a seasonal brew at the Coastal Fermentory tent and grab a delicious bite from the food trucks. The gingerbread theme will continue with a variety of gifts and goodies to choose from! The Main Street Lighted Holiday Parade will be held at 5 p.m. on Main Street, between River Road and Warwick Boulevard. Get your Gingerbread Passport to the Gingerbread House Tour, scheduled for 5:30 to 8 p.m., at the Holiday Market. Admission is one can of food, to be donated to Thrive Peninsula.  Visit each store on your passport and get your unique stamp at each. Once completed and you have seen every gingerbread creation, cast your vote for the Villager’s Choice Award at the information booth, the official last stop of your journey! Click here for details.

usaf heritage of america band holiday shows

Ferguson Center for the Arts (Peebles Theatre) | Dec. 9-12

• Join us for a festive evening that will be filled with holiday music – both old and new – that will be sure to help start your holiday season right! Performances are scheduled for:

• *2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 9
• *3 p.m. Dec. 10
• * 7 p.m. Dec. 12
• Click here to register. 

THE SANTA TRAIN

Lee Hall Depot | Dec. 10; 2:30 p.m.

An engaging rail heritage program documenting the special Chesapeake & Ohio Railway train runs to distribute gifts to children in Appalachia. As part of this event, guests are requested to bring new, unwrapped toys for a Toys for Tots drive. Holiday refreshments served. Free admission.

VIRGINIA CHORAL SOCIETY PRESENTS ANGEL BAND WITH ORCHESTRA

Temple Baptist Church, 235 Harpersville Road | Dec. 10; 4 to 6 p.m.

A holiday concert with Angel Band by Tim Sharp and Timothy Michael Powell, featuring Appalachian, Moravian, and Celtic songs and carols. The concert also includes several carols from 100 Carols for Choirs as well as selections from An A Cappella Christmas. The performance includes an orchestra to make this a truly memorable start to your holiday season. Bring a group, don festive holiday attire, and get in the spirit! Click here for ticket information. 

A christmas baddie 

Tradition Brewing Co., 700 Thimble Shoals Blvd. | Dec. 14; 6:30 to 10 p.m. 

This holiday season, if there is one gift you need to give, it is to yourself for being such a BADDIE this entire year. Join us at Tradition Brewing Co. as we celebrate a year of confidence with A Christmas Baddie, hosted by Fushia DeVille and featuring The Feral Showgirls and special guest DJ RO 757. We will also have karaoke, table pong, vendors, contests, games, and special mocktails from POUR IT UP LLC. Sometimes it’s just good to be on the naughty list! Click here for details.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH 

First Baptist Church Newport News, 12716 Warwick Blvd. | Dec. 15; 7:30 p.m. 

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. Click here for details.

A very soulful christmas with morgan james 

Ferguson Center for the Arts | Dec. 15; 8 p.m. 

Fresh off the release of her new album "Memphis Magnetic," and Christmas album "A Very Magnetic Christmas," soul singer, Broadway veteran and concert favorite Morgan James showcases her brand of original soul music and classic covers with a dynamite band in tow. After training at the Juilliard School, Morgan was on Broadway in five original Broadway companies, has appeared as a soloist with major orchestras around the world, and now makes records and tours full-time with her own band. With Postmodern Jukebox and with her own YouTube channel, Morgan’s music videos have accumulated more than 250 million views. Don't miss this very special holiday concert. Click here for details.

Virginia Regional Ballet Presents "The Nutcracker" With The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra 

Ferguson Center for the Arts | 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 16 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 17 

This sparkling holiday classic returns to Hampton Roads with swirling snowflakes, sword fights, the wondrous Land of Sweets, waltzing flowers and an enchanted Nutcracker. Virginia Regional Ballet presents this spectacular production with The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra. Click here for details.

cirque dreams holidaze 

Ferguson Center for the Arts | Dec. 19; 7:30 p.m. 

Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life on stage. With an original musical score, twists on holiday classics sung live, and with new sets, scenery, and storylines, this ultimate holiday gift for the entire family is sure to put a twinkle in your eye! Click here for details.

STORYTIME WITH THE ANIMALS   

Virginia Living Museum | Dec. 27-29; 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Join the Virginia Living Museum’s animal ambassadors for a special story time! From skunks to opossums, ducks to songbirds, turtles, lizards, snakes, crabs, salamanders, and more, each animal has its own special story to tell. Listen to fun and fascinating stories about Virginia’s native wildlife. Then, meet the stars of the stories as you get up close with our animal ambassadors. Each story time concludes with hands-on activities that help reinforce the story’s lesson. Storytime with the Animals is designed for families and young guests and is included with Museum admission. Click here for details.

noon year's eve   

Virginia Living Museum | Dec. 31; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Start the New Year off with a bang! at this kid-friendly event that’s packed with fun activities and explosive science demonstrations. Dress in your best party clothes and celebrate the New Year in style.  Let your creativity shine and make a festive party craft, get your dancing shoes on and groove to the music with our amazing DJ, and prepare for a blast with fun activities. Write down your eco-friendly resolutions and add them to the Resolution Wall. Don’t miss our thrilling countdowns at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. We’ll ring in the New Year with explosive science demonstrations that will leave you in awe!  Noon Year's Eve is designed for families and young guests and is included with Museum admission. Click here for details.

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Past Events:

Tree Lighting at tech center   

Marketplace at Tech Center, 12090 Jefferson Ave. | Nov. 17; 3 to 5:30 p.m.

The Marketplace at Tech Center will host a tree lighting with fun activities for families with children. Kids will love the games, crafts, refreshments, and more! Stay for the tree lighting at dusk to kick off the holiday season. Don’t forget to visit with Santa! You’ll also be able to enjoy carolers, hot cocoa, and samples from select restaurants. Rain date is 3 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 18. Click here for details.

PORT WARWICK HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING 

Styron Square, Port Warwick | Nov. 25; 5 to 8 p.m.

The Port Warwick Holiday Tree Lighting returns this year with the idyllic Christmas Village in Styron Square! Festivities will start at sundown when Santa arrives at the Square in his horse-drawn carriage and marches toward the Pavilion to light the majestic tree. Live entertainment will occur all evening long. Enjoy meet-and-greets, photos with Santa, carriage rides, games, face-painting, and The Balloon Guy. Bring the family and enjoy the spirit of the season! Free and open to all. No reservations required. Held rain or shine. Click here for details.

MUSEUM STORE SUNDAY

The Mariners’ Museum | Nov. 26; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

Start your holiday shopping at The Mariners' with a pair of surprises! Members receive 20% off on select items at our Gift Shop (both in store and online) while guests get a 10% discount. Adding to the festive mood, Storytime with Santa will take place in the Museum’s Main Lobby at 9 a.m. When you shop at The Mariners', you support a local business!

MUSEUM STORE SUNDAY

Virginia Living Museum | Nov. 26; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

From puzzles and games to shirts and plushies, the museum store at the Virginia Living Museum has something for everyone. Browse a diverse, hand-picked selection of amazing gifts that will cover everyone on your holiday shopping list. With everything 10% off on Museum Store Sunday, there are deals everywhere you look. Plus, if you're a member, you get double that discount to get 20% storewide. Get your holiday shopping done at the Virginia Living Museum store and support a local nonprofit!

STORYTIME WITH SANTA  

The Mariners’ Museum | Nov. 26; 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Join us for holiday fun when Santa Claus comes to The Mariners' Museum! Grab a spot to hear jolly St. Nick share one of his favorite stories while everyone indulges on yummy cookies. Be sure to bring your camera to capture all the magical moments with Santa! This casual, family-friendly event is free with $1 Museum admission. Bring joy to a child this season by donating to our Toys for Tots toy drive. Purchase a toy from our Museum Shop or bring your own new, unwrapped toy to donate. Click here for required registration.

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS  

Ferguson Center for the Arts | Nov. 28; 7:30 p.m.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program celebrates the group’s recent anniversary of 35 years since the first Christmas album, and includes dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller. Click here for details.

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