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Let The Holiday Festivities Begin In Hampton Roads. Here Is Our Top List Of Holiday Events To Put On Your List This Year!

2 December 2014 by

  TIS THE SEASON FOR HOLIDAY EVENTS AROUND HAMPTON ROADS & RICHMOND!   

Here is a list of some of the great Holiday Events/Parades going on around town.  I hope you and your family have a wonderful Holiday Season!

 

Hampton Roads Peninsula Area Holiday Events:

 

Celebration in Lights, Virginia's first drive-through holiday light event, opens for its 22nd season on Thanksgiving night (November 27, 2014).  Newport News Park will be transformed by over 800,000 individual lights creating animated holiday and fanciful scenes.  This year's event will feature more "light tubes" which create the effect of falling snow, more lighted arches, and the refurbishment of displays with energy efficient LED bulbs. Date(s)/Time:Thursday, November 27, 2014 - Thursday, January 01, 2015.

New for 2014 is the Lee Hall Depot Train Station display. The historic Lee Hall Depot was constructed in the 1880s as part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad’s efforts to establish its Atlantic terminus at Newport News, thereby linking the Ohio River Valley with the sea. Traditionally, the depot served the Yorktown, Lee Hall, and lower James City County communities and was the social and economic focal point of the village of Lee Hall that grew around the station. The City of Newport News is restoring the depot to preserve an entity important to the city’s development.

The new Forest of Lights features nine new color-changing trees.

The Peace Garden display area will “grow” with the additions of daffodils, tulips, daisies, a dragonfly, and a grasshopper.

The event also continues to refurbish older displays with energy efficient LED bulbs. The event will be open each evening, 5:30 - 10:00 p.m., through New Year’s (January 1, 2015).

  • 5:30 - 10:00 p.m.
  • $10.00 per car; $60.00 per bus
  • Advance purchase at the Newport News Visitors Center. 
Admission Fee: $10/car; $60/bus

 

CHRISTMAS TOWN  Busch Gardens® Christmas Town™ celebrates the most wonderful time of the year. Since its debut in 2009, families have grown up with Christmas Town's blanket of six-million glittering lights, breathtaking shows and traditional Christmas culinary delights. Visit Santa Claus at his North Pole workshop and begin a Christmas Town tradition that is as warm as apple pie. This year, take a step into the not-so-distant-past at Holiday Hills™ where mid-twentieth century Christmas celebrations come to life. Sip some hot chocolate and let the warmth of the season take over. Start a new Christmas tradition this year at Busch Gardens Christmas Town.  Nov. 21 select days through Dec. 31. For more information, visit www.christmastown.com/va.  Visit Busch Gardens on MB to learn about Military Discounts on Christmas Town.

 

Hollydazzle Hampton RoadsHollydazzle is a "one of a kind" holiday show that combines synchronized fireworks, theatrical lighting, ground-based pyrotechnics and special effects all choreographed to festive music, making it one of the top shows of the year. The show transforms City Center at Oyster Point into a kaleidoscope of color reflecting on the fountains' five-acre water surface. And because it's "in-the-round," the show looks the same no matter what side of the fountain you're standing on! Hollydazzle also includes the lighting of a 45' holiday tree on the Fountain Plaza. The tree combines the latest technology in LED light animation to create its own continuous light show. It fades from color to color, shimmers, chases lights, and creates unique patterned effects, and the lights are synchronized with recorded holiday music. More than 30,000 people attend Hollydazzle each year. Includes free children’s activities and holiday performances throughout the City Center at Oyster Point area. Come early and enjoy a festive dinner at one of the restaurants in City Center and do some holiday shopping at one of the great stores in and around Merchant's Walk.  Friday December 5, 2014 from 6-9pm.

 

Grand Illumination Colonial Williamsburg:  In the 18th century, illuminations, which included the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks, were held to celebrate major events, such as great military victories, the anniversary of the reigning sovereign's birth, or the arrival of a new colonial governor. Join Colonial Williamsburg for this special day by strolling the Revolutionary City and viewing all the unique decorations. Enjoy musical performances from multiple stages and delight in the fireworks displays from three different locations. Sunday, December 7, 2014 from 4:45-7:30pm

 

Yorktown Events:   Christmas Tree Lighting  Friday, Dec. 5, 2014  7:30 - 8:30 PM  Riverwalk Landing, 331 Water Street, Yorktown, VA 23690.  A tradition that began in 1945 continues with the Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting. Evening highlights include a 7 pm performance by The Fifes and Drums of York Town at the Victory Monument, festive music at Riverwalk Landing, the procession of lights through the historic village, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free. 757.890.3500. Holiday Events Flyer

 

Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade:   Water Street, Yorktown VA 23690.  Festively decorated sail and power boats compete for “Best in Show.” The Yorktown waterfront is bedazzled with holiday sights and sounds, including a spectacular floating parade of lights, caroling around a roaring beach bonfire, musical performances and complimentary hot cider. Free. 757.890.4970. 12/6/2014 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

 

Yorktown Market Day and Toyland Parade:   Saturday, December 13 - Yorktown Market Days and Toyland Parade, 9 am to 3 pm. Special holiday market featuring an assortment of items: seasonal fruits & vegetables; fresh seafood, eggs, poultry, beef and pork; fine sweets and baked goods including cakes, breads, brownies and cookies; coffee, jams and jellies; homemade relish and spices; organic and gluten free products; holiday wreaths, pines and flowering bulbs; homemade peanut brittle; quality art, and holiday music. Starting at 1:30 become a part of our Toyland Parade, jump in with a decorated a stroller or wagon, or even yourself! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to greet the guests. The Fifes and Drums of York Town will be leading the parade. As an added treat, the Polar Express will be chugging along through Riverwalk Landing. Free. 

 

Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat ParadeSaturday, December 6, 2014 at 7pm.  Cruise into the spirit of the holiday season with the 26th annual Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade.  Share the wonder with friends and family at the Downtown Hampton Waterfront, as captains from around Hampton Roads display their creative sides with lights and festive decor on their boats.  Kids can meet Santa on the Miss Hampton tour boat before the event (please bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots). Admission is free.  Located at Hampton Public Piers 710 Settlers Landing Road in Hampton.

 

Williamsburg Area Community Christmas Parade:   2014 A Story Book Christmas Parade~Annual community Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Williamsburg Area Chamber and Tourism Alliance. The parade features more than 100 entries including floats and marching bands and begins at Merchants Square in the historic area of Williamsburg. The perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!  Then stay in the area to discover the many holiday options including outlet shopping, touring Colonial Williamsburg and enjoying their Christmas decorations, Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, a Colonial Christmas at Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center and so much more!   Free admission to watch the parade.  Saturday, December 06, 2014 (9:00 AM-11:00 AM) Downtown WilliamsburgMerchants Square

 

Holly Days Parade Hampton:  Have a joyful time in downtown Hampton at the Peninsula's largest illuminated holiday parade.  You'll want to come early and get a good spot to enjoy one ofHampton's greatest seasonal traditions.  Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 7:00pm.  Theme: Joy To The World Part 2.  

 

Hampton Roads Southside Area Holiday Events:

 

McDonald's Holiday Lights at the Beach:  November 21, 2014 to January 3, 2015.  From November 21 through January 3, take a shiny journey into nautical, holiday, and adventure lands – all along the beautiful Virginia Beach boardwalk. Festive fish, jumping dolphins, frolicking porpoises – all in bright, colored lights against the clear night-time sky, are the stars of McDonald’s Holiday Lights at the Beach. They are joined by Santa, elves, and a 40-foot tall Christmas tree erected on the beach and in the beautiful parks along the Virginia Beach boardwalk.  Over 30,000 families a year make this unique light show a part of their holiday celebration!  To learn about pricing and information click here.  “Military Mondays,” presented by Liberty Tax Service, military receive over a 50% discount each Monday night from December 1-December 29. Military Monday tickets are $7 per car. 

Dominion Garden of Lights: November 27, 2014 – December 31, 2014.  Drive through a million twinkling lights this winter.  Thanksgiving night through December 31
5:30 – 10 p.m. nightly.  Don’t miss Hampton Road’s favorite holiday tradition. Bring your family and friends to our 20th annual light show extravaganza for a magical holiday experience. During this event, our garden is transformed into a winter wonderland where you can enjoy a 2-mile drive through a million sparkling lights bringing the four seasons to life.  To learn more about Dominion Garden of LIghts and prices click hereMilitary Monday Appreciation Nights:  $10 per Car with a military id sponsored by USAA.

Towne Bank Holiday Parade At The Beach:  RESCHEDULED TO SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2014 at 5:30pm. Officially ushering in the holiday season at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, the Holiday Parade at the Beach features giant balloons, marching bands from area schools and the community, lighted floats, equestrian units, fire trucks, performing dance groups, motorcycles, and more to present a dazzling and entertaining night of fun for all ages!  And best of all, Santa Claus himself makes a grand appearance to greet all his loyal fans as the parade makes its way down Atlantic Avenue.  The Holiday Parade at the Beach steps off at 5:30pm.  The parade travels North along Atlantic Avenue from 15th Street to 25th Street. The reviewing stand is located at 25th Street.  The Holiday Parade at the Beach steps off at 5:30pm.  The parade travels North along Atlantic Avenue from 15th Street to 25th Street. The reviewing stand is located at 25th Street.

Richmond Area Holiday Events:

 

Tacky Lights (Nov. 27-Jan. 1)-- Richmond homes light up with over-the-top displays starting on Thanksgiving and running through New Year's Eve. You can visit houses yourself with our Tacky Lights mobile guide at www.tackyrichmond.com, book yourself a limo or even hop on a trolley to take in the lights.  We highly recommend Monument Avenue (not tacky, just beautiful), the houses on Asbury Court, 9716 Wendhurst Avenue and 2300 Wistar Court. Find the definitive Tacky Lights Guide right here.

 

Dominion Gardenfest of Lights  (Nov. 28 through Jan. 12, except Dec. 24 & 25; 5-10 p.m.)-Christmas is supposed to be big, bright and sparkly, and, boy, does Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden ever get that right.  A holiday tradition featuring more than half-a-million twinkling lights, hand-crafted botanical decorations, model trains, holiday dinners, firepit with s'mores and hot chocolate (for purchase); nightly family activities & more. The region's ultimate holiday extravaganza! More at http://www.lewisginter.org/.

 

Grand Illumination 2014 (Dec. 5, 5:45-7 p.m.)-Wander around the James Center this magical evening and you'll swear you're in the North Pole (minus the snow.) Show up on time and you'll see all of the reindeer, trees and buildings light the night at once. Free. More at www.thejamescenter.com/grandill.html

 

Dominion Christmas Parade  (Dec. 6; 10 a.m. to noon)- The 31st annual Dominion Christmas parade will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in Richmond, Virginia. The parade will depart from the Science Museum on W. Broad Street and continue east to 7th Street. This beloved Richmond tradition attracts more than 100,000 spectators each year from everywhere in Virginia, with thousands more enjoying the live television broadcast.

 

22nd Annual James River Parade of Lights (Dec. 13 in the evening)  Each year, boaters decorate their vessels and take to the river at dusk in a dazzling spectacle of lights. The James River Parade of Lights, which is sponsored by the James River Advisory Council, is one of the region’s most cherished holiday events. Spectators line the shorelines at several official viewing sites to take in the parade and other festive entertainment. The parade begins in Richmond, just below the fall line, and the boats cruise through Henrico and Chesterfield counties to the Varina-Enon Bridge.

 

**There are many more wonderful Holiday Events going on around Richmond.  To find more events in your area click here!.

To find more Holiday Events around Hampton Roads click here!

 

To find a list of where to find SANTA CLAUSE IN HAMPTON ROADS, visit MYACTIVECHILD.COM BLOG

 

If we missed an Event that you would like us to SHARE please contact MilitaryBridge at info@militarybridge.com

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM MILITARYBRIDGE!!                   

 

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