Downtown Norfolk Will Be Merry and Bright for the 2020 Holiday Season
Continue your holiday traditions or start new ones in Downtown Norfolk. This holiday season may look a little different than holidays of the past, but plenty of fun, family-friendly events are planned to keep it festive all season long.
Grand Illumination Celebration and Holiday Kickoff
November 21
On November 21, 2020 from 4pm-7pm, we will kick-off the holiday season Downtown with the traditional illumination of the Downtown Norfolk skyline as well as other free mini-activations throughout the evening, including:
Unveiling of new holiday art installations in the NEON District
Fan-favorite Model Train Exhibit in Selden Market
Socially-distanced Santa photo op
Performances by The Rhythm Project and other outdoor music and entertainment
Snowfall on Granby
Continuing the Holiday Fun Throughout the Season
From November 21 until New Year's Day, Downtown Norfolk is your holiday celebration destination filled with brand new experiences, reimagined traditions, and old favorites returning to make your days merry and bright. Upcoming activations include:
The Great Hot Cocoa War: Bigger and Better Than Ever
November 21-28
Downtown’s beloved Great Hot Cocoa War is going on for an entire week this year from November 21-28 to give everyone the chance to try all the chocolatey creations from participating restaurants and vote on their favorite. Who has the most delicious hot cocoa in all the land?
Selden Holiday Market
All Season Long
Shop small and local this holiday season at the Selden Holiday Market! Pick up unique gifts from amazing small businesses, scope out ever-changing pop-ups, or attend a great holiday event at Selden Market.
Holiday Train Exhibit at Selden Market
November 21-December 20
The Atlantic Coast S Gaugers Tidewater Division returns to Downtown Norfolk inside Selden Market with their impressive — and FREE — model train exhibit throughout December.
Winterfest on the Wisconsin
November 21-December 31
Deck the ship! WinterFest on the Wisconsin, a massive new experience aboard the historic battleship in Downtown Norfolk, will be brightening up the Downtown Norfolk waterfront from November 21 through New Year's Eve.
MacArthur On Ice
November 21-January 20
MacArthur Center's 7,200-square-foot outdoor ice rink is the coolest place for good times this winter.
Small Business Saturday
November 28
There is plenty of opportunity to buy local and unique in Downtown Norfolk all season long. And on November 28, Downtown Norfolk invites you to join us in celebrating our beloved small, local retailers and join in the Shop Small movement with Small Business Saturday.
As part of the celebration, Downtown Norfolk Council is planning a Shop Small Welcome Station for shoppers when they come out on November 28. The station, located in Selden Market, will include a list of participating small businesses, treats, and entertainment. Additionally, Downtown will be alive with Strolling Santa carolers, Small Business Saturday decorations, and gift card giveaways to Downtown shoppers.
NEON Stars
November 21-December 31
As the gateway into Downtown Norfolk, the NEON District provides the first glimpse of city lights, historic buildings and bustling streets to residents and visitors. The District will showcase unique, creative holiday décor along Granby Street adding to the magic of the season. Presented by Business Consortium for Arts Support.
Holiday Movie Food & Drink Week
December 4-11
For one week, from December 4-11, Downtown chefs put fun and creative spins on iconic food and drinks from holiday movie classics for a delicious helping of festive nostalgia. With 28 participating restaurants in this special dining week, there is ample opportunity to get a taste for Downtown’s newest holiday experience.
NEON Holiday Market
December 5
Shop local in the NEON District on Saturday, December 5 from Noon to 4pm. Pop by for live music from acoustic musicians, snacks from food trucks, handmade goods and local art. Creative local vendors will have their wares out for all your holiday shopping!
Vintage Sunday at Selden Market
December 13
Visit Selden Market on December 13 for Vintage Sunday from 11am-5pm for some extra special holiday shopping with one-of-a-kind gifts along with entertainment.
And There's More! Have A Holly Jolly Holiday
Holiday shows, unique shopping, chef-inspired restaurants with beautiful outdoor dining, and so much more: check out everything happening in Downtown Norfolk this holiday season here.
Thank You Holiday Sponsors
Downtown Norfolk Council extends a sincere Thank You to all the sponsors who have helped make holiday magic in Downtown Norfolk.