Experience the Magic of the Holidays Downtown
Make these the most memorable holidays ever with an entire season full of festivities and fun for the whole family.
Selden Holiday Market
Selden Market really comes alive during the holidays with the best small business shopping in Hampton Roads. Check out new experiences and pop-ups every week with unique gifts from amazing locally-owned small businesses including jewelry, apparel, art, home goods, and more. While you're there, check out festive food and seasonal beverages in a beautifully festive setting. There's always something happening at Selden Market for the holidays, so be sure to visit often!
Model Train Exhibition at Selden Holiday Market
The sound of train whistles fill the air in Selden Market this December when the Atlantic Coast S Gaugers Tidewater Division brings their impressive model train exhibit back to Downtown Norfolk. This traditional holiday experience is free and open to the public and is sure to bring smiles to the faces of both the young and the young-at-heart alike.
The Great Hot Cocoa War NFK
Downtown’s beloved Great Hot Cocoa War is going on for an entire week this year from November 20-27 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?
Holiday Movie Food and Drink Week
For one week, from December 3-10, Downtown chefs put fun and creative spins on iconic food and drinks from holiday movie classics for a delicious helping of festive nostalgia. With so many participating restaurants in this special dining week, there is ample opportunity to get a taste for Downtown’s newest holiday experience. Features available for dine-in or carry-out.
Winterfest on the Wisconsin
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 11 through January 2.
Grand Illumination Celebration and Holiday Kickoff
On November 20, we will kick-off the holiday season Downtown with free mini-activations throughout the evening, including:
- Unveiling of new holiday art installations in the NEON District
- Free Santa photo op
- Dancers, Marching Bands, and Siren City Pipe Band
- Performances by The Rhythm Project and other outdoor music and entertainment by the Virginia Arts Festival
- Snow Magic on Granby
- Rudolph Ride from The Plot
- Night one of the 7th Annual Hot Cocoa War
All culminating in the traditional illumination of the Downtown Norfolk skyline at 7pm.
NEON Holiday Market
For some alternative holiday cheer and creative local shopping, be sure to visit the NEON District on Saturday, December 11 from Noon to 4pm. Pop by for live music from acoustic musicians, handmade goods and local art. Creative vendors will have their wares out for all your holiday shopping! While you're there, check out the NEON Stars, fun new art installations just for the holidays!
MacArthur on Ice
MacArthur Center kicks off the season of ice skating at the coolest place in town. Whether it’s a family tradition or a first date, the center’s outdoor ice rink is the place to go for fun and exercise this winter.
Small Business Saturday
There is plenty of opportunity to buy local and unique in Downtown Norfolk all season long. And on November 27, 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.
Holiday Shows
Enjoy the magic of Norfolk's thriving performing arts organizations this holiday season at a variety of holiday performances and events. See all the holiday activities Norfolk has to offer — we're sure you'll find more than enough to safely keep you busy this season!
Snow Magic
You'll be walking in a winter wonderland down Granby Street this holiday season! Periodically, Downtown Norfolk will become a whimsical snowglobe as "snow" falls in various spots throughout the 50-block District!
Holiday Traditions are Made Downtown
There is so much happening Downtown for the holidays — and this list only begins to cover it! Downtown Norfolk is alive with unique, one-of-a-kind happenings, activities, and experiences around every corner, and we have everything you need to know gathered for you right here, from events to dining and shopping. Get ready to experience the magic of the holidays Downtown!