Experience The Magic Of The Holidays In Downtown Norfolk

From the City of Norfolk:

NORFOLK, Va. – (December 2019) – Holiday traditions are made Downtown. There is so much happening, we compiled a list of the must sees this season. Bring the family for a celebration of light and fun. For a complete holiday calendar of events, visit https://www.downtownnorfolk.org/holiday-events.

NEW! Peppermint Alley

You'll be walking in a winter wonderland at Peppermint Alley. Market Street (between MacArthur Center and Granby Street) is packed with peppermint fun, featuring whimsical red and white light displays, peppermint art and even a few surprises throughout the season. Perfect for the family photo or Instagram moment.

NEW! Impulse Giant Seesaw Experience and Island of Warmth

Combine your love of the season with your love of play by visiting Impulse, a holiday interactive light and sound experience, and Island of Warmth. Twelve giant glowing seesaws emit warm lights and beautiful tonal sounds that change when put into motion by people. By playing on the seesaws, visitors can create an engaging and ever-changing choreography of light and sound. Island of Warmth invites visitors to gather around a large fire, made of more than 150 incandescent light bulbs, an electrifying campfire that comes to life to music that is composed specially for the occasion. These experiences are fun and free.

The 6th Annual Holiday Yule Log Bonfire and Christmas Marketplace

On Saturday, December 7, Town Point Park Town is transformed into a festive outdoor wonderland featuring unique and local crafts, a towering Yule Log Bonfire, Christmas caroling, hot chocolate and whiskey tastings and a visit from the Big Man himself. The event runs from 12 pm to 8 pm and is free.

Selden Holiday Market

Selden Market really comes alive during the holidays with six weeks of the best small business shopping in Hampton Roads. Check out new experiences, events and pop-ups every week with unique gifts from over 100 amazing small businesses including toys, jewelry, apparel, art, home goods and more. While you're there, check out festive food, seasonal beverages, live music and caroling, free gift wrapping and more. There's always something new happening at Selden Market, so be sure to visit often! Don’t miss the Selden Market Holiday Party on December 7 from 8 to 10 pm, a festive evening of cocktails, dancing, complimentary light hors d'oeuvres and a very special nighttime market experience.

Model Train Exhibit at Selden Holiday Market

The sounds of train whistles fill the air in Selden Market with the Atlantic Coast S Gaugers Tidewater Division impressive model train exhibit. This traditional holiday experience is free.

Dickens’ Christmas Towne

Step into Christmas magic at Dickens' Christmas Towne. This magical holiday village is packed with family-friendly holiday activities, including a visit with Santa, laughing along with Geoffrey the Talking Christmas Tree and children's activities like puppet shows, crafts, games and more. Adults can check out Dickens After Dark and enjoy seasonal drinks, eats and adult holiday fun.

NEON Holiday Market

For some alternative holiday cheer and creative local shopping, visit the NEON District on Saturday, December 14 from noon to 4 pm for the NEON Holiday Market. Pop by for live music from acoustic musicians, snacks from food trucks, handmade goods and local art. More than 30 creative vendors will have their wares out for all your holiday shopping! Free.

MacArthur on Ice

MacArthur Center kicks off the 15th season of ice skating at the coolest place in Downtown. 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. Enjoy public skating sessions, figure skating exhibitions, a holiday pop-up bar and more.

Holiday Shows

Enjoy the magic of Norfolk's thriving performing arts events this holiday season at a variety of holiday performances: Virginia Stage Company's A Christmas Carol, Virginia Symphony Orchestra's Holiday POPS!, Hurrah Players' Hurrah for the Holidays, Governor's School for the Arts' Handel's Messiah and more.

Downtown Norfolk Council is a private, not-for-profit membership organization comprised of businesses and individuals working toward a dynamic, attractive and prosperous Downtown. DNC also manages the Downtown Norfolk Improvement District, a 50-block special services district with enhanced services that keep Downtown friendly, safe and spotless. Connect with Downtown Norfolk on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or visit DowntownNorfolk.org.

This press release was produced by the City of Norfolk. The views expressed here are the author’s own.