1 Hampton Roads December 2007 Events
Through Dec. 30 Portsmouth COLEMAN’S NATIVITY SCENE. Monumental United Methodist Church purchased the life-sized Nativity scene displayed for many years in the garden of Coleman’s Nursery during the holiday season. Visitors may view the Nativity scene in Monumental’s chapel. Church members will provide commentary. $. (757) 397-1297. E-mail: office@monumentalumc.org. Web site: www.monumentalumc.org. Through Dec. 31 Newport News THE VIRGINIA GARDEN TOURS AT THE VIRGINIA LIVING MUSEUM. Celebrate Jamestown 2007 with a tour through Virginia’s gardening history highlighting the colonists’ interaction with plants of all types. See native plants used by Indians and how colonists utilized these in their struggle to survive. Learn what plants they brought from Europe and how they became “naturalized” into Virginia’s flora. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (757) 595-1900. E-mail: marketing@thevlm.org. Web site: www.thevlm.org. Through Dec. 31 Norfolk 100 MILES OF LIGHTS—NORFOLK. Experience the brilliance of the holiday season illuminated by 500,000 twinkling lights along a 2.5-mile drive in the Garden of Lights or the special events and programs of Holidays in the City, including the lighted skylines of downtown Norfolk and Portsmouth. Holiday productions of A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker round out the festivities. (888) 493-7386, (800) 368-3097. E-mail: info@100milesoflights.com. Web site: www.100milesoflights.com. Through Dec. 31 Portsmouth 100 MILES OF LIGHTS—PORTSMOUTH. The spirit of the holidays comes alive with the Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival. From lighted boats along the waterfront to the quaint antique shops and art galleries seven blocks away, you’ll find harpists, jazz trios, brass quartets, choirs, bagpipes and more. You can also enjoy the lighted displays that once made up Coleman Nursery’s “Winter Wonderland,” now on display at the Courthouse Galleries museum. (888) 493-7386, (800) 767-8782. E-mail: info@100milesoflights.com. Web site: www.100milesoflights.com. Through Dec. 31 Portsmouth COLEMAN’S WINTER WONDERLAND IN OLDE TOWNE PORTSMOUTH. Be entertained while you visit with some of your favorite animated figures from Coleman’s celebrated “Winter Wonderland” collection. Scheduled activities typically include make-and-take arts and crafts; a singing Santa Claus; strolling holiday characters; school choirs in the Courthouse Galleries courtyard; and musical performers in the Courthouse Galleries Gift Shop. $. (757) 393-8983, (757) 393-8543, (757) 393-5111. E-mail: paulg@portsmouthva.gov. Web site: www.courthousegalleries.com. Through Dec. 31 Virginia Beach 100 MILES OF LIGHTS—VIRGINIA BEACH. Drive the famous Boardwalk, lit from end to end with 500,000 lights for Holiday Lights at the Beach. Take in a holiday parade or a Holiday Winter Wildlife Boat Trip. Enjoy English holiday traditions at the Adam Thoroughgood House and the Francis Land House. There will also be holiday performances of the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker and the annual Messiah Sing-a-Long. (888) 493-7386, (800) 822-3224. E-mail: info@100milesoflights.com. Web site: www.100milesoflights.com. Through Dec. 31 Williamsburg 100 MILES OF LIGHTS—WILLIAMSBURG. Celebrate an 18th-century Christmas with holiday programs, tours, concerts, feasts, illuminations and incredible decorations in Colonial Williamsburg. In Yorktown, the holiday season begins the first full weekend in December with the Christmas Tree Lighting, Lighted Boat Parade and Christmas Homes Tour. The same weekend, the Williamsburg Winery conducts an open house and wine tasting. (888) 493-7386, (800) 368-6511. E-mail: info@100milesoflights.com. Web site: www.100milesoflights.com.
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Dec. 1 Hampton HAMPTON HOLLY DAYS LIGHTED BOAT PARADE. Whether you are a boater or a landlubber, you won’t want to miss this nautical parade of sail and powerboats up the Hampton River. Downtown Hampton waterfront. Free. Starts at 7 p.m. (757) 727-1271. E-mail: star@downtownhampton.com. Web site: www.downtownhampton.com. Dec. 1 Hampton IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE IN PHOEBUS. Experience Phoebus of the 1940s while celebrating the celluloid classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Take in the classic cars, entertainment and a free showing of the film starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (757) 722-0617, (757) 727-1102, (800) 8002202. Dec. 1 Hampton WINTER WONDERLAND HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING. Join us for holiday music, ice skating, hot chocolate with other winter treats, horse and carriage rides, festive lights and decorated trees. To top it off, the holiday tree lighting will be followed by fireworks. Noon-9 p.m. (757) 727-0900, (800) 296-0800. Email: scanaday@vasc.org. Web site: www.vasc.org/celebrationsbythebay. Dec. 1 Virginia Beach HOLIDAY PARADE AT THE BEACH. Marching bands, lighted floats, equestrian units, antique cars, civic groups and even the “big guy” himself—Santa Claus—all star in this delightful parade that officially ushers in the holiday season at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Thousands of spectators will line Atlantic Avenue, so bring the whole family, grab your favorite viewing spot and enjoy. (757) 491-SUNN, (800) 822-3224. Web site: www.beachstreetusa.com. Dec. 1 Yorktown YORKTOWN CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS—LIGHTED BOAT PARADE. Decorated in holiday spirit, area boaters parade the York River in competition for “Best of Show.” The parade starts at 7 p.m. Enjoy hot cider and musical performances in the glow of a beach bonfire while awaiting the magnificent parade of lights. Free. 7-9 p.m. (757) 890-4490. Web site: www.yorkcounty.gov/cyc. Dec. 1 Yorktown YORKTOWN CHRISTMAS MARKET ON MAIN STREET. The market will feature demonstrations, arts and crafts, living history, antique cars, roasted chestnuts and hot cider, entertainment, food and much more. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (757) 890-3500. Web site: www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism. Dec. 1, 8 Hampton BREAKFAST WITH SANTA. Enjoy breakfast with Ol’ Saint Nick at the Virginia Air & Space Center. This family event features make-and-take activities for children, a seated breakfast and photos with Santa. Seating is limited. $; advance tickets are required. (757) 727-0900. Web site: www.vasc.org. Dec. 1-2 Chesapeake BATTLE OF GREAT BRIDGE. Commemorate the victory at Great Bridge on December 9, 1775, with battle re-enactments, character portrayals, demonstrations and displays. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (757) 3826411. E-mail: prgeneral@cityofchesapeake.net. Web site: www.CityofChesapeake.net/parks. Dec. 1-2 Suffolk SUFFOLK-NANSEMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY CANDLELIGHT TOUR. This festive tradition features select historic downtown homes decorated for the holidays, complete with carolers, hot chocolate and old-fashioned holiday spirit. $. 3-7 p.m. (757) 923-3880, (866) SEE-SUFK, (757) 923-4750. E-mail: snhs@exis.net. Web site: kelsey3.tripod.com/.
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Dec. 1-31 Smithfield CHRISTMAS IN SMITHFIELD. Join the month-long celebration of the holiday with events throughout the historic district. A boat-lighting display and parade, a door-decoration contest, breakfast with Santa, the annual Christmas parade and evening carolers provide old-fashioned fun and entertainment for the entire family. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (757) 357-5182, (800) 365-9339. E-mail: smfdtour@isleofwightus.net. Web site: www.smithfield-virginia.com. Dec. 1-31 Williamsburg JAMES RIVER PLANTATIONS’ CHRISTMAS IN PLANTATION COUNTRY. Historic landmark plantations and regional dining establishments along the James River—from Williamsburg and Hampton Roads to Richmond—offer festive holiday activities to suit every taste. Visit the Web site to see the variety of tours, candlelight dinners and vacation packages, as well as regular house and grounds tours. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. E-mail: jamesriverplantations@pineygrove.com. Web site: www.jamesriverplantations.com. Dec. 1-Jan. 1 Charles City CENTURIES OF CHRISTMAS AT BERKELEY PLANTATION. This elegant 1726 mansion will be beautifully decorated with fresh greenery from Berkeley’s gardens for special tours. Costumed guides will add a special touch to your holiday season with stories of Christmas at Berkeley through four centuries of history. $. (804) 829-6018, (888) 466-6018. Web site: www.berkeleyplantation.com. Dec. 2 Portsmouth HISTORIC PORT NORFOLK HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES. Enjoy holiday-decorated historic homes dating back to the late 1890s in Port Norfolk, one of five historic districts in Portsmouth. Homes include bungalows, foursquares and Queen Anne homes predominate. $. 3-7 p.m. (757) 399-2383. E-mail: tlifsey@traveldesignersinc.com. Dec. 2 Williamsburg GRAND ILLUMINATION IN COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG. A traditional 18th-century celebration lights up the night sky as the Grand Illumination, Colonial Williamsburg’s gift to the nation, begins the Historic Area’s holiday season. Revelers crowd the Historic Area to celebrate the 70-year-old yuletide tradition— begun in 1935—with an afternoon and evening of holiday merriment and 18th-century-style fireworks. (800) HIS-TORY. E-mail: cwres@cwf.org. Web site: www.colonialwilliamsburg.org. Dec. 2 Yorktown YORKTOWN CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS—COOKIES WITH SANTA. In the Gallery at York Hall, children of all ages can visit with Santa and do some holiday shopping. Free. 1-4 p.m. (757) 890-4490. Web site: www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism. Dec. 2, 16 Newport News BIRD WALKS. The Hampton Roads Bird Club has monitored the bird population of Newport News Park since 1965. Join club volunteers in the Picnic Area I parking lot for some early-morning birding. Be prepared to carpool to several areas in the park. Beginners are welcome. Binoculars and field guides are recommended. Free. (757) 886-7912. E-mail: sbuck@nngov.com. Web site: www.nnparks.com. Dec. 6 Williamsburg ELECTRONIC FIELDTRIP: FOUNDERS OR TRAITORS? The months of late 1776 were “the times that try men’s souls.” Join Edward Rutledge, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams as they attend a conference with British admiral Lord Howe, hoping to end the American rebellion peacefully. Discover the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the risks they took. Colonial Williamsburg’s Electronic Field Trips are interactive history lessons, presented as live television and Internet events, and broadcast via satellite to schools around the nation. Burton Heights Lane Auditorium. Free. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (800) HIS-TORY. E-mail: cwres@cwf.com. Web site: www.colonialwilliamsburg.com.
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Dec. 6-7 Hampton SANTA’S ATTIC ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW. Come see Santa’s helpers’ most unique hand-crafted items. This show in the lobby of City Hall will bring many distinctive treasures for fun and low-cost gift giving. It features the best talents of area crafters as they showcase an array of original, hand-made items along with an assortment of tasty baked treats. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (757) 727-8311. Web site: www.hampton.gov/parks. Dec. 7 Montross MONTROSS CHRISTMAS SPIRIT FESTIVAL AND MUSEUM CHRISTMAS RECEPTION. Join us in bringing the holiday season to Montross and visit the Westmoreland County Museum for holiday cheer and a Mummers play. 5-8:30 p.m. (804) 493-8440. E-mail: westmorelnmuse@rivnet.net. Web site: westmoreland-county.org/muindex.htm. Dec. 7 Norfolk FIRST FRIDAYS IN GHENT—NORFOLK. This upscale, gallery-crawl event will have diners and shoppers enjoying Norfolk’s Historic Ghent with street musicians and entertainers, specialty retail shopping until 9 p.m. and excellent dining opportunities. Free parking and transportation are available. 69 p.m. (757) 353-6063. E-mail: ken@nvmservices.com. Web site: www.destinationghent.com. Dec. 7 Portsmouth 12 HISTORIC SQUARES OF HIGH STREET—FIRST FRIDAY IN OLDE TOWNE PORTSMOUTH. Olde Towne and Hampton Roads residents and visitors look forward to the month’s new art shows, special sales and the friendly sharing of news and information at “First Fridays.” Art galleries, antique and specialty gift shops and restaurants participate in this event held along the seven blocks of High Street between Effingham Street and the Elizabeth River. 5-8 p.m. (757) 397-7173, (757) 399-5012, (757) 4053500. E-mail: jmacdou521@aol.com; cjelder@verizon.net. Web site: www.oldetowneportsmouth.com. Dec. 7-8 Portsmouth OLDE TOWNE CANDLELIGHT HOME TOUR—PORTSMOUTH. The warmth and charm of Olde Towne will kindle your holiday spirit. This tour guides visitors through five historic homes, built from 1790 to 1890. You’ll enjoy the warmth and character of the old neighborhood as you see how today’s families enjoy their holidays in historic homes. Indulge in the sounds of the season as we entertain you with live carolers and musicians throughout the homes and along the walk. $. Fri., 5-9 p.m.; Sat., 1-5 p.m. (757) 397-5578, (757) 397-8725. E-mail: elizabeth.smith@pilotonline.com. Web site: www.otcl.org. Dec. 8 Hampton DECK THE HALLS—TRADITIONAL DECORATIONS WORKSHOP. Join us at the Hampton History Museum for an old-fashioned decoration-making workshop. The fee for this program is only $2/child, or each child can bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots. 2-5 p.m. (757) 727-1610. E-mail: dilozor@hampton.gov. Web site: www.hampton.gov/history_museum. Dec. 8 Hampton HAMPTON HOLLY DAYS PARADE 2007. Enjoy the magical beauty of an illuminated parade featuring marching bands, floats, balloons, drill teams and beauty queens, along with everyone’s favorite elf, Santa Claus. Step-off is at 7 p.m. sharp; arrive early for the best seating on Settler’s Landing Road. Free. (757) 727-8311. E-mail: cmasterstaff@hampton.gov. Web site: www.hampton.gov/parks. Dec. 8 Hampton YULE LOG CEREMONY. Visit the Hampton History Museum to usher in the holiday season. You can enjoy caroling, holiday storytelling and dancing. Join in the procession as the Yule Log is carried to the bonfire and throw away all your cares and troubles of the past year by tossing a holly sprig into the flames. Free. 5:30-7 p.m. (757) 727-1610. E-mail: dilozor@hampton.gov.
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Dec. 8 Portsmouth CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS SHOPPE AT TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Part of the Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival, only children ages 3 to 12 are allowed to shop here for holiday gifts. All presents are one price, which includes gift-wrapping. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (757) 393-0431. Dec. 8 Portsmouth FIRST SATURDAY IN OLDE TOWNE PORTSMOUTH. Hunt through the huge collection of unique and antique wares as more than 100 dealers and vendors offer a great selection of antique and estate furniture, art, decorative accessories and flea market items in the Middle Street Garage. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (757) 405-3500, (757) 399-5012. E-mail: jmacdou561@aol.com. Web site: www.oldetowneportsmouth.com. Dec. 8 Portsmouth HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF VIRGINIA. If you’re interested in other cultures and enjoy participating in international crafts, come join us. $. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (757) 3935258. E-mail: gettyb@portsmouthva.gov. Web site: www.childrensmuseumva.com. Dec. 8 Portsmouth OLDE TOWNE HOLIDAY MUSIC FESTIVAL. The best of local and regional music groups, choirs and musicians are featured in venues along Olde Towne High Street. This musical tribute to the spirit of the holiday season includes sidewalk bonfires, street entertainers, children’s activities and musical performances ranging from barbershop harmony and jazz to steel drums and brass ensemble tunes. Concerts are held in a variety of locations, such as historic churches and museums. Noon-7 p.m. (800) 767-8782, (757) 393-5327. E-mail: info@portsva.com. Web site: www.visitportsva.com. Dec. 8 Yorktown YORKTOWN MARKET DAYS AT THE RIVER. The markets feature local produce, fresh meat and seafood, baked goods, herbs, specialty cut flowers, handmade soaps, quality art and live musical entertainment. Join us for Riverwalk Landing’s newest event in the heart of historic Yorktown on the banks of the York River, between Buckner and Ballard Streets. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (757) 890-3500. Web site: www.riverwalklanding.com/market.htm. Dec. 8, 14-15, 29 Williamsburg JAMES RIVER PLANTATION PROGRESSIVE CAROL TOUR & DINNER. Christmas past comes to life in Williamsburg’s James River Plantation Country. Explore history, holiday musical traditions and culinary delights while exploring Piney Grove (1790), Ashland (1835), Ladysmith (1857) and Duck Church (1917). You will enjoy the Gordineer family’s unique collection of Christmas decorations that spans five generations. $. 5-9 p.m. (804) 829-2196, (804) 829-2480. E-mail: tours@pineygrove.com. Web site: www.pineygrove.com. Dec. 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30 Williamsburg KID’S HOLIDAY WEEKEND. Enjoy the holiday season while experiencing holiday traditions of yesteryear. Where was the first Christmas tree in Williamsburg? How did Colonial Virginians spend Christmas day? Did children receive holiday gifts as children do today? Did slaves receive holiday gifts? Costumed guides answer all these questions and more as you explore the holiday season. $. (800) HIS-TORY. Email: cwres@cwf.org. Web site: www.ColonialWilliamsburg.com. Dec. 13-14 Newport News ST. NICK AT ENDVIEW. Let your child experience the magic of an 1861 Christmas with a visit to see St. Nick. A keepsake photo and refreshments are provided. Parents are to bring two presents: one wrapped for their child and a new unwrapped present for the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program. $3/child; reservations are suggested. 5-7 p.m. (757) 887-1862. Web site: www.endview.org.
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Dec. 15 Suffolk DRIVER VILLAGE GRAND ILLUMINATION & CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS. A toasty bonfire and live entertainment kick off this festive holiday event. Highlights include carolers, refreshments, unique treasures, carriage rides and holiday delights. A quaint community in northern Suffolk, Driver is a blend of Southern charm and the modern amenities of suburban life. (757) 923-3880, (866) SEE-SUFK. E-mail: tourism@city.suffolk.va.us. Web site: www.Suffolk-Fun.com. Dec. 15-16 Charles City BERKELEY’S COLONIAL CHRISTMAS. Come to historic Berkeley Plantation and learn how the Harrison family celebrated Christmas during the 18th century. Partake in the festive atmosphere created by Colonial music and fresh greenery from Berkeley’s gardens. Costumed guides will add a special treat to your holiday season with stories about Christmas hospitality more than 200 years ago. Enjoy holiday refreshments. $; reservations are required. 1-3 p.m. (804) 829-6018, (888) 466-6018. Web site: www.berkeleyplantation.com. Dec. 22-31 Newport News “STAR OF WONDER” AT THE VIRGINIA LIVING MUSEUM. This show traces the steps of the magi by re-creating the skies over Bethlehem from 2000 years ago. Both educational and entertaining, this planetarium show uses scientific data, religious history, beautiful imagery and traditional music to explore the mystery that has puzzled astronomers and theologians for centuries. The show offers several theories for the famous star-like object. $. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (757) 595-1900, (757) 595-9135. E-mail: webmaster@thevlm.org. Web site: www.thevlm.org. Dec. 22-31 Williamsburg A COLONIAL CHRISTMAS. Experience 17th- and 18th-century holiday traditions. A Jamestown Settlement film and interpretive presentations compare and contrast 17th-century English Christmas customs with how the season may have been observed in the colony’s early years. Hear accounts of Christmas and winter during the American Revolution at the Yorktown Victory Center and glimpse 1780s Virginia farm holiday preparations. $. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (757) 253-4838, (888) 593-4682. Web site: www.historyisfun.org. Dec. 27 Williamsburg MASONIC PROCESSION. The Feast of Saint John the Baptist was an annual day of solemn observance for the Mason’s historic Williamsburg Lodge No. 6, including a procession to the church and a sermon for the occasion. Colonial Williamsburg interpreters and current lodge members collaborate to re-enact this event annually. $. (800) HIS-TORY. E-mail: cwres@cwf.org. Web site: www.colonialwilliamsburg.org. Dec. 27-30 Virginia Beach VIRGINIA AQUARIUM—WHALE WATCHING BOAT TRIPS. You may see brown pelicans, northern gannets, double-crested cormorants and other sea birds, all of which make a dramatic show while feeding on schooling fish. Local landmarks such as the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse, DeWitt Cottage and the Old Coast Guard Station can also be seen. Whale sightings are not guaranteed; trip takes 2-2.5 hours. $. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (757) 385-FISH, (757) 385-FISH, (757) 427-4305. E-mail: fish@VirginiaAquarium.com. Web site: www.vmsm.com/excur_pontoon.html. Dec. 29 Hampton HISTORY HOUNDS KIDS CLUB. Come join curious 6- to 10-year-olds as they solve historical mysteries throughout the Hampton History Museum. New themes are explored each month. $. 10 a.m.-noon. (757) 727-1610, (757) 727-1102, (800) 487-8778. Web site: www.hampton.gov/history_museum. Dec. 30 Smithfield HISTORIC ST. LUKE’S CHURCH 5TH SUNDAY SERVICE. Come worship with us in the “Oldest church of English origin in America,” c. 1632, 11 a.m.-noon. Tours and the gift shop will be open 1-5 p.m. (757) 357-3367. E-mail: stlukes@visi.net. Web site: www.historicstlukes.org.
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Dec. 31 Portsmouth OLDE TOWNE SCOTTISH WALK. This procession, modeled after Scotland’s Hogmanay Festival, a day when townspeople honor their community and merchants and offer blessings for prosperity in the coming year, is led by pipe-and-drum bands. Enjoy walking, pipe music, caroling and mini concerts at Olde Towne restaurants and pubs. Pipe bands are welcome to join. Come wear your warmest woolens and plaids and join in the fun. Free. 3:30-5:30 p.m. (757) 650-3052. E-mail: susancocke@cox.net.
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