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| Gigantic snow globes in OldeTowne Portsmouth. |
You might have seen them as a kid...now you can be dazzled by your favorite animated figures from the former Coleman Nursery's famous Winter Wonderland collection. They'll be on display at the Courthouse Galleries at High and Court streets. Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. Closed December 24 and 25. For more information, call 757-393-8983.
Holiday light festivities begin with the Grand Illumination of the Olde Towne Portsmouth and Downtown Norfolk skylines. The theme for this year's Grand Illumination Parade is "Holidays Around the World," featuring floats, fancy cars, dancers, marching bands, huge balloons, and Santa Claus (hmm, that guy sure gets around...). Pre-parade entertainment - 5 p.m.; grand illumination and parade - 7 p.m. (begins at Waterside Drive and goes down St. Paul's Boulevard). Free. For more information, call 757-623-1757 or go online at http://www.downtownnorfolk.org/.
November 17 - January 13 - MacArthur On Ice, Downtown Norfolk
Glide your way into the season at this temporary ice skating rink next to MacArthur Center. For more information, call 757-627-6000.
November 17 - January 20 - Ice Skating at City Center, City Center at Oyster Point, Newport News
Yet another ice skating rink, this one at the new City Center. Skate rentals and food vendors are available. Admission. For more information, call 757-873-2020 or go online at http://www.citycenteratoysterpoint.com/.
November 18 - Grand Illumination, Portsmouth and Norfolk
A holiday parade and lighting of buildings along the Portsmouth and Norfolk skylines. The illumination signals the start of a parade in downtown Norfolk filled with festive and lighted floats, marching bands, giant balloons, decorated vehicles, dancers, and of course, ol' Santa himself.
November 19 - January 1 - Joy From the World, Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond
Learn how cultures around the world celebrate the season of light; check out folk dancing and traditional music and holiday light displays from countries across the globe. Also enjoy ice skating. Tuesday - Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission. For more information call, 804-864-1400 or 800-659-1727.
Tour this spectacular children's museum (we especially love the bubble machine!) and see the special planetarium show, "‘Tis the Season" which highlights different Christmas and holiday traditions, winter constellations, and more. Tuesday to Friday, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon, 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. Admission. For more information, call 757-393-5258, ext. 14.
November 21, 23 - 25, December 22 - 23, 26 - 31 - Star of Wonder Annual Holiday Planetarium Show, Virginia Living Museum, Newport News
Star of Wonder combines science, religious history, and music to explore the story of the Star of Bethlehem, which led the wise men to Jesus' birthplace. Was it a planet, a comet, a supernova, or just a miracle? Daily, 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Additional 11 a.m. showing on November 24, December 22 and December 29. Admission. For more information, call 757-595-1900 or go online at http://www.thevlm.org/.
November 22 - December 31 - Williamsburg Christmas
Welcome in the holiday season with special programs at Colonial Williamsburg. Highlights include the Grand Illumination, community Christmas tree lighting, holiday music concerts, and walking tours of decorations. Open daily. Admission required for most events. Colonial Williamsburg
November 22 - January 1, 2008 - Celebration in Lights, Newport News Park
A two-mile drive through holiday light, animation, and wonderland whimsies lit by over 700,000 lights-- Virginia's longest running drive-through light event. Daily, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission per bus or car. For more information, call 757-926-1400 or go online at http://www.nnparks.com/.
Held at the Virginia Beach Pavilion, the Virginia Beach Christmas Market is the perfect place to find elusive holiday gift. Choose from one-of-a-kind jewelry, pottery, art, stained glass, photography, delicious cakes, jams, and more. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission. For more information, call 757-417-7771.Virginia Beach
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| My fuzzy photo of the "Garden of Lights" doesn't do it justice. |
Our family had such a memorable time visiting this 2.5 mile winter wonderland of holiday light last year! Located next to Norfolk International Airport, it's a much quieter and less crowded alternative to the Holiday Parade of Lights on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. And it's just $10 per car. (Tip: have dinner at nearby Baker's Crust **YUM!** then top off your evening cruising the holiday light!). Admission. Nightly - 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm.
November 23 - December 31 - Winter Wonderland, Hunt Club Farm, Virginia Beach
Family-friendly Hunt Club Farm reopens its Winter Wonderland Christmas Barn. This time it will feature "A Magical Forest Toyland" featuring animated animals and elves. Don't miss the Petting Farm holiday light displays and kids' maze, live animal nativity, and (our favorite) roasted marshmallows! Admission. For more information, go online at http://www.huntclubfarm.com/.
November 23 - January 6, 2008 - GardenFest of Lights, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond
The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is hosting its annual GardenFest of Lights. More than half a million holiday light attractions are on display in a fantasyland with forms of flowers, fairies and woodland creatures. Holiday light form displays include majestic peacocks, "snow stars" illuminating the dome of the Conservatory, alligators, and a giant "green man" at the center of a puzzling maze. Nightly, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Closed December 24 and 25. Admission. For more information call 804-262-9887.
November 24, December 1, 8, 15, 22 - Sailing with Santa, Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach
Cruise away with Santa himiself on this 45-minute tour of Owls Creek. Enjoy special refreshments, games and activities while Santa greets his special guests for a unique holiday photo opportunity. Reservations required. For more information, call 757-385-0300.
November 24 - December 23 - Scuba Santa, Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach
Never knew Santa was such a sportsman, did you? Join Santa as he dives into the gigantic Chesapeake Bay Aquarium tanks to feed the fishes at 11 a.m. each weekend. Admission. For information, call 757-385-FISH.
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