2023 Hampton Roads Holiday Parades
Discover the perfect holiday parade to create festive memories with our comprehensive list of parades in Hampton Roads!
37th Annual Grand Illumination Parade (Norfolk)
November 18, 2023: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm @ Downtown Norfolk
The Grand Illumination Parade takes place every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, bringing thousands of spectators out to the streets of Downtown Norfolk to take in the beauty, magic, and electric holiday spirit to kick off the season.
This year, the 37th Annual Grand Illumination Parade takes place in Downtown Norfolk at 7pm on Saturday, November 18. The theme of this year's parade is Gingerbread Dreams, so get ready to see the streets filled with all things holiday sweets!
Annual Christmas Parade (Poquoson)
December 1: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm @ Wythe Creek Road
Usher in the holidays with this traditional line-up of bands, parade floats, antique/classic cars and twirlers followed by Santa!
2023 Theme: Christmas Characters
Parade Route: Poquoson Ave. @ Wythe Creek Rd., to Victory Blvd.
Annual Christmas Parade (Poquosan)
2023 Christmas Parade (Franklin)
December 1: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm @ 120 South main Street, Franklin, VA 23851
The City of Franklin is thrilled to present the 2023 Christmas Parade, which will be held on Friday, December 1st, at 7 p.m. The theme for this year's parade is Candy Cane Lane!
12th Annual Chick-Fil-A Christmas Parade (Chesapeake)
December 2: 8:00 am - 9:00 am @ 4202 Portsmouth Blvd, Chesapeake, VA, 23321
This year’s parade theme is “JOY”, and that’s exactly what we want to bring. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with all of you!
Virginia Beach Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (Virginia Beach)
December 2: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm @ Lesser Inn—3319 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
The fun starts at 5PM, with the parade of boats leaving the middle of Broad Bay and traveling up into the Lynnhaven inlet, where it will pass by the VIP Viewing Party at Lesner Inn. Purchase your VIP Viewing Party tickets today!
Holiday Parade at the Beach (Virginia Beach)
December 2: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm @ Atlantic Avenue from 15th-25th Streets
On Saturday, December 2 the Holiday Parade at the Beach came alive with almost 90 parade units making their way down Atlantic Avenue in a joyous celebration of the holiday season.
Giant balloons, marching bands, lighted floats, equestrian units, fire trucks, performing dance groups, motorcycles, and more joined forces to present a dazzling and entertaining night of fun for all ages!
And, best of all, Santa himself made a grand appearance to greet all his loyal fans!
Chesapeake Rotary Christmas Parade (Chesapeake)
December 2: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm @ Chesapeake Municipal Center—304 Albermarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA, 23322
Join us for our 40th annual Chesapeake Rotary Christmas Parade on December 2, 2023 starting at 6:00pm!
The Parade’s Chairman is Rotarian Harry Murphy and this year’s theme is “Christmas Candy Land!”. This year’s parade presenting sponsor is Chesapeake Regional Healthcare. The Chesapeake Rotary Club is also proud to partner with the City of Chesapeake in this 40 year old tradition.
The Great Bridge Community Center will be open during the parade. (Bathroom, Snacks and Family fun).
Holiday Parade Pre-Party at the Chesapeake Central Library. 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Chesapeake Rotary Christmas Parade
Yorktown Market Days — Mistletoe Market (Yorktown)
December 9: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm @ Yorktwon Riverwalk Landing—331 Water Street, Yorktown, VA 23690
Browse the market for chowders and soups; baked goods including an assortment of cakes, breads, brownies, fudge, cookies; jams, jellies, and honey; holiday wreaths; candles and soaps; and local seasonal art! March in the annual Toyland Parade, and don’t forget to hop aboard the Riverwalk Landing Polar Express for a loop around the festivities.
On the Docket
Balloon artist behind the Freight Shed
Cards for heroes with York County Parks & Recreation in the Freight Shed
Center Stage Academy will perform on the grassy area in front of the fountain.
Colonial ornaments (while supplies last)
DJ Ben Herrick will be playing holiday hits.
Ice carving demonstration in front of the LOVE letters
Kids crafts underneath the Freight Shed tent
Market vendors and food trucks
Model train demo in the Freight Shed
Holiday-themed photo cutout
Polar Express trackless train ride (pick up beside the Freight Shed)
Santa in the Freight Shed
1:30 p.m.
Toyland Parade (line up begins at 1 p.m. in front of the Water Street Grille)
The Fifes and Drums of York Town will lead the parade procession.
Downtown Smithfield Annual Christmas Parade (Smithfield)
December 9: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm @ Smithfield & Isle of Wight Tourism
Don’t miss this old-fashioned community event scheduled for the second Saturday in December along Main, North Mason and Grace Street in downtown Smithfield.
Hampton Holly Days Parade (Hampton)
December 9: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm @ Downtown Hampton—E Queens Way & Wine Street, Hampton VA, 23669
The Hampton Holly Days Parade returns in 2023! Join us along Settlers Landing and surrounding Downtown streets again as the longest-running illuminated holiday parade on the Peninsula continues. Then make plans to stay Downtown all weekend for the NEW Holly Days Market and Downtown Block “Lighting” Party.
2023 Suffolk Holiday Parade: Winter Wonderland (Suffolk)
December 9: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm @ Downtown Suffolk—W. Washington Street and N. Main Street, Suffolk, VA
View the sights and sounds of the 2023 Suffolk Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 7pm. Find the best spot to watch the floats, equestrian units, marching bands, and festive vehicles as they make their way down W. Washington Street and turn up N. Main Street, with the parade route ending at Finney Avenue. The Grandstand will be in front of the old SunTrust Building in the 100 block of N. Main Street. Be sure to grab a seat to catch all the great performances! This year’s theme is Winter Wonderland!
Parade route streets will close at 5pm for parade set-up. Streets in the Lakeside community will host parade line-up beginning at 3pm, and will be closed to through traffic. Free parking for the event is available in all City Public Parking lots, including the Godwin Courthouse parking lot, Commerce Street lot, and Market Street parking lot.
Etheridge Manor Golf Cart Christmas Parade (Chesapeake)
December 9: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm @ Etheridge Neighborhood in Great Bridge
Well folks it’s getting close to that time of year again for the annual Etheridge Manor golf cart Christmas parade, we have decided on December 9th 2023 will be the date.
We will asking for each person to bring some type of toy as a donation as we will donate these to an organization in need. Please feel free to dress up as your favorite Christmas character (the kids love this). We are in the process of mapping out our route and will post this as soon as we can. We will make flyers and place those in the mailboxes along the route to hopefully get some of the families along the route involved. Please help us make this the best parade yet and come join us as I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!!
Hilton Village Gingerbread Celebration (Newport News)
December 10: 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm @ Hilton Village—Warwick Blvd & Main St, Newport News, VA
Join us, on December 10th from 4 – 9 pm, for our Annual Village Gingerbread Celebration, Holiday Market and Holiday Parade in Historic Hilton Village!
Participating business locations will have extended Open House hours and offers for this special once-a-year event.
Join us, on December 9th from 4 - 9 pm, for our Annual Village Gingerbread Celebration, Holiday Market and Holiday Parade in Historic Hilton Village!
Participating business locations will have extended Open House hours and offers for this special once-a-year event.
**HILTON HOLIDAY MARKET 4-9 pm**
The parking lot beside PMA Architecture will be transformed into a beautiful, winter market filled with artisans, and crafters, and gingerbread goodies. We will have a seasonal brew options from Coastal Fermentory, Food options, Mangata Coffee truck, and photo spots for you to capture the holiday moment! So if you find the Gingerbread house tour is too crowded at the moment take a stroll through the market, have a beer, and relax.
**HOLIDAY PARADE 5 pm**
Bring your kids, wagons, and LIGHTS to join in the fun heading down Main Street.
Interested in walking the parade- make sure your family is LIT UP and accompanied by an adult. Civic groups, churches, clubs, troops, classic cars, Jeeps, and motorcycles are encouraged to attend!!
The parade registration, line-up instructions and route details will be coming soon!
**GINGERBREAD HOUSE TOUR 5:30-8 pm**
After the parade, join us at the Thrive Tent in the business district and grab your Gingerbread Passport.-It will only cost ONE can of food for our friends at @thrivepeninsula. Visit each location/creation and get your unique passport stamp at each. Once complete, and you have seen every gingerbread creation, CAST YOUR VOTE FOR THE VILLAGER’S CHOICE AWARD back at the Thrive Tent- this is the official last stop of your journey!
Hilton Village Gingerbread Celebration
4th Annual Lynnhaven Inlet Christmas Boat Parade (Virginia Beach)
December 16: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm @ Long Pointe Marina—2109 W Great Neck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA
Time to get the wheels in motion for the annual “People’s Parade” free for everyone!! Spread the word to spread some Christmas Cheer!
Visit the FB event for details and best places to view:
Lighted Boat Parade (Hampton)
December 16: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm @ Downtown Hampton Docks/Maritime Center—710 Settlers Landing Rd, Hampton, VA, 23669
The Hampton River will come to life as a fleet of decorated boats parade past the Downtown Hampton waterfront. Don’t miss the fun Saturday, December 16, 2023.
The parade runs from 6:00-7:30 pm and concludes with an awards ceremony at 8:00 pm.
Following the parade, Santa will join the fun dockside to provide one last chance for your family to visit with him!
This event is free and open to the public!
Holiday Boat Parade (Smithfield)
December 17: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm @ Smithfield Station—415 South Church Street, Smithfield, VA 23430
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the lighted boat parade! Join the fun. We will start at Smithfield Station and ride up to Jones Creek and back.
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