WHAT TO DO IN HAMPTON ROADS WHEN IT'S COLD OUTSIDE
This morning's cold snap has us getting in the holiday mood, so we thought we would round up some fun winter activities that will be going on in The Hampton Roads Area. Some of them require tickets and can even sell out.
Ice Skating Rinks in Hampton Roads! Time for your annual opportunity to laugh at your loved ones as they fall down. That’s what the holiday season is all about — a good fall.
Norfolk- MacArthur On Ice
Where: The 7,200-square-foot ice skating rink is located just outside MacArthur Center, at the corner of Monticello Avenue and Freemason Street.
When: November 18, 2018 through January 21, 2019
Cost: Regular admission is $7 for skating, $7 for skate rental. Military receives $1 off the admission price.
Fine Print: If you have your own skates, feel free to bring them! Children’s and adult sizes are available for rentals, but children’s sizes are limited. There is a small kiddie ring just for the little ones. Keep an eye on the weather, because the rink may close if there is heavy rain or lightning.
Virginia Beach Ice
Where: The Virginia Beach Farmers Market, 3640 Dam Neck Road
When: Nov. 17, 2018 through Jan. 6, 2019. Monday-Thursday 4 pm to 10 pm, Fridays from 4 pm to 11 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 11 pm, Sundays 12 pm to 8 pm
Cost: $15 per person, skate rental included. $7 per person if you bring your own skates. $5 Military Admission plus $8 skate rental.
Williamsburg- Liberty’s Ice Pavilion
Where: Duke of Gloucester Street between Nassau and Henry Street
When: Liberty’s Ice Pavilion is open from November 16, 2018 through February 18, 2019, including holidays!
Cost: $12 for adults, $10 for kids 3-12, Free for kids 3 and under, skate rental $4.21. Or there’s also an option for skating season passes, $100 for adults and $85 for children ages 3 to 12.
Fine Print: Parking is available at the hourly spots around Merchants Square or in the paid parking garage on Henry Street. If you have admission to Colonial Williamsburg, you can park at the Visitor Center and catch one of the buses headed to the pavilion from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Refreshments, such as hot cider and coffee, will be available for purchase.
The Lights are Up! With fresh and exciting new features, along with some fan favorites, these year’s displays will be brighter and more expansive than ever before.
Norfolk- Million Bulb Walk
When: November 9 - December 15, 2018, daily from 4-9 pm
Where: Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd., Norfolk, VA
What: Enjoy a festive and healthy way to kick off the holidays. Walk through 2 miles of spectacular lighted displays.
Cost: Tickets are $17 (not yet members); $15 (military); $13 (Garden members); $10 (children 3 to 17); children 2 & younger are FREE.
Newport News- Celebration in Lights
When: November 22, 2018 - January 1, 2019. The event will be open each evening, 5:30 - 10 pm
Where: Newport News Park at the intersection of Ft. Eustis Blvd. and Jefferson Ave. in Newport News, VA
What: Newport News Park will be transformed by over a million individual lights, creating animated holiday and fanciful scenes. For its 26th year, the event will add special effects snow that will fall on the cars as they drive into the Winter Wonderland area on special nights. The event will also add a new Gingerbread House display and new scenes on its two giant 25’ x 16’ screens of color-changing LED lights. The Forest of Lights display area will have upgraded color-changing LED bulbs to create more complex colors and patterns on the trees. The event will be open each evening, 5:30 - 10:00 p.m., through January 1, 2019.
Cost: $12.00 per car and $60.00 per bus (cash, credit cards, and checks made payable to the City of Newport News are accepted; advance/gift tickets may be purchased at the Newport News Visitors Center)
Virginia Beach- 2018 Farmhouse Grand Illumination FREE EVENT
When: December 1, 2018 from 11am-10pm. Illumination takes place at 6pm.
Where: Back Bay's Farmhouse Brewing Co 1805 Kempsville Rd, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464
What: On this magical day, the Farmhouse will transition from pumpkin patch to winter wonderland, as they light the 16 foot Christmas tree and Farmhouse decor! Make your way through the property to see extensive holiday decorations placed around every corner. Each room in the house will be decorated with their own unique holiday theme. They will illuminate all decorations at promptly 6PM. In addition to the property decor, you can also enjoy the following: - On-site Christmas tree lot - Live music with The Swinging Santa Band (6-8PM) - La Cucina & Cast Iron Catering food trucks - Hot chocolate & hot cider - A special bottle beer release! - Pictures with Santa -this is by appointment only with limited spots. Christmas Tree Lot pictures- this is also by appointment only with limited spots. - AND MORE
Cost: Free
More Fun Stuff...
Newport News- Turkey Pardoning at the Virginia Living Museum
When: Wednesday, November 21, 2018 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm.
Where: Virginia Living Museum at 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601.
What: Celebrate the long and healthy lives of our wild turkeys during the VLM’s ninth annual Turkey Pardoning. A city official will pardon the turkeys during a brief ceremony on the outdoor trial beside Turkey/Deer Habitat. Don’t miss turkey-related crafts and displays.
Breakfast with Santa at The Grey Goose
When: Saturday, December 8th, 15th, 22nd 2018 at 9:00 am
Where: The Grey Goose at 120 Old Hampton Lane, Hampton VA.
What: Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for breakfast! There will be fun, crafts and a sing a long with Mrs. Claus!
Of course, if you would like a personal recommendation, or if we can help you with anything else, please contact us.